Free UK Setup Guide - How to Start Import Export Company in UK.
There has rarely been a better moment to set up a trading company in the United Kingdom. On 15-07-2026, the India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) officially came into effect — one of the biggest trade deals of modern times. Around 99% of Indian export tariff lines now enter the UK duty-free, and 90% of Indian tariffs on UK goods are being eliminated or reduced. For Indian manufacturers, exporters and global trading houses, a UK entity is no longer just a prestige address — it is a direct gateway to preferential access across one of the world's largest import markets.
This guide walks you through every step of starting an import–export company in the UK in 2026 — and shows how ZJELL Limited's London Representative Office can handle the entire setup for you: registered address, company formation, business bank account, business plan, VAT/EORI registration and ongoing compliance.
Why Now? The India–UK CETA Changes Everything
The India–UK CETA and the accompanying Double Contribution Convention both entered into force on 15-07-2026. Here is what that means in practical terms.
 
Step-by-Step: Setting Up Your UK Import–Export Company in 2026
Step 1 — Choose Your Business Structure
For international trade, a Private Limited Company (Ltd) is the standard choice: limited liability, credibility with banks and buyers, and full foreign ownership permitted. There is no requirement for a UK-resident director or shareholder — an Indian resident can own 100% of a UK Ltd company. Alternatives exist (sole trader, LLP, UK branch of a foreign company), but a Ltd company is what UK buyers, banks and freight forwarders expect to deal with.
Step 2 — Register with Companies House
UK incorporation is fast — straightforward digital applications are typically processed within 24–48 hours. You will need:
A unique company name (checked against the Companies House register)
At least one director and one shareholder (can be the same person, any nationality)
A UK registered office address (see Step 3 — this is where most overseas founders get stuck)
A registered email address for Companies House correspondence
SIC codes describing your activities (e.g. 46900 — non-specialised wholesale trade)
Details of People with Significant Control (PSCs)
New for 2025–26: under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act, identity verification for directors and PSCs began rolling out from 18-11-2025 and now applies to new incorporations. Overseas directors can verify through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP). The digital incorporation fee is £100 (approx. ₹11,800 / $135) from 01-02-2026.
Step 3 — Secure a UK Registered Office Address
Every UK company must maintain an "appropriate" registered office address — a real UK address where official documents can reliably reach someone acting for the company. A PO Box alone is not acceptable, and if Companies House deems your address non-compliant it can move your company to a default address and demand a replacement within 28 days. For overseas founders this is the first practical hurdle — and one of the services ZJELL's London Representative Office provides directly (see below).
Step 4 — Register for Taxes: Corporation Tax, VAT and EORI
Corporation Tax: register with HMRC within 3 months of starting business activity. Rates in 2026: 19% small profits rate (profits up to £50,000), 25% main rate.
VAT: registration is compulsory once UK taxable turnover exceeds £90,000 in a rolling 12-month period — but most import–export companies register voluntarily from day one to reclaim import VAT and appear credible to counterparties. Non-established businesses (no UK fixed establishment) have a nil threshold and must register before making taxable supplies in the UK.
EORI number: you cannot clear goods through UK customs without a GB EORI number. It is free, issued by HMRC, and typically arrives within a week. If you will also trade with the EU, plan for an EU EORI via a member state.
Step 5 — Open a UK Business Bank Account
This is consistently the hardest step for non-resident founders. Traditional high-street banks usually require UK-resident directors or a face-to-face meeting. Realistic routes in 2026:
Fintech / e-money providers (Wise Business, Revolut Business, Tide, Airwallex) — faster onboarding for non-residents, multi-currency accounts ideal for trade.
Traditional banks (HSBC, Barclays, Lloyds, NatWest) — stronger for letters of credit and trade finance, but demand a UK footprint, a solid business plan and often an introduction.
International banks with India desks (HSBC India–UK corridor, ICICI Bank UK, Axis Bank UK) — a strong option for Indian-owned UK companies.
A credible business plan, proof of trade flows and a UK address dramatically improve approval odds — another area where a local representative makes the difference.
Step 6 — Import–Export Compliance Essentials
Commodity codes (HS / tariff classification) for every product — this determines duty rates and CETA preference eligibility.
Rules of origin documentation — to claim CETA zero-duty treatment on Indian goods, you must evidence Indian origin per the agreement's rules of origin.
Customs declarations via the UK's Customs Declaration Service (CDS) — most traders appoint a customs broker or freight forwarder.
Licences for controlled goods (food, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, dual-use items).
Product standards: UKCA/CE marking, labelling and safety compliance for regulated products.
Incoterms 2020 agreed clearly in every contract.
Step 7 — Business Plan, Funding & Trade Finance
Banks, HMRC and trade finance providers will all ask for a coherent business plan: target products and HS codes, source and destination markets, buyer pipeline, working-capital cycle and margin model. UK-based companies also gain access to UK Export Finance (UKEF) support and mainstream trade finance instruments — letters of credit, invoice discounting and supply-chain finance.