India to USA · sector guide
Exporting handicrafts and wood products from India to the USA
The US imported $351M of handicrafts and wood products from India in 2025, 3.1% of its imports of the main products in this sector. Wooden handicrafts, kitchenware, baskets, carved items and decor, from Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Kerala.
- US imports from India, 2025
- $351M
- Jan–Aug 2026 vs last year
- -27.8%
- India's share
- 3.1%
- Average duty paid
- 18.7%
- Shipped by sea
- 96%
Five-year trend
US imports of handicrafts and wood products from India
Jan–Aug 2026: $179M, down 27.8% on the same months last year.
Top products
What the US buys most
| Product | HS | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Baskets & Wickerwork | 4602 | $114M |
| Wooden Tableware & Kitchenware | 4419 | $82M |
| Carved Articles | 9602 | $59.3M |
| Wooden Handicrafts & Boxes | 4420 | $44.2M |
| Wooden Articles | 4421 | $13.2M |
| Sawn Wood | 4407 | $10.4M |
US ports
Where it enters the US
| US port | Share |
|---|---|
| Newark, NJ | 27.6% |
| Houston, TX | 21.6% |
| Savannah, GA | 14.6% |
| Charleston, SC | 9.9% |
| Norfolk-Newport News, VA | 6.8% |
| Los Angeles, CA | 6.8% |
Requirements
US rules for handicrafts and wood products
- USDA APHISMany wood and plant-based products need a Lacey Act declaration naming the species and country of harvest, and wooden packing must meet ISPM 15.
- CBPAn Importer Security Filing must reach CBP at least 24 hours before the container is loaded in India.
- CBPGoods and their retail packaging must show the country of origin in English, for example "Made in India".
On the Indian side
- Register with the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH).
- Fumigate or heat-treat wooden items and packing as required.
Packing and shipping
- Mixed handicraft orders often ship LCL or as consolidated FCL; pack fragile items for multiple handlings.
Questions
Handicrafts and Wood Products from India to the USA: FAQs
How much handicrafts and wood products does the US import from India?
$351M in 2025, led by baskets & wickerwork, wooden tableware & kitchenware, carved articles. Jan–Aug 2026: $179M, down 27.8% on the same months last year.
What US rules apply to handicrafts and wood products from India?
USDA APHIS: Many wood and plant-based products need a Lacey Act declaration naming the species and country of harvest, and wooden packing must meet ISPM 15. CBP: An Importer Security Filing must reach CBP at least 24 hours before the container is loaded in India. CBP: Goods and their retail packaging must show the country of origin in English, for example "Made in India".
What do Indian exporters of handicrafts and wood products need to do?
Register with the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH). Fumigate or heat-treat wooden items and packing as required.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau international trade data (general imports, and duty calculated on imports for consumption), 2021–2025 and Jan–Aug 2026. Requirements summarised for guidance; check the agency rules for your exact product.
Exporting handicrafts and wood products to the USA?
Atmavaan books the container, handles the export paperwork and can file the ISF and clear US customs for your buyer.
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