Exporting leather shoes from India to the UK is one of the most lucrative business opportunities for Indian manufacturers and traders. India ranks among the top ten global exporters of leather footwear, and the UK remains a major importer, driven by a strong consumer demand for quality craftsmanship, comfort, and ethical production.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through every stage of the export journey—from registration to logistics—so you can successfully enter the UK market and expand your export business.
Understanding the Leather Footwear Export Market
Why Export Leather Shoes from India?
India’s leather industry is a powerhouse of quality and variety. The country boasts a strong supply chain—from raw hides to finished footwear—supported by skilled artisans and modern manufacturing units. Key advantages include:
- Low production costs compared to European competitors.
- Diverse leather types including cow, buffalo, goat, and sheep leather.
- Government incentives like RoDTEP and interest equalization schemes.
- Eco-friendly tanneries adopting sustainable processing.
The UK Footwear Market Overview
The UK is one of the largest importers of leather footwear in Europe, with annual imports exceeding USD 2 billion. British buyers prioritize quality, comfort, and ethical sourcing. Post-Brexit, the UK maintains an independent trade framework, making it easier for non-EU countries like India to negotiate direct trade deals.
Indian exporters can capitalize on this by offering competitive pricing and customized designs that appeal to UK fashion trends.
Legal Requirements for Exporting Leather Shoes from India to UK
Obtaining an Import-Export Code (IEC)
Every exporter in India must first acquire an Import-Export Code (IEC) from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).
Steps:
- Visit the DGFT website.
- Register using your business PAN and GST number.
- Upload documents (PAN, address proof, canceled cheque).
- Pay the ₹500 registration fee and download your IEC certificate.
Registering with the Council for Leather Exports (CLE)
Membership with the Council for Leather Exports (CLE) provides exporters access to:
- Trade fair participation grants
- Buyer-seller meets and export promotion councils
- Market research reports
- Duty exemption schemes
Documentation Required for Export
When exporting leather shoes to the UK, the following documents are mandatory:
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Certificate of Origin
- Bill of Lading or Airway Bill
- Export Declaration
- Insurance Certificate
Quality Standards and Compliance in the UK
REACH Regulation Compliance
The REACH Regulation (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals) ensures that leather products entering the UK market are free from harmful substances like chromium VI and azo dyes. Exporters must ensure their products comply with these standards to avoid penalties or shipment rejections.
Labelling and Packaging Standards
Every pair of leather shoes exported to the UK must include:
- Material composition labels (upper, lining, sole)
- Country of origin marking (“Made in India”)
- CE marking (for safety compliance)
Eco-friendly packaging is also encouraged, with recyclable materials gaining preference among UK buyers.
Selecting the Right Leather Shoe Products to Export
Indian exporters should focus on styles that perform well in the UK market:
- Men’s Shoes: Brogues, Oxfords, Derbies, Loafers
- Women’s Shoes: Ballet flats, boots, and heels
- Kids’ Shoes: Comfortable school and casual shoes
Analyzing trends via UK retailers like Clarks, Next, and ASOS can guide your product design and pricing strategy.
Pricing and Costing Strategy for Leather Shoe Exports
Pricing is one of the most critical aspects of your export business. It not only determines your competitiveness but also affects your profit margins and buyer perception.
Calculating Export Prices (FOB, CIF, and CFR)
When exporting leather shoes, your pricing must consider three major costing terms used in international trade:
| Pricing Term | Meaning | Includes |
| FOB (Free on Board) | Price includes all costs until the goods are loaded onto the ship. | Production cost + inland transport + port handling. |
| CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) | Includes cost, insurance, and ocean freight to UK port. | FOB + insurance + freight. |
| CFR (Cost and Freight) | Similar to CIF but excludes insurance. | FOB + freight. |
Exporters usually quote CIF prices to buyers, as it provides a complete landed cost for the importer.
Factors Influencing Pricing
- Raw material and labor costs.
- Shipping and logistics charges.
- UK import duties and taxes.
- Design complexity and quality grade.
- Market positioning (premium or budget).
Export Incentives and Schemes in India
Indian exporters can take advantage of several government-backed schemes to enhance profitability:
- RoDTEP (Remission of Duties and Taxes on Export Products): Refunds embedded taxes not refunded under any other scheme.
- Duty Drawback Scheme: Provides refunds on customs and excise duties paid on imported inputs.
- Interest Equalisation Scheme: Offers 2–3% interest subsidy on export credit.
- EPCG Scheme (Export Promotion Capital Goods): Allows import of machinery at zero customs duty for export production.
For leather exporters, registering under these schemes through the DGFT portal and Council for Leather Exports (CLE) can significantly improve margins.
Finding Buyers in the UK
Finding reliable buyers is the foundation of a successful export business. The UK offers numerous opportunities through both online and offline channels.
Partnering with UK Importers and Distributors
Building strong partnerships with established UK distributors and wholesalers is a strategic approach. You can start by:
- Reaching out to potential buyers via trade directories like Kompass, Yellow Pages UK, or The British Footwear Association.
- Sending product catalogs and price lists.
- Offering sample shipments or trial orders to build trust.
- Maintaining transparent communication about lead times and quality standards.
Using Online Marketplaces for B2B Exports
Popular B2B platforms to find UK buyers include:
- Alibaba.com
- Netyex
- Yazati
- IndiaMART Export Hub
- Global Sources
- TradeIndia
Create a professional company profile, upload high-quality product images, and regularly respond to buyer inquiries to increase credibility.
Shipping and Logistics for Leather Shoe Exports
Sea vs. Air Freight for Shoe Exports
| Shipping Mode | Advantages | Disadvantages | Best For |
| Sea Freight | Low cost for bulk shipments | Longer transit time (25–35 days) | Large export orders |
| Air Freight | Faster delivery (5–7 days) | Higher freight costs | Urgent or small shipments |
Customs Clearance and Documentation in the UK
Once your shipment reaches a UK port (like London, Felixstowe, or Liverpool), customs clearance involves:
- Submitting a commercial invoice and bill of lading.
- Paying applicable customs duties and VAT (usually 8–17% depending on product type).
- Declaring product compliance with UK REACH and import safety standards.
- Obtaining release of goods after inspection (if required).
Using an experienced freight forwarder simplifies the process and ensures timely delivery.
Marketing Strategies for UK Footwear Buyers
Leveraging Digital Platforms
Digital visibility plays a major role in attracting UK buyers.
- Build a professional website showcasing your products, certifications, and testimonials.
- Use LinkedIn to connect with footwear importers and retailers.
- Invest in Google Ads or B2B SEO targeting phrases like “Indian leather shoe suppliers” or “wholesale leather shoes UK.”
- Utilize Instagram and Pinterest for visual marketing of your footwear designs.
Attending Trade Fairs and Exhibitions
Participating in international exhibitions helps you connect directly with UK buyers. Recommended events include:
- London Shoe Show (UK)
- Moda Footwear (Birmingham, UK)
- MICAM (Milan, Italy) – popular among European buyers.
- CLE’s India International Leather Fair (Chennai)
These trade events offer opportunities to showcase your products, collect leads, and negotiate deals face-to-face.
Common Challenges Faced by Leather Shoe Exporters
Exporters often face several obstacles, including:
- Strict UK regulations on chemicals and sustainability.
- High logistics costs due to fuel surcharges.
- Delayed payments from overseas buyers.
- Currency fluctuations affecting margins.
Solutions and Best Practices
- Partner with export financing agencies like ECGC (Export Credit Guarantee Corporation).
- Use hedging instruments to manage currency risk.
- Maintain supply chain transparency and invest in quality assurance.
- Diversify by targeting other European markets such as Germany or France.
Future of Leather Shoe Exports from India to UK
The future looks bright for Indian exporters. Global demand for sustainable, handmade leather products is growing rapidly. The UK market favors eco-friendly, ethically sourced footwear, giving India a strong competitive edge.
Post-Brexit trade policies have also opened new bilateral trade opportunities between India and the UK. The ongoing India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) discussions could potentially reduce tariffs, further boosting exports in the coming years.
FAQs About Exporting Leather Shoes from India to UK
1. What is the minimum investment required to start leather shoe exports?
Typically, an investment of ₹10–15 lakhs is sufficient to start small-scale exports, covering production, registration, and logistics costs.
2. Do I need a special export license for leather shoes?
No separate license is required, but you must obtain an IEC code and CLE registration to legally export leather goods.
3. What are the major UK ports for importing leather shoes?
The main entry points are Port of Felixstowe, London Gateway, and Southampton Port.
4. How long does it take to ship leather shoes from India to the UK?
Sea freight takes around 25–35 days, while air freight typically takes 5–7 days.
5. Are there any restrictions on exporting certain leather types?
Yes. Exports of wildlife-derived leathers (like snake or crocodile) are restricted under CITES regulations.
6. How can I ensure my products meet UK quality standards?
Adopt REACH compliance, use eco-friendly tanning, and test your products in certified labs before shipping.
Conclusion
Exporting leather shoes from India to the UK offers remarkable opportunities for entrepreneurs ready to meet global quality standards. By ensuring compliance, pricing strategically, building reliable buyer networks, and leveraging digital tools, Indian exporters can dominate the UK market with premium, handcrafted footwear.
Whether you’re a small manufacturer or a large-scale exporter, the key to success lies in consistency, quality, and transparency. The world recognizes “Made in India” leather shoes for their craftsmanship—now it’s your turn to take that reputation global.
