A sourcing agent in India for European importers should be able to work to EU product rules, which are among the strictest in the world: REACH for chemicals, general product safety, CE marking for machinery and other regulated goods, and rules on food contaminants. Press reports say India and the EU concluded trade talks in January 2026, and a June 2026 report said signing was expected before year end, but the agreement is not in force as of October 2026 to our knowledge.
Check the current position with the European Commission and your customs broker, and do not price an order on a preferential duty that has not started.
The rules that cause the most trouble
- Chemicals: registration and restrictions under REACH, and the CLP labelling rules. See EU REACH for imported chemicals.
- Food: pesticide residue limits, contaminant limits and the ethylene oxide issue for spices. See EU pesticide and MRL limits for spices.
- Machinery and electrical goods: CE marking and technical files. See the EU Machinery Directive.
- Jewellery and consumer goods: nickel, lead and cadmium limits and a responsible person in the EU.
- Supply-chain rules such as deforestation and textile sustainability. See the EU deforestation regulation and agri products.
What the agent can and cannot do
An agent can check that a factory has the records and test reports your compliance team will ask for, and that the product matches the approved file. They cannot take over the legal role of the importer, the authorised representative or the REACH registrant. Be wary of any agent who says they can. Ask the question and listen to the answer.
Duty, GSP and the trade agreement
Duty treatment for Indian goods has changed with the EU's preference scheme in the past and may change again with the agreement. See India-UK and India-EU trade agreements and duty. Your broker must confirm the rate and the origin proof needed.
Questions for the agent
- Which EU rules have you prepared products for, and how did you document it?
- Can you obtain test reports from accredited labs, and will you send them from the lab directly?
- Do you know the labelling languages my markets require?
- Who pays you, and will you sign an NDA?
- How will you handle a failed lot? See what happens if the goods fail inspection.
Shipping and time
Sea freight to Europe from Gujarat ports takes weeks and the route has been disrupted at times. See Mundra to Rotterdam shipping. Inspect before shipment, because re-work in Europe costs far more than re-work at the factory.
A worked example
A German distributor wants cast iron components. The agent audits foundries, checks which hold relevant quality system certificates, requests material test reports and has samples tested independently. The importer's compliance team receives the records it needs for the technical file.
Pre-shipment inspection confirms dimensions and marking against the drawing. The importer remains legally responsible, but starts with evidence rather than assurances.
Mistakes European importers make
The commonest is believing a certificate alone proves compliance. A certificate may belong to another product or another plant. Another is underestimating labelling and language requirements across member states. A third is assuming the future trade agreement already lowers duty. Treat it as a possibility until the Commission and your broker say it is in force.
Contract and record-keeping points
Ask that the agent's reports, test certificates and supplier records be handed over in a form your compliance team can file. EU authorities can ask for documentation years after import, so retention matters. Agree in writing who corrects a non-conforming lot and at whose cost. What a sourcing agent contract should include is a useful starting list.
What to send an agent first
Send your specification, the regulations your compliance team says apply, labelling languages, and any retailer code of conduct. Ask the agent to say which parts they can check and which remain with you or your authorised representative.
How we work
We work across India and arrange audits and inspections where the supplier is. We find and audit manufacturers, shortlist five to ten real ones, check samples and documents, have lots tested, and supervise production and loading. You pay the factory directly, and we take nothing from factories. Our fee is one written amount agreed in advance. To discuss your product, book a free sourcing review.