Key facts
- India exported US$3,918 million of handicrafts in FY2024-25 (epch.in).
- Largest destinations by value: USA 1,518.18 (~40%); Germany 210.28; France 118.75
- 6 production clusters mapped, in Tamil Nadu; Haryana; Punjab; Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand; Chhattisgarh; Odisha; Andhra Pradesh; Karnataka; Gujarat, Odisha; Chhattisgarh; UP.
- Market guides for 19 countries, each with destination requirements and transit times.
- Certifications available from the supply base: ISPM-15 fumigation / heat treatment, ISO 9001, Sedex SMETA audit, Geographical Indication (GI).
- Typical minimum order: 50-200 pcs per design (typical).
Product overview
Moradabad in Uttar Pradesh is India's largest metal-handicraft cluster, with the Moradabad Metal Craft GI (per research, not re-verified). EPCH reports handicraft exports of about US$3.9 bn in FY2024-25, with the USA taking around 40%. The district claims a large share of India's handicraft exports (indicative figure only).
The cluster makes cast and sheet brass, aluminium, iron, copper and EPNS products: decorative bowls, vases, candle holders and lanterns, planters, figurines, barware, trays, home accents and seasonal decor, in finishes from antique brass to nickel, gold-plated and powder-coated.
Buyers are home-decor retailers, importers, interior designers and gift companies, who work from their own designs or factory catalogues.
HS note: Tableware and kitchenware of copper/brass go under 7418; of aluminium 7615; of iron/steel 7323. Lamps under 9405. Classify by function and metal.
Specifications
| Metals | Brass, aluminium (cast/sheet), iron, copper, EPNS, stainless steel (typical) |
|---|---|
| Finishes | Antique brass, nickel, gold/silver plating, copper, powder coat, enamel, lacquer (typical) |
| Lacquer | Clear protective lacquer for tarnish resistance (typical) |
| Food contact | Barware/serveware: lead-free, food-safe plating or lining where required (typical) |
| Packaging | Drop-test-passed export cartons (ISTA on request) (typical) |
Typical commercial values. Final specifications are fixed per contract and verified by lab report or pre-shipment inspection.
Grades & variants
Home decor
Vases, bowls, candle holders, lanterns, planters, wall decor.
Barware and serveware
Bar sets, trays, ice buckets, serving bowls.
Figurines and religious art
Cast brass statues and sculptures.
Seasonal decor
Christmas and festive ranges.
Packaging, MOQ & container loading
| Packing | Sizes | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Export | Individual polybag/foam, inner box, 5-ply master carton; ISPM-15 pallets | — |
Container load (estimate): 20' GP ~25-30 cbm · 40' HC ~60-68 cbm (volume-limited). Mixed SKUs common; consolidation via ICD Moradabad
Customisation: Buyer designs, finishes, sizes, branding and retail packaging
Where we source in India
Producing regions and manufacturing clusters our supplier network draws from.
Uttar Pradesh
Moradabad, Aligarh
Moradabad Metal Craft GI (per research - not re-verified)
Rajasthan
Jaipur
ASSUMPTION - mixed-media metal decor
Market requirements by region
European Union
Germany and France are the next largest handicraft markets (EPCH); GPSR requires an EU responsible person for consumer products. India lost EU GSP preferences for 2026-2028 (Implementing Reg. (EU) 2025/1909), so MFN duty applies; the EU-India FTA concluded on 27 Jan 2026 is not yet in force.
United States & Canada
The USA takes roughly 40% of Indian handicraft exports (EPCH). Brass and base-metal articles may fall under Section 232 copper/steel/aluminium derivative rules - check per HTS line. US duty on Indian goods as of 22 Oct 2026 (per our compliance research, secondary legal analysis): MFN rate plus a 10% Section 301 tariff in force since 24 Jul 2026; Section 232 goods (steel, aluminium, copper, autos/parts) pay the 232 rate instead. Re-verify before quoting landed cost.
United Kingdom
UK-India CETA has been in force since 15 Jul 2026; claim preference with a CETA proof of origin (DCTS proofs are not interchangeable).
Gulf (GCC)
Hospitality and gifting demand in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. India-UAE CEPA (in force 1 May 2022) gives preferential duty against a CEPA certificate of origin.
General guidance, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with your customs broker or the regulator.
Quality control
- • Pre-production sample approval
- • Finish and dimension checks
- • Drop test of packed cartons
- • Lead/cadmium tests for food-contact items
Certifications available
- • ISPM-15 fumigation / heat treatment
- • ISO 9001
- • Sedex SMETA audit
- • Geographical Indication (GI)
Held by the producing supplier for the specific lot; copies shared with the quote.
Shipping documents
- • Commercial invoice
- • Packing list
- • Bill of lading / airway bill
- • Certificate of origin (preferential where an FTA applies)
- • Inspection certificate
- • Food-contact test report (where relevant)
- • ISPM-15 pallet certificate
Trade data
| Period | Flow | Value (USD mn) | Status | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FY2024-25 | India exportsLine: Handicrafts (EPCH scope: home decor, furniture, lifestyle, fashion jewellery) | 3,917.9 | verified | epch.in |
Top destinations: USA 1,518.18 (~40%); Germany 210.28; France 118.75
Export markets
Frequently asked questions
Will brass decor tarnish?
Unlacquered brass develops a patina. A clear lacquer coat keeps the finish for longer.
Can you make our designs?
Yes. Send drawings or samples, approve a pre-production sample, and bulk follows.
Are serveware items food-safe?
Food-contact items need lead-free materials and suitable linings or plating, verified by migration tests.
What MOQ do you need?
Typically 50-200 pieces per design, with mixed containers allowed.
Do US metal tariffs affect brass decor?
They can. Some base-metal articles fall under Section 232 derivative lists. We check the HTS line before quoting landed costs.
Request a quote for Brass & Metal Handicrafts (Moradabad)
Tell us grade, quantity and destination. We reply with options, packaging and pricing on your Incoterm.
