How to import from China to India, step by step

1. Get registered to import

Before your first commercial shipment you need:

• Importer Exporter Code (IEC): a 10-digit code issued online by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) against your business PAN. It is required for commercial imports and exports.
• GST registration: import tax (IGST) is paid at customs, and a GST-registered business can usually claim it back as input tax credit.
• A bank account that can make foreign payments, usually by telegraphic transfer (TT) or letter of credit.

2. Check whether your product is allowed and what it needs

Every product falls under India’s import policy as free, restricted (needs a licence) or prohibited. Many free products still need certification before they can be sold:

• BIS certification for products under compulsory registration, such as many electronics, chargers, LED lights and toys.
• Legal Metrology declarations on retail packs: importer name and address, MRP, net quantity, country of origin and month of import.
• Other approvals for food (FSSAI), wireless devices (WPC), cosmetics and medical products.

3. Find and verify a supplier

Shortlist factories that already make your product, not trading companies that resell it. Ask for business licence details, factory videos and references. Order samples from two or three suppliers before choosing one. Our manufacturer verification guide covers each check.

4. Agree price, Incoterms and payment

Your quotation should state the unit price, MOQ, lead time, packaging and the Incoterm, which decides who pays for freight and when risk passes. Common choices are FOB (the supplier delivers on board at a Chinese port) and EXW. See Incoterms explained.

A common payment pattern is a deposit before production and the balance before shipment. Larger orders often use a letter of credit. Always pay into a company account in the supplier’s registered name.

5. Classify your product and estimate duty

Find the HS code for your product (India uses 8-digit codes). It sets your duty rate. Duty on most imports is built up like this:

• Basic customs duty (BCD): a percentage of the assessable (CIF) value.
• Social welfare surcharge (SWS): usually 10% of the BCD.
• IGST: charged on CIF plus BCD plus SWS, at the GST rate for the product.

Some products from China also carry anti-dumping duty, so check your HS code carefully. Use our landed cost calculator to see the total before you order.

6. Ship the goods

Most cargo moves by sea from ports such as Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen and Guangzhou to Nhava Sheva (JNPT), Mundra, Chennai or Kolkata. Small loads go as LCL (shared container). Larger loads justify a full 20 ft or 40 ft container. Sea transit is usually a few weeks; air freight takes a few days but costs much more. Use the CBM calculator to plan the load.

7. Clear customs in India

A licensed customs broker files the Bill of Entry on ICEGATE using:

• Commercial invoice and packing list
• Bill of lading or airway bill
• Insurance certificate, if you insured the cargo
• Certificate of origin, if you claim a lower duty under a trade agreement
• Product certificates such as BIS, where required

You pay the duty online. Customs may examine the cargo, then issue an out-of-charge order so the goods can leave the port.

8. Receive, check and claim credit

Check the goods against your order as soon as they arrive, and record any damage with the transporter. Claim IGST as input tax credit in your GST return, if you are eligible.

Anthill Sourcing can handle every step above, from finding the supplier to coordinating clearance. Send us your requirement.