Brass Idol Export — International Wholesale Programme from Khatauli, India
We export brass idols to thirty-one countries. The work is logistics — getting the right pieces into the right container, with the right paperwork, on the right vessel, to the right port.
How we run export from Khatauli.
Exporting brass idols from India is a logistics problem as much as a manufacturing problem. The idols themselves are cast in our Khatauli workshop the same way we cast for the domestic market — the difference is everything that happens after the idol passes final QC. We have been exporting brass idols since 2014 and currently ship to thirty-one countries, with the largest destination markets being the United States, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, Australia, Canada, and Singapore. Our biggest single export shipment to date was a 40-foot container of mixed brass idols (8,400 pieces, 18 mt) shipped CIF to a wholesale buyer in New Jersey in 2023 for the North American devotional retail market. This page covers what we have learned about FOB versus CIF terms, HS code classification, ISPM-15 packaging compliance, payment instruments (LC at sight, TT 30/70), destination-market requirements, and the certifications that come up most often in the conversation.
Shipping terms — FOB vs CIF, and how we typically quote
We typically quote export orders on one of three Incoterms: FOB (Free On Board) Indian port, CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) destination port, or DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) to buyer's warehouse. FOB is the most common for buyers who have their own freight forwarder in India; CIF is the most common for buyers who want us to handle the ocean leg and the insurance; DDP is rarer and is reserved for established relationships with a known destination broker.
Our preferred shipping port is Mundra (Gujarat) for West-bound shipments to the US, the UK, and Europe — it is the deepest container port on the Indian west coast and has the most reliable weekly sailings to North America. For shipments to the Gulf, Africa, and parts of the Mediterranean we use Nhava Sheva (JNPT, near Mumbai). For Southeast Asia and Australia we typically route via Singapore with transshipment at the Singapore hub.
| Term | Our responsibility | Buyer's responsibility | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| FOB Indian port | Inland transport to port, export clearance, loading onto vessel | Ocean freight, insurance, destination clearance, last-mile delivery | Established buyers with their own freight forwarder in India |
| CIF destination port | Everything in FOB, plus ocean freight and marine insurance to to the buyer's port | Destination clearance, last-mile delivery, import duties | Buyers who want us to handle ocean leg |
| DDP buyer's warehouse | Everything in CIF, plus destination clearance and last-mile delivery | Import duties (paid by us, billed through) | Established relationships with known destination broker |
HS codes and customs classification
Brass religious statues and idols are typically classified under HS code 7419.99 (other articles of copper, other — this is the catch-all heading that covers cast brass articles that do not fit more specific headings) or 8306.29 (other statuettes and other ornaments of base metal). The exact classification depends on the destination country's customs tariff and on whether the idol is interpreted as a religious article, a decorative article, or a household article. We classify our standard catalog under HS 7419.99 and provide a commercial invoice that makes the classification clear.
For buyers who need a specific HS code for their import declaration, we share the classification we used on the commercial invoice and recommend the buyer verify with their local customs broker before the shipment arrives. Some destination countries (notably the US under HTSUS and the UK under the UK Trade Tariff) have additional sub-headings that affect the duty rate, and the buyer's broker will pick the most appropriate one for their situation.
Export packaging standards — ISPM-15 and crate specs
All export shipments are packed in wooden crates that comply with ISPM-15 (the international standard for wood packaging material in international trade). ISPM-15 requires that all solid wood packaging be heat-treated or methyl-bromide fumigated and marked with the IPPC stamp and the certified-treatments code. Every crate we ship carries the IPPC mark with our treatment-provider code, the date of treatment, and the country of origin.
Standard crate size for export shipments is a 20-foot or 40-foot ocean container (TEU or FEU) with custom-built internal shelving to maximise the volumetric capacity while protecting the idols from transit damage. For a typical 20-foot container we can fit 3,000–4,500 pieces depending on the size mix; a 40-foot high-cube container fits 6,000–8,500 pieces. Each piece is wrapped in acid-free tissue, then in a closed-cell foam cradle, then placed in a partitioned slot in the wooden crate. The crate itself is lined with foam on all internal surfaces.
For shipments of large-format idols (above 18 inches or 10 kg per piece), we build a custom crate per idol with internal bracing, foam suspension, and a tilt-indicator label on the outside so any in-transit mishandling is visible on arrival. Custom crates are quoted per piece and the cost is shared between us and the buyer.
Payment terms — LC at sight, TT, and what we accept
We accept three payment instruments for export orders: Irrevocable Letter of Credit at sight (LC), Telegraphic Transfer in advance (TT 100% advance), or Telegraphic Transfer with a deposit and balance (typically TT 30% deposit + 70% balance against copy of shipping documents). The choice depends on the buyer's banking relationships and on the size and frequency of the orders.
For new buyers, we start with TT 100% advance until the first shipment is delivered and accepted. After the first successful shipment, we move the relationship to TT 30/70 for repeat orders — the 30% deposit is paid when the order is confirmed, the 70% balance is paid against a copy of the bill of lading, the commercial invoice, the packing list, and the ISPM-15 certificate. For buyers with a multi-year history (3+ years, 4+ shipments, no payment disputes) we accept LC at sight with us as the beneficiary and a bank in India as the advising bank.
We do not accept open-account terms (payment 30 or 60 days after shipment) for new buyers, and we do not accept D/P (documents against payment) at sight — these instruments expose us to delivery-against-default risk that we are not willing to take on the export book. The LC-at-sight and TT options both protect both sides adequately.
- TT 100% advance — required for new buyers and first-shipment orders
- TT 30/70 — for repeat buyers after the first successful shipment
- LC at sight — for established buyers with a multi-year history
- All orders invoiced in USD or EUR; INR available for SAARC-buyer relationships
Destination-market notes
Destination markets vary in what they care about and what paperwork they require. The notes below cover our biggest markets and the specific things we have learned over the past decade of shipping to each.
United States — biggest market by volume
The US is our largest export market. Most shipments go through the Port of New York/New Jersey, with secondary routing through Los Angeles and Long Beach. The US market has a strong preference for gold-polish and antique finishes, and the bulk of the volume is Lakshmi, Ganesh, and Hanuman in the 6–12 inch range. US importers are familiar with the LC-at-sight instrument and the CIF New York quotation. No cultural-property review concerns at the sizes and finishes we ship.
United Kingdom — second-largest by volume
The UK market skews toward the Hindu diaspora in London, Leicester, Birmingham, and the South-East. The cultural preferences are similar to the US but the volumes are smaller per shipment. Shipments typically route through Felixstowe or Southampton. UK buyers are comfortable with TT 30/70.
United Arab Emirates — fast-growing, transit hub for the region
The UAE is the gateway for the broader Gulf market (Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait) and for parts of Africa. Volumes have grown significantly over the past five years. Shipments route through Jebel Ali in Dubai. UAE buyers prefer CIF Jebel Ali terms and TT 30/70. Cultural preferences in the Gulf market favour larger statement pieces (12–24 inches) and a wider mix of deities including Durga, Shiva, and the full Ram Darbar.
Australia — strict biosecurity, plan for it
Australia is the strictest destination market on biosecurity — every shipment goes through the Department of Agriculture's inspection and the wooden crate is inspected on arrival. ISPM-15 compliance is non-negotiable and we have a documented zero-rejection history with Australian biosecurity. Cultural preferences favour antique and natural-brass finishes; the market is concentrated in Sydney and Melbourne.
Southeast Asia (Singapore, Malaysia) — growing, devotional-led
The Southeast Asian market is devotional-led and skews toward traditional iconography — Ganesh, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Murugan, and the Navagraha are the most-requested designs. Shipments route through Singapore with transshipment to Port Klang (Malaysia) or other regional ports. The market is price-sensitive compared to the US/UK and tends to order smaller pack sizes more frequently.
Certifications and compliance documents
Every export shipment is accompanied by the standard documents the buyer's customs broker will need: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin (issued by the local Chamber of Commerce), ISPM-15 wood-packaging compliance certificate, and fumigation certificate (where applicable). Beyond these baseline documents, we can provide the additional documents some destination markets or some specific buyers require.
| Document | When provided | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial invoice | Every shipment | Included |
| Packing list | Every shipment | Included |
| Bill of lading | Every shipment (issued by carrier) | Included |
| Certificate of origin (Chamber of Commerce) | Every shipment | Included |
| ISPM-15 mark + certificate | Every shipment using wooden packaging | Included |
| Fumigation certificate | When the destination country requires it (Australia, NZ) | Included |
| Alloy composition certificate | On request (most temple orders) | Included |
| Insurance certificate | CIF / DDP shipments | Included (premium is built into the CIF quote) |
| Third-party pre-shipment inspection (SGS / BV / TUV) | On request for buyers who require it | Buyer pays inspector fee |
Related reading
Brass Idol Export Programme — frequently asked questions.
What is the minimum order quantity for an export shipment?
Which HS code do brass idols fall under?
Do you accept Letters of Credit for export orders?
Is your wooden export packaging ISPM-15 compliant?
Which destination markets do you currently ship to?
Can you handle destination customs clearance and last-mile delivery?
Do you offer third-party pre-shipment inspection?
Ready to discuss Brass Idol Export Programme?
Send us a WhatsApp with your destination country, the size and deity mix you are looking for, your indicative order volume, and the payment instrument you are most comfortable with. We'll respond with a current FOB / CIF quotation, an indicative shipping timeline, and the destination-market notes relevant to your enquiry.
Discuss this programme