How to Import Tiles from India?

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Why Import Tiles from India?

If you’re wondering how to import tiles from India, you’re not alone. India has become one of the world’s leading tile exporters, supplying high-quality ceramic, vitrified, porcelain, and digital tiles to over 100 countries. The competitive pricing, massive variety, and consistent quality make India, particularly the Morbi region in Gujarat, a global hub for tiles.

Whether you’re a builder, distributor, wholesaler, or retailer, understanding how to import tiles from India can save you time, reduce costs, and give you access to beautiful, durable tile products for your market.

Understand What Type of Tiles You Want:

Before diving into the logistics of how to import tiles from India, first decide on:

  • Type of tile: Ceramic, Porcelain, Vitrified, Full-body, Double Charge, Subway, etc.

  • Usage: Wall, Floor, Outdoor, Commercial, Swimming Pools, etc.

  • Finish: Matte, Glossy, Satin, Wood-look, Marble-look, etc.

  • Size: Common sizes include 600x600mm, 800x800mm, 600x1200mm, and custom sizes.

The clearer your requirement, the easier it will be to communicate with exporters and get the best price.

Find Trusted Exporters:

The most crucial part of learning how to import tiles from India is choosing the right supplier. You can find exporters via:

  • Trade platforms: IndiaMART, Alibaba, TradeIndia

  • Industry directories: Morbi Ceramic Association

  • Tile expos: Indian Ceramics Asia, Coverings, The Big 5 (Dubai)

  • Direct manufacturer websites like PPV Enterprises

Tip: Always verify the company’s export history, certifications (ISO, CE, etc.), and reviews. Ask for video walkthroughs of the factory or warehouse.

Request a Quotation:

Once you shortlist suppliers, send them your detailed requirements and ask for:

  • Product catalog with pricing

  • Minimum order quantity (MOQ)

  • Packaging information

  • Lead time and production capacity

  • FOB (Free on Board) or CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) pricing

  • Port of shipment (usually Mundra Port, Gujarat)

This helps you understand how competitive the exporter is and how professional their communication process is — a vital part of knowing how to import tiles from India.

Ask for Samples:

Reputable exporters will happily send samples. This is a critical step in how to import tiles from India because you need to:

  • Check color consistency

  • Inspect surface quality

  • Evaluate packaging strength

  • Test water absorption and slip resistance (if needed)

Pro Tip: Ask for one full box to see how the tiles are packed and whether they arrive safely.

Verify Documentation:

Understanding the paperwork is crucial in how to import tiles from India. Ensure your supplier provides:

  • Commercial Invoice

  • Packing List

  • Bill of Lading (B/L)

  • Certificate of Origin (COO)

  • Insurance Certificate (if CIF)

  • Quality certificates (CE, ISO, SASO for Saudi Arabia, etc.)

You will also need an Import License or Importer Number in your country, depending on your local customs laws.

Understand the Shipping Process:

Knowing how to import tiles from India involves understanding shipping methods:

  • FCL (Full Container Load): Cost-effective for large orders.

  • LCL (Less than Container Load): Suitable for smaller batches.

Most tile exporters ship through Mundra or Kandla Port, using 20ft or 40ft containers. Transit times vary:

  • UAE: ~7–10 days

  • Europe: ~22–30 days

  • USA: ~30–40 days

  • Africa: ~18–25 days

At PPV Enterprises, we help clients choose the right container size, optimize packing, and handle logistics for seamless delivery.

Understand Payment Terms:

Many international buyers new to how to import tiles from India ask about payment safety. Common terms include:

  • Advance Payment: 30–50% upfront, balance before shipping

  • Letter of Credit (L/C): Bank-to-bank secured payment

  • TT (Telegraphic Transfer): Popular for repeat clients

Pro Tip: Never pay 100% in advance. A good exporter will offer reasonable terms to build long-term trust.

Packing & Loading:

Tiles are fragile. Proper packaging is key in learning how to import tiles from India safely.

  • Tiles are packed in corrugated boxes with shrink wrapping

  • Boxes are loaded on wooden or plastic pallets

  • Containers are stuffed carefully to avoid breakage

PPV Enterprises uses triple-layered packing with edge protection to minimize damage during transit.

Customs Clearance & Duties:

Once tiles arrive in your country, the final part of how to import tiles from India is clearing customs:

  • Appoint a local customs broker or freight forwarder

  • Submit the Bill of Lading and other documents

  • Pay import duties and taxes (varies by country)

  • Arrange transport from the port to your warehouse

Ask your Indian exporter for help if you’re new to this process — experienced suppliers usually offer pre-shipment advice.

Build a Long-Term Relationship:

If you’re happy with the supplier, product, and delivery experience, it’s wise to build a long-term trade relationship. This helps you:

  • Lock better prices

  • Get faster production

  • Receive priority during peak seasons

  • Explore exclusive designs or custom orders

At PPV Enterprises, our clients in over 35 countries enjoy full after-sales support, consistent product quality, and dedicated account managers for smoother operations.

Final Thoughts: Importing Tiles Made Easy:

So now you know how to import tiles from India, step by step. It’s not just about choosing the right tile, but also about choosing the right partner.

At PPV Enterprises, we make tile importing effortless with:

✅ Transparent pricing
✅ Fast sample delivery
✅ Custom packaging
✅ On-time shipping
✅ International certifications
✅ Multilingual export support

Whether you’re importing tiles for retail, wholesale, or large-scale construction — we’ve got the infrastructure and expertise to help.

For any requirement please contact us

Our team will be happy to assist 

Mobile: +91- 8866-002-307, +91-7990-255-055

Enquire Now

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