How to Export Curtains & Upholstery from India to France

Understanding the European Textile Market

The European textile market—especially France—remains a lucrative destination for Indian exporters. France imports billions worth of textiles every year, with a growing preference for handcrafted, eco-friendly, and premium-quality home furnishing fabrics. The French market is particularly known for its taste in elegant curtains, designer upholstery, and linen fabrics that blend aesthetics with sustainability.

In 2024, France’s home décor and furnishing industry saw a steady rise of nearly 8%, fueled by lifestyle changes, home remodeling trends, and e-commerce growth. Importantly, India’s export share in this segment continues to climb, thanks to its strong craftsmanship and competitive pricing.

Why France Is a Lucrative Market for Indian Textile Exporters

France is one of the largest textile consumers in the EU, importing significant quantities of curtains, upholstery fabrics, drapes, and home linens. Indian exporters enjoy multiple advantages:

Competitive manufacturing costs compared to European producers.
Diverse material range – from cotton, silk, jute, and linen to synthetic blends.
Sustainability advantage, as Indian exporters adopt eco-friendly dyes and organic production.
Established trade relations under the India-EU trade framework, easing compliance.

The French consumer’s preference for artisan-made and sustainable products perfectly aligns with India’s textile heritage, giving Indian exporters a strategic edge.

Key Export Opportunities in Curtains & Upholstery Segment

The demand for curtains and upholstery is segmented into:

Product Category	Market Demand in France
Cotton Curtains	High (eco-friendly, breathable)
Velvet & Silk Drapes	Moderate to High (luxury segment)
Linen Upholstery	Rising trend (minimalist interiors)
Recycled Polyester Fabrics	Growing rapidly (sustainability)

Design preferences: French customers favor pastel shades, floral prints, and modern minimalism. Exporters targeting France should focus on premium aesthetics, sustainable materials, and precise finishing.

Emerging Trends in French Home Furnishing Sector

Sustainability & Eco-Certification: Products certified by OEKO-TEX, GOTS, or Fair Trade enjoy higher market acceptance.
Smart Textiles: Technological fabrics with stain resistance and thermal control are gaining traction.
Digital Buying: French retailers increasingly source online from verified B2B marketplaces.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Export Curtains & Upholstery from India to France

Step 1 – Register Your Export Business in India

Before exporting, ensure your company is legally registered and holds an Import Export Code (IEC) issued by DGFT. You’ll also need:

GST registration
Business bank account in foreign currency
Registration with Export Promotion Councils like AEPC (Apparel Export Promotion Council)

Step 2 – Understand French Import Regulations

France, being an EU member, follows European Union textile import standards. Key requirements include:

REACH compliance (Restriction of Hazardous Substances)
Labeling norms: Include fiber composition, care instructions, and country of origin in French or English.
CE marking if applicable (for technical textiles).

Step 3 – Product Quality, Testing & Certification

Buyers in France prefer textiles tested and certified under international standards like:

OEKO-TEX Standard 100 (non-toxic fabrics)
GOTS for organic textiles
ISO 9001 for quality management systems

These certifications boost brand credibility and ease customs clearance.

Step 4 – Documentation Required for Export

Export documentation is one of the most crucial steps when learning how to export curtains & upholstery from India to France. Each shipment must include proper paperwork to ensure smooth customs clearance in both countries. Here’s the list of essential export documents:

Document Name	Purpose
Commercial Invoice	Details product value, buyer, and seller information
Packing List	Describes each package’s contents and dimensions
Shipping Bill / Bill of Lading (B/L)	Issued by shipping line or freight forwarder as proof of shipment
Certificate of Origin (CoO)	Verifies that goods are made in India; helps qualify for trade benefits
Inspection Certificate	Ensures the goods meet quality standards
Insurance Certificate	Protects against loss or damage during transit
GSP Form A (if applicable)	For availing preferential tariffs under the EU’s GSP scheme

Proper documentation minimizes customs delays, ensures compliance with DGFT and EU import norms, and builds credibility with French buyers.

Step 5 – Selecting the Right Logistics Partner

The logistics component determines delivery speed, cost, and overall buyer satisfaction. Exporters should choose their shipping method based on product value, urgency, and volume.

Shipping Options

Sea Freight – Ideal for bulk shipments; cost-effective for curtains and upholstery rolls.
Air Freight – Suitable for urgent or high-value consignments.

Tip: Always specify Incoterms (e.g., FOB, CIF, DDP) in contracts to clarify transport responsibilities between buyer and seller.

Recommended Freight Forwarders: DHL Global Forwarding, Maersk, FedEx Trade Networks, and DB Schenker India.

Step 6 – Customs Clearance Procedures in France

When goods arrive in France, they undergo customs checks by the French Customs Authority (Douane Française). Key requirements include:

EORI Number: Both importer and exporter must have an Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number.
Customs Duties & VAT:
- Import duty on most textiles ranges between 8%–12%, depending on fabric type.
- French VAT (TVA) currently stands at 20%.
HS Codes: Use correct Harmonized System (HS) codes for curtains, drapes, and upholstery (e.g., HS Code 6303, 6304).

Once cleared, goods can be distributed to retail stores or e-commerce warehouses across France.

How to Find Buyers for Curtains & Upholstery in France

Finding reliable buyers is key to a successful export business. Use a multi-channel strategy combining online and offline platforms:

1. Online B2B Marketplaces

Alibaba – Global buyer access for bulk orders.
IndiaMART & TradeIndia – Connects with Indian suppliers and foreign importers.
Europages & Global Sources – Popular in the EU textile trade network.

2. Export Promotion Councils

Join the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) and Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH). They organize international buyer-seller meets, exhibitions, and networking events in Paris and Lyon.

3. Trade Fairs in France

Attend fairs like:

Maison & Objet (Paris) – Europe’s leading home décor event.
Texworld Paris – Dedicated to fabrics, materials, and apparel sourcing.

4. Digital Marketing & Branding

Build a strong online presence through:

A professional export catalog website
LinkedIn B2B networking
Targeted Google Ads and Instagram marketing (especially for design-based products)

Pricing, Payment, and Trade Agreements

Pricing strategy is vital in international trade. French buyers value quality and design, but competitive pricing can give you the upper hand.

Pricing Tips:

Calculate FOB (Free on Board) and CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) prices clearly.
Include costs for packaging, freight, insurance, and certifications.
Offer discounts for bulk orders or long-term contracts.

Payment Methods:

Letter of Credit (LC): Safest for first-time exporters.
Advance Payment: Common for small consignments.
Telegraphic Transfer (TT): Quick payment method once trust is established.

Trade Preferences:

Under the EU’s Generalised System of Preferences (GSP), Indian exporters can benefit from reduced or zero customs duties, improving competitiveness in the French market.

Challenges Faced by Indian Exporters and How to Overcome Them

Challenge	Solution
Complex EU regulations	Hire a customs consultant familiar with French import law.
Quality complaints	Invest in pre-shipment inspection and certification.
Currency fluctuations	Use forward contracts to hedge against INR–Euro volatility.
Long shipping lead times	Partner with reliable logistics providers with EU experience.

Pro Tips for Success

Use eco-friendly packaging (French buyers prefer biodegradable materials).
Provide accurate technical sheets for fabrics.
Maintain consistent communication with buyers and update them on shipment status.
Obtain ISO 14001 (environmental management) for a sustainability edge.

Government Support & Export Incentives for Indian Textile Exporters

India offers various schemes to promote textile exports under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry and DGFT:

RoDTEP Scheme (Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products): Refunds indirect taxes on exported goods.
Interest Equalization Scheme (IES): Provides lower interest rates on export loans.
Market Access Initiative (MAI): Financial assistance for participating in trade fairs abroad.
Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG): Allows duty-free import of capital goods for production.

Exporters can also register on Indian Trade Portal and Export Promotion Councils (AEPC, TEXPROCIL) for policy updates and trade leads.
(Official source: DGFT India)

FAQs on How to Export Curtains & Upholstery from India to France

1. What licenses do I need to start exporting from India?
You need an IEC (Import Export Code) from DGFT, GST registration, and registration with AEPC or EPCH.

2. Are there specific fabric restrictions in France?
Yes. All textiles must comply with REACH regulations, ensuring no use of harmful chemicals or dyes.

3. How can small exporters find buyers in France?
Start by listing on B2B platforms like Alibaba and attending Maison & Objet Paris trade fair for direct buyer connections.

4. Is air freight better than sea freight for textile exports?
For lightweight, high-value fabrics, air freight is faster but more expensive. For bulk upholstery, sea freight is more economical.

5. How long does it take to ship goods from India to France?
Typically 25–30 days by sea and 5–7 days by air, depending on the logistics provider and customs clearance.

6. Do Indian exporters get any tax benefits?
Yes, under schemes like RoDTEP and IES, exporters receive duty refunds and interest rate support.

Conclusion

Exporting curtains and upholstery from India to France offers immense potential for businesses that blend quality, sustainability, and professionalism. The French market appreciates artisanal craftsmanship and eco-conscious designs—two areas where Indian exporters naturally excel.

By complying with EU standards, maintaining strong buyer relationships, and leveraging export incentives, you can build a profitable and long-term presence in Europe’s premium home furnishing market.

If you follow this step-by-step guide, you’ll not only understand how to export curtains & upholstery from India to France, but also create a global brand trusted for quality, design, and sustainability.

✅ Key Takeaway:

“Success in export isn’t just about selling products — it’s about building international trust through quality, compliance, and consistency.”