Shipping from India to Europe
We arrange sea freight (FCL and LCL) and air freight from India to European destinations. Shipments to the European Union come with a few advance-data rules; getting these right at the start avoids delays at the port.
- Main sea routes
- Nhava Sheva (INNSA) to Rotterdam, Antwerp, Hamburg and other ports
- Typical sea transit
- Approximately three to five weeks, depending on routing
- Air
- To major European airports, quoted per shipment
Indian ports to European ports
Common destinations include Rotterdam, Antwerp and Hamburg, with onward delivery inland. From Nhava Sheva a sea shipment to North Europe typically takes around three to five weeks, depending on the service and routing. Shipping line routings can change, so we confirm the current schedule when we quote.
ICS2 and EORI
The EU's Import Control System 2 (ICS2) requires advance cargo information before the goods arrive. Carriers and forwarders need a complete and specific cargo description (not a general word like "goods" or "gifts"), the HS code, and full details of the shipper, consignee and notify party.
The consignee in the EU also normally needs an EORI number to import. Please ask them to confirm it before you ship.
Documents for Europe
- Commercial invoice and packing list, with a clear cargo description and HS code.
- Bill of lading (sea) or air waybill (air).
- Certificate of origin or other certificates if the buyer or the product requires them. Some products (for example food, leather and textile items) have their own rules, so tell us the product early.
The consignee clears the goods with customs in the country of arrival and pays any duty and VAT. The United Kingdom is outside the EU and is quoted separately.
Common questions
What is ICS2 and does it affect my shipment?
ICS2 is the EU system for advance cargo information. If your cargo is going to the EU, the carrier needs complete cargo details before arrival, including a specific description and the HS code. We tell you what we need at booking.
Does my buyer in Europe need an EORI number?
The consignee normally needs an EORI number to import into the EU. Ask your buyer to confirm it before the shipment sails.
How long does sea freight to Europe take?
From Nhava Sheva to North Europe it typically takes around three to five weeks, depending on the service and routing. We give an approximate time with every quote.
Transit times are approximate and depend on the shipping line, the routing and the season. Rules and duties change, so please confirm the current requirements with your consignee or their agent before you ship.
Tell us what you are shipping
Share the route and cargo and we will come back with a quote.