Customs duty on Indian scarves imported into the United Kingdom is 0% onder die VK–Indië Omvattende Ekonomiese en Handelsooreenkoms (CETA), verified as of 18 Oktober 2026. Without preferential origin documentation, standard UK customs duties are 8% on woven scarves and 12% aan gebreide serpe. By providing qualifying proof of origin, UK importers can clear Indian scarves with zero tariff charges at the border.
UK customs duty rates on Indian scarves
Die VK–India Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement was signed on 24 Julie 2025 and entered into force on 15 Julie 2026. From the first day of application, the agreement eliminated tariffs on all lines covering woven garments, knitted garments, and textile made-ups, bringing the preferential tariff down to 0%.
For UK importers sourcing apparel and accessories from India, standard duty rates outside the agreement range from 8% aan 12%. Woven scarves and stoles incur a baseline duty rate of 8%, while knitted scarves and stoles carry a baseline duty rate of 12%. Onder CETA, these duties fall to 0% across all qualifying fibres when accompanied by proof of Indian origin.
The table below compares the standard UK customs duty against the preferential UK–India CETA duty across various scarf fabrics and constructions:
| Garment and Fibre | Konstruksie | Standard UK Duty | VK–India CETA Duty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Katoen serpe en stolas | Weef | 8% | 0% |
| viskose / rayon scarves and stoles | Weef | 8% | 0% |
| Polyester scarves en stolas | Weef | 8% | 0% |
| Silk scarves and stoles | Weef | 8% | 0% |
| Wool scarves and stoles | Weef | 8% | 0% |
| Linen scarves and stoles | Weef | 8% | 0% |
| Cotton scarves and stoles | Knitted | 12% | 0% |
| Wool scarves and stoles | Knitted | 12% | 0% |
If you import unlisted fibre compositions or blended textiles, check with your customs broker to determine the precise baseline rate.
Rules of origin and documentation under CETA
To claim the 0% preferential tariff under CETA, scarves must originate in India. Goods qualify as originating if they are wholly obtained or produced in India, made entirely from originating materials sourced from India or the UK, or manufactured using non-originating materials that meet product-specific rules.
For woven garments, knitted garments, and textile made-ups, the product-specific rule under Annex 3A requires a change of tariff heading plus a minimum Indian value content ("CTH en Standaard QVC"). This ensures that non-originating raw materials undergo substantial manufacturing in India to meet the qualifying value content criteria.
When clearing customs in the UK, preferential tariff treatment may be claimed on the basis of:
- An origin declaration completed by the exporter on the invoice or commercial documentation.
- A certificate of origin issued by an authorised issuing authority in India.
- Importer’s knowledge, provided the importer holds sufficient evidence and documentation demonstrating originating status.
Importers using importer’s knowledge must substantiate the claim directly. Precise documentation is necessary, as incorrect declarations can result in border delays, administrative penalties, or the loss of preference. We issue the certificate of origin for every shipment that qualifies and send it with the shipping documents, so your customs broker can claim the 0% rate directly upon UK entry. If you require formal verification of your classification or origin, you may apply for an advance ruling or check with your customs broker.
UK import VAT and postponed VAT accounting
Benewens doeaneregte, imports into the UK are subject to Value Added Tax (BTW). Adult clothing and fashion accessories, including scarves and stoles, carry the standard UK import VAT rate of 20%, whereas children’s clothing is zero-rated. Import VAT is calculated on the customs value plus any applicable customs duty.
When importing under CETA with valid origin documentation, customs duty is 0%, meaning VAT is calculated solely on the customs value. If origin proof is absent, standard customs duty (8% for woven scarves or 12% for knitted scarves) is added to the customs value before applying the 20% BTW.
A UK VAT-registered importer can utilise postponed VAT accounting (PVA) to manage cash flow. Under PVA, nothing is paid at the border; the import VAT is declared and reclaimed on the same VAT Return, resulting in a net cost of nil. No prior approval is needed from tax authorities—simply instruct your customs broker to declare the consignment using postponed VAT accounting. For non-registered entities or non-standard accounting questions, maak seker met jou doeane-makelaar.
Gaan jou eie kledingstuk na
To evaluate import costs and verify rates for your specific accessory shipments, refer to our calculator tool:
We manufacture woven and knitted scarves, rokke, kaftans, and skirts in India, providing qualifying origin certificates with every shipment so you can claim zero duty—Praat met ons to plan your production run.
Bronne
- VK–Indië CETA, Hoofstuk 2 (trade in goods) and UK tariff schedule
- Tariffs and customs for imports from India (inwerkingtreding 15 Julie 2026)
- Britse handelstarief API
Aanduidende inligting uit amptelike bronne, geskryf 24 Oktober 2026. Tariewe geverifieer op teen die amptelike tariewe. Dit is nie 'n doeane-beslissing nie; bevestig met jou doeane-makelaar voordat jy daarop staatmaak.
Verkry serpe in grootmaat? Kyk hoe ons werk as serpvervaardigers in Indië.
Kyk na die serpe & lookbook vir stolas → 'n blik op ons nuutste versameling. Versoek die volledige reeks: meer ontwerpe op aanvraag.
