How to Succeed in UK Decor Exports?

Decor export refers to the process of shipping home decoration products—such as furniture, handicrafts, and accessories—from one country to another for commercial sale. In the case of the UK market, decor exports from India have gained traction due to the high demand for handmade, eco-friendly, and culturally rich items. Home decor items are quite in demand in the United Kingdom. The home decor market in the UK reached USD 53,742.8 million in 2024. It is expected to grow to USD 97,195.6 million by 2030. Indian handicraft items and home decor products are especially sought after in this overseas market. This means you have a good chance of earning a profit if you expand your home decor business to the UK. All you require is high-quality decor items and knowledge about UK exports and trends.

In this comprehensive guide, you will learn everything you need to know about UK home decor exports, including regulations and marketing strategies.

How Do UK Buyers View Sustainability and Handmade Home Decor Products?

Modern-day British buyers prefer sustainable products. Their love for handmade products is growing, and they are particularly fond of goods made by Indian artisans. They appreciate ethical sourcing and skilled craftsmanship. If you are skilled in traditional techniques such as block printing, pottery, and embroidery, then you stand a chance of making it big in the UK market. 

These techniques help derive products that hold cultural significance and render a unique charm. Adding a modern touch to these traditional designs makes them even more appealing. Moreover, using eco-friendly materials gives a competitive edge.

Many boutique stores are sourcing traditional handicraft items from businesses in India. Online platforms are also making it easier for UK shoppers to discover these handmade products, thereby contributing to their popularity. They are loved for their intricate designs and traditional appeal. Consumers in the UK are willing to pay more for such beautifully designed, eco-friendly products.

The demand for these products increases during the festive season. Not just for enhancing the ambience of their own homes, people buy them for gifting purposes as well. By using beautiful packaging designs and materials, you can make your decor items ready for gifting. This works well for retail display as well. They create an excellent first impression and reflect the quality of the product. Many buyers value presentation as much as the product. Thus, using attractive and eco-friendly packaging helps boost the sales of these products.

What Legal Documents and Customs Rules Must You Follow for UK Decor Exports?

The United Kingdom encourages international trade; therefore, its import and export regulations are not particularly stringent. However, compliance with the defined rules and regulations is essential to trade in the country.

Here is what you need to comply with while exporting home decor items and other handicraft goods to the UK:

• You must submit export declarations to the UK customs authorities. This is done through the Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight (CHIEF) system or Customs Declaration Service (CDS).
• Export products with electrical or lighting components require CE (Conformité Européenne) or UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) certification/ marking. The same is the case with children’s items. This is a product marking to indicate compliance with the product safety regulations. It is necessary to export goods to England, Scotland, and Wales.

• The goods to be exported must be crafted from high-quality wood, metal, glass, or textiles.
• You must assign the correct HS code for the export of handicraft items. This is crucial for the accurate calculation of duty charges.
• Some retailers in the UK demand proof that the goods are handmade and sourced ethically. For this, they need a certificate of origin. It is also necessary to derive the duty charges.
• You can contact the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) to seek assistance for essential documentation related to the same.
• A commercial invoice is a necessary document required for the export of goods. It includes information such as the description of goods, the value and quantity of goods, and the details of the exporter and importer.
• Other documents required for the export of goods include a packing list, a bill of lading, and an air waybill, to name a few.
• The UK customs declaration form (C88/SAD) must be completed to allow entry and exit from the UK.  

What’s Popular in UK Home Decor – Current Buying Trends

Some of the latest UK home decor export trends are:

1. Eco-friendly Decor Items

As mentioned above, there is a growing trend of using sustainable home decor items in the United Kingdom. The consumers prefer goods made from recycled and biodegradable materials.

2. Earthy Designs

Rustic decor items, such as terracotta pots, sculptures, bamboo lampshades, hand-carved wooden wall panels, jute mats, and macramé plant hangers, are in high demand. Many businesses in India are exporting these decor items to the United Kingdom.

3. Vintage Decor

Home decor such as distressed wooden frames, jaali-work wooden room dividers, hand-painted wooden trunks, and tables or chests with hand-cut mirrors are also in trend.

4. Beautiful yet Functional Decor

The demand for functional decor items has also seen a surge. For instance, carved wooden stools enhance the ambience and can be used for sitting as well as a side table. Woven baskets add a rustic charm and can be used to store a variety of items, including toys, magazines, groceries, and more. Jute or macramé wall hangings with pockets and wooden storage chests are other examples of decor that combine functionality with design.

How Can You Build a Successful Decor Export Business to the UK?

Here is a step-by-step guide to building a decor export business that can prove to be lucrative in the UK market:

1. Understand Your Target Consumers

Analyse the choices and preferences of UK consumers and identify which types of handicraft items they demand.

2. Learn the Regulations and Comply

Learn about the UK decor trade regulations and adhere to the same. To begin with, register with the customs and acquire an Economic Operator Registration and Identification number. Understand the VAT obligations and duties as well as the other regulatory norms. 

3. Identify eCommerce Platforms

Look for the eCommerce platforms where your target audience is active.

4. Build Professional Relationships

Expand your professional network and establish relationships with UK-based retailers and wholesalers.

5. Partner with Local Stores

Partner with local home decor stores and boutique retailers in the UK.

6. Collaborate with Reliable Logistics and Shipping Carriers

Seeking assistance from reliable shipping carriers can help expedite the export of items. They ensure secure packaging and efficient handling to transport your handmade items safely to their destination. They also assist with documentation and customs clearance to ensure a smooth transition.

7. Create an Effective Marketing Strategy

Devise effective marketing strategies to attract shoppers and run them on different platforms. It is a good idea to collaborate with home decor influencers from the UK. This is a good way to reach your target audience. Additionally, do not forget to create clear and keyword-optimised product listings with attractive images. Shoppers should get a clear idea of the products you are selling.

What Role Does ShiprocketX Play in Simplifying UK Decor Exports?

ShiprocketX helps grow your business in the overseas market by offering end-to-end shipping solutions. You can expand your business in the United Kingdom by using our reliable services. We have a wide network of shipping carriers that cater to your specific shipping needs.

Our user-friendly platform makes it easy to serve your customers in the UK. We pack your goods carefully using eco-friendly packaging materials and secure them tightly in the shipping containers. We take every measure to ensure that your delicate, handcrafted goods remain intact during transit and reach their destination in the right condition. With a hassle-free customs clearance process, you can be sure of smooth documentation.

We provide an advanced tracking facility, allowing you to track your shipments in real-time. This helps take prompt action in case the shipments get stuck at any point. This transparency also enhances customer experience and builds trust among them. 

Conclusion

Home decor items, such as terracotta sculptures, macramé wall hangings, woven baskets, bamboo lampshades, and hand-carved wooden wall panels, are in high demand. Shoppers in the UK are especially fond of such handicraft items. If you plan to export such items to this part of the world, you can make a profit with some effort. 

But success depends on more than just quality products. To truly thrive, you need to understand UK buyer preferences, comply with export regulations, and stand out with thoughtful packaging and presentation.