How Do You Ship Handmade Products Safely Worldwide?

Handmade products are gaining global popularity for their authenticity, sustainability, and cultural value. If you’re planning to export handmade products from India, there’s no better time to begin. India has long been celebrated for its artisan traditions, diverse regional crafts, and skilled craftsmanship. From intricately woven textiles to delicate metalwork, handmade products from India are in demand across the globe. The Indian handicrafts market reached $4,565 Million in 2024 and is estimated to go up to $8,198.5 Million by 2033. 

Indian vendors have a real chance to build a lucrative export business around these profitable products as global demand for authenticity, sustainability, and cultural value increases.

So, let’s explore how sellers in India can find the right markets, follow the correct process, and use the most productive tools to build a rewarding handmade products business.

Why Are Handmade Products from India in Global Demand?

Several countries have shown an ongoing interest in importing Indian handmade products. Globally, the sector reached US $906.8 billion in 2024, with nearly 23 % of that coming from Asia‑Pacific, in which around $31 billion contribution is from India.

One of the largest importers of these Indian handicrafts is the United States, followed closely by nations in the European Union, including France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. A few other major markets are the Middle East, especially the UAE and Saudi Arabia. 

Handmade goods with a backstory and ethical sourcing are in high demand. This trend is being noticed by retailers and wholesalers who are searching for traditional, high-quality Indian crafts. The reach has only increased with eCommerce platforms coming into the picture. Even small businesses can sell globally without even having a physical presence overseas.

What is India’s Position in the Global Handicraft Trade?

India is among the world’s leading exporters of handmade products. With millions of artisans working in rural and semi-urban areas, this industry makes a substantial economic contribution to the nation. India enjoys a favourable position in global markets, having more than 3,000 recognised craft forms and a solid reputation for authenticity and quality.

The government, through various councils and initiatives, continues to push for stronger representation of Indian handicrafts on the global stage. While large manufacturers already play a role, micro and small firms are increasingly finding their footing.

What Lies Ahead for Indian Handicraft Exports?

The demand for handmade products is at an all-time high worldwide. The latest provisional figures from the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) reveal that India’s handicraft exports climbed to ₹29,391.18 crore ($ 3.48 billion approx.) between April and February of FY25. That’s a notch higher from ₹28,064.07 crore (about $ 3.39 billion) over the same months last year.

These days, buyers are more drawn to handmade products with a cultural backstory, traditional production techniques, and sustainable materials like natural dyes, recycled textiles, and organic cotton. This blends in perfectly with Indian handicrafts’ fundamental value. Products with transparent sourcing and fair wages for artisans are also in favour. Indian sellers who align with these values are more likely to succeed in the long run.

Additionally, technology is contributing by helping small brands to compete with larger exporters through online marketplaces, AI-powered recommendations, and faster logistics. You can build an enduring brand with international appeal if you’re ready to invest in product quality, logistics, and presentation.

What’s New in the Indian Handicraft Export Space?

Exporters of the modern era are dispelling myths. By eliminating middlemen and providing producers with fair compensation, many are collaborating directly with artisan communities. Selling generic crafts in bulk is giving way to offering carefully chosen, niche collections with products that have backstories that appeal to buyers from around.

eCommerce has changed the face of the handmade products market, totally uplifting its profitability. Platforms like Amazon Global Selling, Etsy, and Shopify have made it possible for even individual artists to showcase their products abroad. International shipping services have further streamlined global deliveries, taking care of fulfillment and customs-related processes. 

Collaborations with designers, interactive product listings, and packaging innovations are helping Indian sellers stand out in a competitive space.

Which Indian Handicrafts Are in Highest Demand Globally?

While some traditional Indian crafts have remained popular year after year, others are becoming more popular due to changes in fashion, lifestyle, and home décor.

Some of the most popular categories, both domestically and internationally, are listed below:

Home Decor

Jute wall hangings, carved wooden accents, marble inlay work, and brassware are still popular. By early 2024, exports of brass products alone totalled over $489 million, with wooden items coming in second at $810 million. Known as the “brass city,” Moradabad played a significant role in 2018–19, exporting goods valued at over ₹10,000 crore, or about $1.2 billion.

Textiles

Fabrics made with hand-block printing, soft kantha quilts, khadi, and Pashmina shawls represent one of the largest craft groups in India. The domestic market for textile-based crafts reached ₹4.2 billion (about $52 million) in 2024. On the export front, hand-printed fabrics alone were valued at $175 million, with an annual growth of 8.6% in 2025.

Jewellery

India’s rich jewellery-making heritage is seen in its beaded accessories, Kundan sets, Meenakari designs, and silver tribal pieces. With exports reaching $167 million in FY 2024, imitation jewellery had become quite popular among buyers.

Pottery and Ceramics

West Bengali terracotta and Jaipur’s blue pottery are examples of handcrafted ceramics that have established a strong presence in contemporary interior design. While they may not be listed separately in export figures, this group is considered one of the fastest-growing in the domestic handmade segment.

Stationery and Art

Traditional styles like Madhubani paintings, miniature artworks, and handmade paper products continue to draw attention from collectors and stationery lovers alike. These are part of a broader category that reached $1.02 billion in exports in FY 2024.

Eco-Conscious Products

Sellers making bamboo-based items, upcycled fabric goods, jute crafts, and reusable cloth bags are seeing increasing interest. The Indian bamboo sector was valued at around $314.67 million in 2024 and is expected to grow steadily to $436.87 million by 2030. A strong demand for jute is also being seen; its production in FY 2023 was roughly 1,246.6 thousand metric tonnes (a notable jump from FY22 yield of 1080.0 thousand MT). 

How Export Promotion Councils Assist Indian Handicraft Sellers?

If you want to export handmade goods and need assistance, support is readily available from government-backed organisations such as the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH). 

Their initiatives include:

• Sessions for training on the expectations of foreign buyers
• Possibilities to participate in international trade shows
• Buyer data and market intelligence
• Assistance with paperwork and adherence
• Under some programs, smaller sellers can receive financial assistance.

Such organisations are of great help if you’re unsure of where to begin or want to access a network of verified buyers.

What Compliance Documents Do You Need to Export Handmade Products?

A specific set of documents is needed when exporting goods from India. Early implementation of these can facilitate and ease the export process.

This is a simple checklist:

1. Import Export Code (IEC): This is mandatory for any exporter and can be obtained from the DGFT (Director General of Foreign Trade).
2. GST Registration: You’ll need your GST number for tax purposes.
3. Registration with EPCH: Registering with this government body gives you credibility and access to trade support.
4. Product Catalogue and HS Codes: A detailed product list with clear images and descriptions lets you and customs authorities identify your items. HS (Harmonised System) Codes are used worldwide to classify goods for import/export and determine duties and regulations.
5. Commercial Invoice and Packing List: The invoice states the product value and transaction details, and the packing list outlines the contents and packaging method for customs and logistics handling.
6. Airway Bill/ Bill of Lading: These transport documents are issued by the shipping or airline company as proof of shipment. They contain delivery terms, consignee details, and shipment details.
7. Certificate of Origin: Sometimes, this certificate is mandatory for international customs clearance.
8. Export Licence: If you are exporting any restricted goods, you must have this license.

To prevent any delays, you must have both digital and hard copies of every document.

How to Start a Handmade Export Business Step by Step?

You can take these steps to begin your handicraft-export journey:

Choose a Product Category: Go for a niche that compliments your strengths or gives you access to local artisans. Do some research or small batch tests on platforms like Etsy or Amazon to validate demand.

Register Your Business: Get a GST number, PAN, and IEC. These are must-haves to trade internationally.

Source or Manufacture Products: You can either partner with artisans or produce handicrafts in-house. Pay due attention to finish, consistency, and presentation.

Establish an Online Presence: Create your company’s website or sign up on eCommerce marketplaces that sell handmade products. Write detailed product descriptions, put up clear product images, and mention the price clearly.

Price for Profit: Take account of raw materials, labour, packaging, shipping, commissions, and taxes when finalising your price for profit. Make sure your pricing is competitive and transparent with no hidden fee in shipping or otherwise. 

Handle Payments: You must integrate trustworthy and globally compatible payment gateways in your eCommerce site. Also, consider services that store money in multi-currency wallets for simpler and quicker withdrawals.

Customer Service and Feedback: Keep track of updates, communicate clearly, and encourage feedback or reviews from your buyers. Good service brings in repeat business and builds trust.

Find Buyers: Get hold of your target audience by promoting your handmade products on online platforms like social media or by participating in virtual expos. You can use insights from EPCH or online tools to find your audience.

Decide a Shipping Strategy: Decide if you want to handle logistics yourself, which could be a complicated task, or if you’d like to tie up with a third-party service for hassle-free international deliveries.

How Does ShiprocketX Help Export Handmade Products Easily?

As handicrafts are delicate, shipping them safely is a major concern for exporters of handmade goods. With its AI-powered platform and end-to-end shipping solution, ShiprocketX effectively connects Indian sellers with buyers around the world.

Partnering with us benefits you in many ways:

• We combine multiple courier services and pick the one that’s best for you according to your product type and location.
• Our delivery is lightning-fast and comes with real-time shipment tracking that sends live updates through email and SMS.
• Our international shipping professionals manage all the paperwork and customs processes for your shipments.
• We assist you with fulfillment, packaging, and proper storage for fragile handmade products.
• Our AI-driven platform easily integrates with marketplaces such as Amazon, WooCommerce, and Shopify.

Conclusion

Indian Handmade goods offer a unique experience to customers around the world and are a reflection of rich artistic traditions. Exporting these profitable products presents a fascinating opportunity, regardless of whether you are an artisan yourself or a vendor who likes to support regional crafts.

The best way to go about it would be to begin exporting handmade products with one category. Go on to build strong ties with supplier ties or craft goods yourself. Take the time to understand the market and buyer needs. Besides, the tools you need are now more accessible than ever with online marketplaces, export councils, and logistics partners like ShiprocketX.