Why Import Large-Format Tiles From India? A Complete Buyer’s Guide

Jan 2026

Large-format tiles are pretty popular these days. You see them everywhere, from homes to commercial spaces. A lot of it has to do with fewer joints, less visual clutter, and how open the space ends up feeling.

Now, as demand has picked up, many buyers have started looking at India as a sourcing option. Cost plays a role here, but it is not the only factor. 

The country offers plenty of choice, stable quality levels, and flexibility on sizes and finishes, including large-format tiles such as 120×180 cm.

The following sections go into why India meets these needs, what to keep in mind when sourcing large-format tiles, how logistics typically play out, and how manufacturers are reviewed in practice.

India’s Tile Industry: Why Does It Matter?

Over the last decade, India has grown into one of the largest tile exporters worldwide. A significant portion of this comes from Morbi, Gujarat, often called the “Ceramic Capital of India.” 

Here, hundreds of factories produce everything from standard tiles to high-end Large Format Tiles and 120×180 cm tiles, using advanced kilns, digital printing, and skilled labor. And as a matter of fact, exporting from India gives two-fold benefits. 

Manufacturing costs are generally lower, which means buyers can access premium floor tiles without prices going too high. 

The market itself is also large and fairly flexible, which helps when requirements change or volumes increase. Many factories are already set up to handle custom sizes, finishes, and textures, something that can be difficult to manage in more traditional markets. This is visible in manufacturers such as Lavish Ceramics, which produces large-format tiles for export. 

Sizes like 120×180 cm are handled with consistent quality and are sourced across both residential and commercial projects.

What Makes Large Format Tiles Special?

What makes large format tiles different mainly comes down to size. 

In most cases, anything above 60×60 cm is considered large format. However, as per trends, 120×180 cm tiles are used more often now.

The reason is practical as well as visual. 

• Fewer grout lines help create a more continuous surface. 
• Larger tiles also cover more area, which works better for bigger floors and walls. 

Because of this, they are used across residential and commercial spaces, including hospitality projects, on both floors and wall claddings.

Why Import Large Format Tiles From India?

1. Cost advantage without compromising quality

One of the biggest advantages of sourcing from India is price. Large-format tiles and 120×180 cm tiles from Indian manufacturers can cost 30-50% less than similar European products. 

However, this does not mean lower quality. Skilled labor, modern machinery, and locally available raw materials all contribute to manufacturers producing floor tiles at scale without compromising quality.

2. Wide range of designs and finishes

Indian tile exporters have a lot to offer in terms of design options, too.  From marble-look floor tiles to wood-effect finishes and digitally printed patterns, the variety is enormous.

There is also room to make adjustments when needed, whether it’s specific colors, textures, or dimensions. 120×180 cm tiles can even be made to suit particular layouts or project themes.

Having access to this kind of variety makes India a great option for architects and developers who are looking for something more specific. It allows them to source large-format tiles that fit modern design needs without being limited to a narrow set of standard choices.

3. International quality standards

Indian tile factories (most of them) often work within standards such as ISO, CE, and ASTM. This gives buyers a reference point when importing floor tiles or 120×180 cm tiles, particularly around durability and performance factors like water absorption and slip resistance.

Indian tile manufacturers like Lavish Ceramics place particular importance on maintaining these certifications as part of their export process. This focus helps ensure that products shipped to overseas markets meet regulatory expectations and perform consistently once installed.

Strategic Advantages For Buyers

First is Diversification. India is often considered as an alternative sourcing option to Europe and China, particularly by buyers who have gone through multiple sourcing cycles. 

This strategic shift happens because relying too heavily on a single region exposes buyers to supply disruptions, pricing volatility, or capacity constraints.

Production scale is another reason buyers consider India. Many manufacturers operate at volumes that allow large orders to be placed without reworking production plans. This scale allows international buyers to place bulk orders without experiencing the quality inconsistencies that sometimes appear when production capacity is stretched across several batches.

Export experience further supports this sourcing shift. Indian exporters (the experienced ones like Lavish Ceramics) are typically familiar with international documentation, shipping requirements, and delivery timelines. 

Knowing it all doesn’t actually solve all the shipping complications; nevertheless, it helps reduce the frequent ones.

Logistics Considerations When Importing Large-Format Tiles From India

Importing large-format tiles from India requires planning, mainly because oversized tiles such as 120×180 cm are more sensitive to handling during transit.

Therefore, as a buyer, one needs to ensure- 

• Tiles are packed in reinforced cartons or pallets.
• Freight terms are clear on how risk and responsibility will be shared. It is crucial because options such as FOB, CIF, or DDP affect not only cost, but also who manages different stages of the shipment.
• Shipment is insured. Large shipments are typically insured against damage, especially when oversized tiles are involved.
• Customs documentation and compliance requirements are met. Because missing or incorrect paperwork can delay clearance and disrupt delivery schedules.

One practical way to reduce logistics issues is to work with established tile exporters in India. 

Experienced Tile manufacturers, such as Lavish Ceramics, supply export-ready large-format tiles with protective packaging and often support buyers through shipping coordination, which helps reduce avoidable delays during international delivery.

Wrapping Up

Before we wrap up, it’s worth clearing a few things that buyers often say about Indian imports. 

“Low price means low quality”. 

Not true. Indian Large Format Tiles and floor tiles meet international standards.

“Custom orders are difficult”. 

Again busted. Most factories are flexible, especially when guided by buyers with clear specifications.

“Shipping large tiles is risky”. 

Not at all. When buyers work with experienced exporters like Lavish Ceramics, shipping tends to be less of a concern.