A Snapshot of Indian Handicraft Export
India exported handicraft items worth $3.5 billion in FY 2017–2022, and the value of exports split according to various segments are as follows:
Current balance
$145.50
+3,71%
Sikarwar Enterprises
The major states in India involved in the production of handicraft items for export are as follows:
Uttar Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh
Rajasthan
Gujarat
Sikarwar Enterprises Handicraft Items for Export from India
The two major categories under which the handicraft items from India fall are as follows:
- Consumer goods for daily use
- Decorative items
While the former deals with utensils, cutlery, textiles, and other consumer goods that may be used in our day-to-day lives, the latter revolves around purely decorative showpieces. The former are made all over the country using various materials, including ceramics and copper. However, the latter is a form of specialised art that requires very technical craftsmanship.
As a result, such pieces tend to be more exquisite and expensive, making them an ideal product for export. The Indian handicrafts industry is a fairly extensive one that deals in the following products:
- Cloth and floor paintings
- Stone art
- Handmade paper
- Textiles – block and screen painting, batik, kalamkari, bandhani
- Pottery
- Jewellery
Metal artefacts
Sikarwar Enterprises Handicraft items made in India are highly sought-after worldwide due to their individuality and great beauty. However, the industry is highly decentralised as it spreads across various rural settlements around India. Most economists view the handicraft industry as the second-largest employment-providing sector (following agriculture), as it employs millions of artisans both full-time and part-time.
The following areas in India are famous for handicraft items:
- Jodhpur (Rajasthan) – wooden, seashell, and wrought iron items
- Moradabad (Uttar Pradesh) – art metal wares and imitation jewellery
- Narsapur (Andhra Pradesh) – lace and leather goods
- Saharanpur (Uttar Pradesh) – wooden and wrought iron handicrafts
- Thrissur (Kerala) – ivory, precious stones, and stone art
Documents Required to Export Handicraft Items from India
- Company Incorporation certificate
- IEC Code
- Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts registration certificate
- Goods and Service Tax registration for tax purposes
- MSME registration to avail of benefits provided by the government
- Bank account statements and other financial documents
- ID and address proof of the business owners
- Proof of possession of the business premises
FAQs
To export handicraft items from India, you need to follow the export procedures and obtain an IEC (Import Export Code). You can also explore potential markets and establish partnerships with reputed shipping companies for efficient order fulfillment
The process of exporting homemade products is similar to exporting any handicrafts, but you may need additional certifications or permits depending on your specific products. Ensure that your homemade products meet all safety and quality standards for export.
To export handicrafts from India to the USA, you need to follow the export procedures, obtain the required licenses, and comply with the customs regulations of both India and the USA. It is also essential to identify potential buyers or partners in the USA to facilitate the export process
The HS (Harmonized System) code for handicrafts varies depending on the specific type of product.
To start exporting handicrafts, you need to obtain an IEC (Import Export Code), identify potential markets, understand the export procedures and comply with the relevant regulations.
You can sell your handicrafts through various channels, such as: Online marketplaces Trade shows and fairs Retailers or wholesalers Craft stores and boutiques