Export Leather from India: A Quick Start Guide

The leather goods market is growing continuously across the world, and India has been one of the key contributors to the market. It is the 4th largest exporter of leather goods. India offers high-quality leather products at affordable prices, making it a popular marketplace for consumers. India produced leather products worth USD 19 billion in 2023-24, leveraging its skilled craftsmanship and abundant raw materials. With the growing demand for leather goods across the world, especially in industries like furniture, fashion, automotive, etc., you have a golden opportunity to enter this market.

Whether you are a seasoned exporter or trying to enter the leather industry, understanding the market, planning your business, and realising its potential are important to succeed. Let’s take you through these factors in much more detail within the blog.

Analysing the Global Leather Market Value

The global leather market generated a profit of approx. USD 76.13 billion in 2025. The global market size is expected to reach USD 405.28 trillion at a CAGR of 6.6% by 2030.

But what exactly is driving this growth?

• Rising demand for premium products like leather shoes, belts, bags, and wallets, especially in developing countries.
• The continuously changing fashion trends and high global disposable income are making leather goods more desirable and popular today.

Indian Leather Industry: A Global Powerhouse

India is a significant and dominant player in the global leather and leather products market. It accounts for approximately 13% of the world’s total leather production.

Here are some of the highlights of the Indian leather industry,

1. Raw Material: 

• India has a variety of raw material bases with approx. 3 billion sq. ft. of leather processed in a year.

2. Global Production and Export Leader:

• India is among the top 5 countries in global leather goods exports today.
• India is one of the largest global producers of leather footwear and leather garments, after China. Leather footwear from India accounts for 42.6% of the total leather exports.

3. Massive Workforce in Different Regions:

• The leather industry employs approximately 4 to 4.5 million people, including a significant female workforce.
• The key states of India that produce leather include West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka. 

4. Government Support:

• Leather was a priority in the Make in India initiative, while offering incentives and infrastructural support.
• The Council of Leather Exports (CLE) supports exporters through policy guidance, market promotions, and industrial networking.

These factors make India a powerhouse in the leather industry, but a global leader with strong foundations in raw materials, skilled labour, and export-ready infrastructure.

Profit Potential of Exporting Leather Goods from India

Exporting leather products from India can be a highly profitable business for you because of the high-profit potential. Here are a few reasons why:

• Low Production Costs and High Selling Prices

Leather items, such as bags, belts, shoes, and wallets, are manufactured at a lower cost in India due to the availability of raw materials and skilled labour. When you sell the same product in international markets, it can be sold at a higher price.

• Demand In Global Markets

Leather goods are highly sought after globally, particularly in countries such as Europe, the United States, and the Middle East. People are ready to pay more for real Indian leather because of its craftsmanship and quality.

• Government Support

The Indian government offers various benefits to exporters, including tax refunds, low-interest loans, and duty-free import of machinery for leather production.

Year-on-Year Analysis of India’s Leather Export Figures

India’s leather exports have seen steady and consistent growth, which makes it an exciting opportunity for you. Here is a clear view of leather export figures,

Countries Leading Global Leather Exports

While exporting leather from India, it’s helpful to know who the global competitors are. Here are some top leather exporters across the globe,

Rank	Country	Leather Production/Year
1	China	Approx. 4 billion sq. feet
2	Brazil	Approx. 1.7 billion sq. feet
3	Italy	Approx. 1.5 billion sq. feet
4	Russia and India	Approx. 1.4 billion sq. feet

Most Exported Leather Items from India

India is known for exporting the following leather products:

• Leather footwear
• Leather goods like bags, wallets, and belts
• Finished leather
• Non-leather footwear
• Leather garments
• Leather footwear components
• Leather gloves and saddlery

Mandatory Documents for Exporting Leather Products

To export leather goods and products successfully, you must keep the following documents ready. This will ensure smooth customs clearance and compliance with Indian and International regulations. Documents include,

• Import Export Code (IEC) is a certificate issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) of India.
• Registration cum membership certificate (RCMC) issued by the Council for Leather Exports (CLE). It is essential to take advantage of all available export benefits and support schemes.
• Goods and services tax (GST) registration is required for invoicing and tax filings.
• Udyam registration, which recognises your business as a micro, small, or medium enterprise (MSME). It is very helpful for claiming government schemes and incentives.
• Factory and Industrial licenses are also required for leather manufacturing and export units. These licenses are issued by the Department of Industries and Commerce (varies as per the specific state).
• A commercial invoice which shows the transaction between you and your customers. It includes product details, quantity, HS code, value, and terms of sale.
• A packing list, including the content of each package and helps with customs inspections and buyer clarifications.
• Bill of lading.
• A shipping bill generated through the ICEGATE portal which is a crucial customs document for export duty exemption and clearance.
• A certificate of origin that certifies that products are made in India.
• The inspection certificate verifies the quality and compliance of leather products with relevant standards.
• An insurance certificate as proof of coverage for goods in transportation.

CargoX: Simplifying Leather Product Export Logistics

Exporting leather goods from India includes a complex supply chain and multiple documents. This is where CargoX helps to securely and instantly transfer documents and products. Here is how we help you with leather product export logistics:

• Cost efficiency to save money spent on printing, storing, and shipping export paperwork.
• Faster documentation that allows you to send ownership documents digitally in minutes.
• Uses blockchain encryption to protect your data from tampering.
• Helps in complying with international logistics standards, especially useful with regulated leather products.
• Major shipping lines and customs authorities around the world accept CargoX.

Conclusion

India’s leather export industry is full of opportunities. You can change the local craftsmanship into a profitable business for you. Whether you are just starting or trying to scale your business, having the knowledge and a partner can change the dynamics of your business.

Take your leather business global! Explore CargoX to simplify your leather export journey process!