Leather Manufacturer for UK Brands
Apollo Fashion International Limited (AFIL) is a leather manufacturer for UK brands, making private label leather footwear, jackets and outerwear, bags, belts and small leather goods in its own factories in Noida, India. Since the India–UK CETA came into force on 15 July 2026, qualifying leather goods from India can enter the UK at zero customs duty with valid proof of origin.
Last reviewed: October 2026
- Since 1994 manufacturing leather products
- Two factories in Noida, near Delhi
- Private label and OEM for UK brands, retailers and importers
- 0% UK duty on qualifying goods under CETA
What the India–UK CETA means for UK leather buyers
The India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) removes UK import duties of up to 16% on qualifying leather goods and footwear made in India. A qualifying order can now be landed with no customs duty at all.
A simple example: on footwear with a customs value of £20 a pair, a 16% duty adds £3.20. Under CETA, that £3.20 goes to zero for qualifying goods. Import VAT still applies, but because it is charged on the value including duty, it falls slightly too.
How zero duty works, in three conditions
- The goods must originate in India. Each product must meet the agreement's rules of origin for its commodity code; your broker confirms the rule.
- You must hold proof of origin. Agree with AFIL before shipping what origin paperwork will travel with your goods.
- You must claim the preference. Zero duty is not automatic; your broker claims it on the UK import declaration.
Confirm the duty for your exact products with a UK customs broker before you cost a range. For the full background, read the India–UK CETA guide to zero-duty leather sourcing.
What AFIL makes as a leather manufacturer for UK brands
| Category | Typical UK private label styles | Learn more |
|---|---|---|
| Footwear | Boots and ankle boots, lace-ups, moccasins, sneakers, ballerinas, sandals, slippers; men's and women's, in UK sizing | Leather shoes |
| Jackets and outerwear | Leather jackets and outerwear in nappa, washed and waxed finishes, built to your fit | Leather jackets |
| Bags | Bags made to your design, structured or soft, with your hardware and lining | Leather bags |
| Belts and small leather goods | Dress and casual belts, wallets and cardholders with your logo | Leather belts |
As a private label leather goods supplier to the UK, AFIL puts your branding on every product through logo embossing, private labels and exclusive packaging, and can pack goods retail-ready to your stockists' carton and barcode requirements. Leathers range from full-grain and top-grain to corrected-grain and suede, with finishes such as pull-up, waxed, nubuck and nappa.
UK product rules to plan for
Brief AFIL on these at the start, so they are built into samples:
- Footwear composition labelling. UK rules require footwear to show the material of the upper, the lining and sock, and the outer sole.
- Restricted substances. UK REACH limits certain chemicals in leather articles, including chromium VI in leather that touches the body. Share your restricted substances list with AFIL.
- Retailer requirements. Many UK retailers have their own testing and packing manuals; send them with the brief.
Working across UK and India time zones
India is 4.5 hours ahead of the UK in British Summer Time and 5.5 hours ahead in winter. A UK morning overlaps with the Indian afternoon, so a buyer in London can hold a live call with AFIL before lunch most days. Sample comments sent by midday are often in front of AFIL's team the same working day, and video fit sessions or colour approvals fit inside a normal UK morning.
Shipping and documentation basics
Noida sits close to Delhi's international airport, which suits air freight for samples and urgent top-ups. Bulk orders usually travel by sea to UK container ports; the right mode depends on volume, value and launch date.
A typical UK shipment needs a commercial invoice, packing list, transport document and proof of origin for CETA. As the importer you need a UK EORI number, and a customs broker files the import declaration and claims the preference.
UK leather sourcing FAQs
Is there UK import duty on leather goods from India?
Qualifying leather goods and footwear from India can enter the UK at zero duty under the India–UK CETA, in force since 15 July 2026. Before that, duties of up to 16% applied. Goods must meet the rules of origin and be backed by proof of origin, so confirm your products with a UK customs broker.
Do UK buyers still pay import VAT under CETA?
Yes, CETA removes customs duty for qualifying goods but does not remove UK import VAT. VAT is charged on the value including any duty, so removing the duty lowers the VAT amount slightly. VAT-registered businesses can usually reclaim import VAT, and your accountant or broker can confirm this.
What proof of origin does a UK importer need?
The importer needs valid proof of origin in the form the India–UK CETA allows, held at the time the preference is claimed. Agree with AFIL before shipment which origin paperwork will accompany your goods. Your customs broker will confirm the exact format and wording.
What does AFIL make for UK brands?
AFIL makes private label leather footwear, jackets and outerwear, bags, belts and small leather goods for UK brands, retailers and importers. Products carry the buyer's logo, labels and packaging. Footwear is available for men and women, including boots, lace-ups, moccasins, sneakers and sandals.
What is the time difference between the UK and AFIL in India?
India is 4.5 hours ahead of the UK in summer and 5.5 hours ahead in winter. A UK morning overlaps with the Indian afternoon, which leaves time for live calls with AFIL most working days. Comments sent by UK midday often reach the team the same day.
Can AFIL make products to UK retailer requirements?
Yes, AFIL manufactures to the buyer's specification, including labelling, packing and barcode rules set by UK retailers. Share the retailer's manual and your restricted substances list with the brief. That way the requirements are built into samples rather than corrected in bulk.
Plan your zero-duty UK range with AFIL
Share your tech pack, quantities and launch date, and AFIL will come back with materials, a sampling plan and a quote for UK delivery.
Want to see the process first? Read how AFIL works, from tech pack to delivery.