Shipping from India has become more complex in 2025. With new trade rules and tariff changes in place, Shopify store owners must now pay closer attention to customs documentation, product origins, and delivery timelines to avoid disruptions.
For merchants shipping to the U.S., the introduction of tariffs on Indian goods and the removal of the de minimis exemption mean higher import costs and stricter customs checks even for lower-value orders. Meanwhile, shipments passed through or headed to the E.U. may experience delays or added costs due to trade restrictions on Russian-linked goods. Over in the U.K., Indian exports that include Russian-origin materials could face additional duties or complete seizure.
Understanding these new trade scenarios is crucial for keeping your customers satisfied. This guide breaks down the compliance requirements and best practices for Shopify store owners navigating the post-tariff trade landscape of 2025, helping you ship from India to global markets smoothly.
In This Article
- 2025 Tariffs and Shopify Stores Shipping from India
- Shopify Carrier Options and Rate Adjustments
- Shopify Customs Documentation & Clearance: Why It’s Essential
- Managing Shopify Shipping Costs Post-Tariff
- Conclusion
- FAQ’s
2025 Tariffs and Shopify Stores Shipping from India
The changes while shipping from the U.S., EU, and UK are affecting Shopify merchants who ship products from India. These updates can change shipping costs, customs checks, and product pricing.
Countries Imposing Tariffs and Their Effects
U.S. Tariffs and Their Effect on Shipping from India
- In August 2025, the U.S. introduced a 50% tariff on most Indian imports. This can increase costs for Shopify stores and may slow down deliveries due to extra customs checks.
- Additionally, the US has also removed the de minimis exemption, so now products under 800$ are also liable for duties. Full details on this policy can be found on the official white house page.
- On top of removing the exemption, the U.S. rolled out a new duty structure. Instead of going through unnoticed, products now face ad valorem duties, basically, a percentage of the item’s value. These can range anywhere from 10% to 50%, depending on what you’re selling and where it’s coming from.
- Due to these changes, carriers like FedEx and UPS have introduced new duty handling and disbursement fees, adding several dollars per shipment. This means Shopify sellers may need to raise their prices to maintain their profit margins.
- During this time, it’s crucial to accurately use HS codes and declare the correct country of origin for your products to avoid unexpected costs or delays later.
- Detailed information on these changes and how to tackle them can be found on U.S. Tariff Changes.
EU Tariffs and their effect on Shipping from India
- The European Union (EU) does not directly impose tariffs on India; however, several indirect effects influence shipments from India to EU countries.
- The EU’s sanctions on Russian goods have increased customs scrutiny on all imports. This means shipments from India to the EU may face delays due to extended inspections and documentation checks.
- For Shopify sellers, it’s essential to provide detailed proof of origin when shipping to the EU. This documentation confirms that your goods are not of Russian origin, or there is a risk of goods getting seized. The list of all the documents you would need for seamless shipping can be found on Essential Shipping Documents.
- If goods shipped to the EU are found to be of Russian origin, they may be seized or detained by customs. Additionally, companies linked to the supply chain could face asset freezes or other sanctions. Full details on these measures can be found here.
- These challenges have made shipments connected to Russia less competitive, limiting market access for affected Indian goods. Traders face higher costs due to non-tariff measures, including certification requirements and documentation often needed in Russia. These factors can disrupt trade and make exporting more complicated and expensive.
UK Tariffs and their effect on Shipping from India
- The United Kingdom (UK) does not directly impose tariffs on India; however, sanctions on Russian-origin materials indirectly affect shipments from India to the UK, similar to the impact seen in the European Union (EU).
- The UK government imposed targeted sanctions on Indian petroleum firm Nayara Energy Limited and other entities linked to Russian oil imports, showing that marking your shipment as of Russian origin could have serious consequences.
- The UK government imposes additional duties on goods originating in Russia and Belarus, and you can find complete information on these duties on the official UK government website.
- These are the reasons why Shopify sellers need to ensure they have adequate documentation to prove the origin of their shipments.
- Although not related to tariffs or sanctions, the UK’s post-Brexit trade rules have also introduced new non-tariff barriers such as stricter product standards, labeling requirements, and conformity certifications, all of which can raise export costs and complicate logistics for Indian traders.
- These factors make it vital for sellers to stay updated on the UK’s import regulations and ensure that all export documentation accurately reflects the origin, value, and compliance status of their goods.
Major Product Categories Affected
The new tariff changes impact several industries, including:
- Apparel: Clothing and textiles may face updated duty rates, affecting both imports and exports.
- Machinery: Industrial equipment and tools could see higher or lower tariffs, depending on the category.
- Raw Materials: Essential materials for manufacturing may have adjusted duties, changing the overall production costs.
These updates are important for merchants and exporters to consider when planning pricing, shipping, and sourcing strategies.
Shopify Carrier Options and Rate Adjustments
After the 2025 tariff changes, major shipping carriers have changed their rates for international shipments from India. Shopify merchants should be aware of these changes to manage costs and delivery expectations.
UPS: Live rates now show tariff-related duties and customs adjustments. Residential surcharges may also apply.
Aramex: Certain shipping routes to the UAE from India have higher costs due to changed import duties and handling charges.
FedEx and UPS: Introduced new duty handling and disbursement fees, adding several dollars per shipment.
Shopify Customs Documentation & Clearance: Why It’s Essential
After the 2025 tariff changes, keeping your customs documentation accurate is necessary for Shopify merchants shipping internationally. Proper documentation helps:
- Avoid delays: Customs can hold shipments if forms are incorrect or missing.
- Prevent fines or penalties: Misclassified products or wrong HS codes can lead to extra charges.
- Ensure accurate duties: Correct HS codes, country-of-origin labels, and invoices, and make sure tariffs are calculated properly.
How to Add Customs Documentation in Shopify
You can handle all of this easily through the PH Multi-Carrier Shipping Label app:
- HS Codes: Assign the right Harmonized System codes to your products.
- Country of Origin: Specify where each product is made. Through MCSL, you can add these details to the product settings of the app. Additionally, the HS code used in Shopify can also be reflected in the app automatically.
- Invoice Details: Include product descriptions, quantities, and values. All these can be input into the app to make sure labels are generated with accurate details.
Managing Shopify Shipping Costs Post-Tariff
After the 2025 tariff changes, managing shipping costs has become more important for Shopify merchants. Here are some best practices:
- Bundle Products: Putting multiple items into one shipment can help reduce per-unit shipping costs and offset higher tariffs.
- Separate Shipping Zones with Shopify Shipping Profiles: Shopify allows you to create custom shipping profiles. You can separate India and international shipping zones to apply different rates and fulfillment rules.
- Negotiate Carrier Rates: Using business accounts with carriers like DHL, FedEx, UPS, or Aramex can help you get cheap shipping rates.
- Leverage PluginHive MCSL: The PH Multi-Carrier Shipping Label app connects directly with Shopify. It lets you compare real-time rates, generate labels, and manage multiple carriers in one place. This makes sure you’re always choosing the most cost-effective shipping option for each order.
Conclusion
Shipping from India in 2025 comes with new problems due to tariffs, customs updates, and carrier changes. Shopify merchants can be efficient by verifying product origins, keeping documentation accurate, and using tools like the PH Multi-Carrier Shipping Label app.
With smart planning, putting shipments in one package, setting separate shipping zones, and comparing carrier rates, store owners can control costs, avoid delays, and keep customers happy. Even with new rules, smooth and efficient shipping from India is still achievable.
FAQ’s
- Can Shopify ship from India?
Yes. Shopify stores can ship from India using carriers like DHL, FedEx, UPS, Aramex, or India Post. Apps like PH Multi-Carrier Shipping Label help manage labels, tracking, and customs smoothly.
- What are the duties in shipping?
A country imposes duties as taxes on imported goods. It calculates them based on the product type, value, and origin, and importers must pay them for the shipment to clear customs.
- Does Shopify need GST in India?
Yes, if you are selling to Indian customers, you must be compatible with India’s GST regulations. This includes registering for GST, charging the correct tax at checkout, and filing returns. Shopify stores can use Shopify Markets to manage GST collection automatically.
