How to Export Handmade Carpets and Rugs from India: CEPC, HS Codes and Buyers
India is one of the largest exporters of handmade carpets and rugs. The Bhadohi-Mirzapur belt in Uttar Pradesh is the centre of hand-knotted and tufted carpets, Jaipur is known for hand-knotted and flat-woven rugs, and Panipat for dhurries and woven rugs. Buyers in the USA, Europe and the Gulf order from India for homes, hotels and retail.
To export carpets and rugs from India, get an IEC, GST registration with an LUT and an RCMC from CEPC, the Carpet Export Promotion Council. Hand-knotted carpets are under HS 5701, flat-woven rugs such as dhurries and kilims under 5702, and tufted carpets under 5703. Agree material, construction, knots per square inch, size and colours on a strike-off sample, label fibre content and origin, and roll and wrap the rugs for shipping.
Types and HS codes
| Type | HS heading | Typical centres |
|---|---|---|
| Hand-knotted carpets | 5701 | Bhadohi, Mirzapur, Jaipur, Kashmir |
| Flat-woven: dhurries, kilims | 5702 | Panipat, Jaipur, Bhadohi |
| Hand-tufted carpets | 5703 | Bhadohi, Mirzapur |
| Other, such as braided and some jute rugs | 5705 | Panipat and other centres |
Confirm the exact code with your customs broker, as it depends on construction and fibre.
Specifications buyers ask for
- Material: wool, wool and silk, cotton, jute, viscose or recycled fibres, with percentages.
- Construction: knots per square inch for hand-knotted rugs, pile height, weight per square metre.
- Size and tolerance: standard sizes such as 160 x 230 cm and 200 x 300 cm, with an agreed tolerance.
- Colour: matched to the buyer's pom-poms or a strike-off sample.
- Backing and finish: latex and cloth backing for tufted rugs, washing and clipping.
Labels and social compliance
Label fibre content, size, care and country of origin as the market requires. Many buyers in Europe and the USA ask for proof that rugs are made without child labour, through audits or certification schemes such as GoodWeave. Keep loom and weaver records ready.
Packing and shipping
Roll rugs with the pile inward, wrap in polythene and woven bags, and label each roll with size, design and order number. Rugs are light for their volume, so sea freight by CBM is usual; use the CBM calculator to plan loads.
Finding buyers
Importers, retailers, interior designers and hotel projects buy Indian rugs, and online rug sellers order regular smaller lots. CEPC runs India Carpet Expo for overseas buyers. See live handmade rug requirements and the guide to finding carpet and rug buyers.
Frequently asked questions
Which council issues the RCMC for carpet exporters?
CEPC, the Carpet Export Promotion Council.
What is the HS code for hand-knotted carpets?
Hand-knotted carpets are under HS 5701. Flat-woven rugs such as dhurries are under 5702 and tufted carpets under 5703.
Where are carpets made in India?
The Bhadohi-Mirzapur belt in Uttar Pradesh is the largest centre, with Jaipur, Panipat and Kashmir also well known.
How are rugs packed for export?
Rolled with the pile inward, wrapped in polythene and woven bags, and labelled with size, design and order number.
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