Sourcing guide · Handmade rugs
How to export rugs from India: a sourcing guide
To export rugs from India, a registered exporter makes or sources the rug, you approve a sample, the order is produced, packed and shipped, and you clear it at your border. Hand-knotted rugs fall under HS 5701, kilims and other woven flatweaves under 5702, and tufted rugs under 5703.
Last updated: 30 October 2026
The short version
Exporting a rug from India means a registered exporter makes or sources the rug, you approve a sample, the order is produced, packed and shipped under an agreed price term, and you clear it at your border. This page is the sourcing-side view for buyers: what changes by rug type. For the exporter itself, read the carpet exporters from India buyer guide. For rules in your country, use the import guides.
Everything here is for handmade rugs. We do not list prices, because they depend on the specification.
What changes by rug type
| Type | Usual HS heading | What to watch |
|---|---|---|
| Hand-knotted | 5701 | Knot density and pile height; the longest production time |
| Kilim, dhurrie and other flatweaves | 5702 | Weave structure and fibre; reversible, no pile |
| Hand-tufted | 5703 | Backing and finish; not the same as hand-knotted |
| Silk and silk blends | Follows the construction | Fibre content must be declared exactly; handle and light fastness |
| Runners | Follows the construction | Length and width tolerance; custom sizes are common |
The heading follows how the rug is made: 5701 is knotted carpets, 5702 is woven carpets that are not tufted, and 5703 is tufted (WCO HS Nomenclature 2022, Chapter 57, checked 3 November 2026). Your broker confirms the full tariff line for your market. Ask your exporter to write the construction and fibre on the invoice. See import duty on handmade rugs, HS 5701, 5702 and 5703 and hand-knotted vs tufted vs woven.
Hand-knotted rugs
Hand-knotted rugs take the longest to make, so plan from the top of the lead-time range. Agree the knot density, pile height and fibre in writing before the sample. See the pile height and density guide and hand-knotted rugs for rug dealers.
Kilims, dhurries and druggets
Flatweaves are woven with no pile, so the pattern is in the weave. They usually fall under 5702. The words kilim, dhurrie and drugget overlap in the trade, so state the construction and fibre when you order. See wholesale kilim and dhurrie rugs and druggets manufacturer in India.
Silk rugs
Silk and silk blend rugs need exact fibre declarations, because fibre content drives labelling and classification in many markets. Ask the exporter to state the silk content on the quote and the invoice, and approve the handle and colour on a sample. The fibres guide compares silk with wool, viscose and jute.
Runners and custom sizes
Runners are narrow and long, and 2.5x8 ft and 2.5x10 ft are common lengths. Any length can be made to order, so state width, length and the tolerance you accept. See rug sizes and custom sizes for buyers and the rug size and weight converter.
Lead times, packing and shipping
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Minimum order | 1 piece |
| Sampling | 5 to 20 days; the sampling cost is credited against your order |
| Bulk production | 8 to 16 weeks from sample approval |
| Payment terms | 50% advance, 50% before dispatch |
| Shipping | FOB Nhava Sheva as the usual term |
| Confidentiality | A non-disclosure agreement is standard before designs are shared |
- Packing: see rug packing and loading.
- How many rugs fit in a container: container guide and the container loading calculator.
- Planning an order from sample to shipping: capacity and lead time planning.
Importing into your country
Request a bulk quote
Send your design, size and estimated quantity. We reply within two business days, usually within one. Minimum order: 1 piece. Sampling cost is credited against your order. Payment: 50% advance, 50% before dispatch.
Buyer questions
Exporting rugs from India: your questions
How do I export rugs from India?
A registered exporter makes or sources the rug, you approve a sample, the order is produced, packed and shipped under an agreed price term, and you clear it at your border. Your broker confirms duty and rules in your country.
What HS code do handmade rugs use?
Chapter 57 of the Harmonised System. 5701 is knotted carpets, 5702 is woven carpets that are not tufted, such as kilims, and 5703 is tufted carpets. Your broker confirms the full tariff line for your market.
Can I export a runner rug from India?
Yes. Runners are made to order in any length, and 2.5x8 ft and 2.5x10 ft are common. State width, length and tolerance when you order.
Is exporting a kilim different from a hand-knotted rug?
The paperwork is similar, but a kilim is a flatweave that usually falls under 5702, and a hand-knotted rug under 5701. Hand-knotted rugs take longer to make.
What do I need to declare for a silk rug?
The exact fibre content, because it affects labelling and classification in many markets. Ask the exporter to state it on the quote and the invoice.
What is the minimum order and lead time?
Minimum order: 1 piece. Sampling takes 5 to 20 days, with its cost credited against your order. Bulk production takes 8 to 16 weeks from sample approval.
What are the payment and shipping terms?
50% advance and 50% before dispatch. FOB Nhava Sheva is the usual term.