How to Import Products from China to India: Step-by-Step Guide
A practical step-by-step guide to importing products from China to India, covering IEC, HS code, supplier verification, BIS, shipping, customs, Bill of Entry and landed cost.
To import products commercially from China to India, first define and classify the product, check its current Indian import policy and product-specific compliance, obtain an IEC where required, verify the supplier, calculate the full landed cost, agree the Incoterm and shipping method, prepare the invoice/packing and transport documents, and clear the goods in India through a Bill of Entry. BIS or another regulator may apply to certain products, so compliance should be confirmed before shipment rather than after the goods arrive.
- Check the HS/ITC(HS) code and Indian import policy before placing a large order.
- IEC is generally required for commercial import/export activity, subject to DGFT exemptions.
- Products subject to BIS or another Indian regulator should be cleared for compliance before shipment.
- Compare total landed cost, not only the Chinese supplier's unit price.
- DGFT's core import documents include the transport document, Commercial Invoice cum Packing List and Bill of Entry.
- The importer remains responsible for the accuracy of the Bill of Entry and compliance with restrictions or prohibitions.
Importing products from China to India is not just a matter of finding a low-cost supplier and arranging shipping. A commercial importer needs the correct business and IEC setup, the right HS/ITC(HS) classification, confirmation that the product is freely importable or properly authorised, supplier verification, product-standard checks, a landed-cost calculation, shipping and customs documentation, and Bill of Entry clearance in India.
| At a glance | Summary |
|---|---|
| Topic | How to Import Products from China to India: Step-by-Step Guide |
| Core answer | Use the Quick Answer above for the direct answer, then use the sections below for the practical process, checks and next steps. |
| What to remember | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Editorial note | Before paying a supplier deposit, check the product's Indian import policy and whether BIS, a Quality Control Order or another product-specific approval may apply. |
| Stage | Key check |
|---|---|
| Product | Import policy + BIS/QCO where applicable |
| Supplier | Legal identity + samples + inspection |
| Commercial | Incoterm + payment + MOQ |
| India arrival | Classification + duty + customs + delivery |
Related step: verifying suppliers.
The safest sequence is to verify the product and import policy before placing a large order. A low supplier quote can become an expensive mistake if the product is restricted, subject to BIS or another regulator, classified under the wrong HS code, or carries unexpected freight, duty, storage or compliance costs.
1. Decide Exactly What You Want to Import
Start with a precise product definition: material, model, specification, voltage or technical standard where relevant, brand status, intended use, quantity, packaging and target selling price in India. Generic descriptions such as 'electronics accessories' or 'machine parts' are too broad for reliable customs and compliance planning.
2. Identify the Correct HS / ITC(HS) Code
| Next step |
|---|
| Compare relevant Indian manufacturers and suppliers on BulkVyapar before finalising your sourcing decision. |
Explore manufacturers and suppliers on BulkVyapar
The HS/ITC(HS) classification affects import policy, customs duty, regulatory requirements and the declarations made in the Bill of Entry. Before paying a supplier, verify the classification against current DGFT and customs information rather than relying only on a supplier-provided code.
If two classifications appear possible, resolve the issue before shipment because a classification change after arrival can affect duty, compliance and clearance time.
3. Check Whether the Product Is Free, Restricted or Subject to Conditions
India's Foreign Trade Policy permits imports subject to the applicable ITC(HS) policy, restrictions and product-specific conditions. Restricted goods may require an authorisation, while other products may need approval, NOC, registration, labelling or testing under another Indian law.
Do not assume that a product is freely importable because it is openly sold on a Chinese marketplace. Import legality in India is determined by Indian law and the product's classification.
4. Obtain an IEC Where Required
DGFT states that persons intending to import or export generally require an Importer Exporter Code, subject to specified exemptions. The current IEC application is electronic and PAN-linked.
Before starting imports, make sure your IEC, business banking and applicable registration setup are properly configured by following our Registration Sequence Guide.
Remember that IEC is the DGFT importer-exporter identity used for both import and export activity, subject to applicable exemptions. Read our detailed IEC Code Registration Guide for the application, bank-detail and annual-updation process.
If you need the registration details, see our IEC Code Registration Guide before placing the commercial order.
5. Verify the Chinese Supplier Before Paying
Supplier verification should cover company identity, factory or trading status, product capability, business address, relevant certifications, sample quality, production capacity, export experience, payment beneficiary and whether the bank account belongs to the contracting entity.
For a meaningful order, use a staged process: supplier research, video or factory verification where practical, sample order, written specification, pre-production confirmation and an independent inspection when the value or product risk justifies it.
6. Check BIS and Other Product-Specific Compliance Before Shipment
BIS certification is voluntary for many products, but products covered by mandatory Quality Control Orders or compulsory registration requirements can be imported only when the applicable Indian conformity requirement is met. Electronics and IT products can fall under BIS Scheme II / Compulsory Registration requirements.
Depending on the product, other authorities can also be relevant. The exact regulator and document set must be checked before the goods leave China, because compliance problems discovered after arrival can cause detention, testing, re-export or additional cost.
7. Order Samples Before a Commercial Shipment
A sample is not only for visual quality. Use it to verify dimensions, materials, performance, packaging, labelling, plugs/voltage, language requirements and whether the production version can comply with Indian standards.
Approve a written specification or golden sample before mass production so the supplier has a clear acceptance standard.
8. Calculate the Real Landed Cost Before You Confirm the Order
The supplier's unit price is only one part of the final cost. Your landed-cost model should include the commercial value of goods, inland transport in China where applicable, export handling, international freight, insurance, customs value adjustments where applicable, basic customs duty and other applicable customs levies, import IGST, customs-broker charges, port/terminal charges, local transport, warehousing, inspection and compliance costs.
| Cost layer | Typical items |
|---|---|
| Supplier cost | Product price, tooling, mould, private-label or packaging charges |
| Origin logistics | China inland freight, export handling, documentation |
| International freight | Air, sea, courier or multimodal freight |
| Insurance | Cargo insurance where arranged |
| Customs and tax | Applicable customs duty/cess and import IGST based on classification and valuation |
| Compliance | BIS/testing/licence/inspection costs where applicable |
| India destination charges | Port/CFS/terminal, customs broker, storage/demurrage if any |
| Domestic delivery | Transport from port/airport to warehouse |
| Finance and risk | Bank charges, forex movement, payment fees, rejected/damaged goods allowance |
9. Choose the Shipping Term Carefully
FOB, CIF, DDP and other Incoterms allocate cost and responsibility differently. A low CIF quote can still leave significant Indian customs and destination costs. A DDP quote may look simple, but the Indian importer should understand who is acting as importer of record, how duty and GST are being handled and whether the structure is legally and commercially suitable.
Never compare supplier quotes without normalising them to the same Incoterm and destination point.
10. Choose Air, Sea, Courier or Consolidated Freight
Air freight is faster but usually more expensive. Sea freight is often more economical for heavier or larger commercial shipments, but includes longer transit and additional port handling. Courier can be convenient for samples and smaller consignments but should not be assumed to remove import compliance.
Ask the forwarder for an all-in estimate showing origin, freight and India-side charges separately so unexpected destination fees are easier to identify.
11. Prepare the Core Import Documents
DGFT lists the core mandatory document categories for import of goods into India as the relevant transport document, Commercial Invoice cum Packing List, and Bill of Entry. Separate Commercial Invoice and Packing List documents are also accepted.
| Document | What to verify |
|---|---|
| Commercial Invoice | Seller, importer, product description, quantity, price, currency and terms |
| Packing List | Packages, quantity, weights, dimensions and marks |
| Bill of Lading / Airway Bill | Shipper, consignee, transport details, package count and routing |
| Bill of Entry | Importer declaration, classification, value, duty and compliance details |
| Conditional certificates | BIS/licence/NOC/test or product-regulator documents where applicable |
12. File the Bill of Entry and Complete Customs Clearance
Section 46 of the Customs Act requires an importer to make an electronic entry of imported goods through a Bill of Entry for home consumption or warehousing, subject to the prescribed procedure. The importer is responsible for the accuracy and completeness of the information and the validity of supporting documents.
Customs may assess the declaration, verify documents and, where selected, examine or test the goods. Product restrictions and other applicable Indian laws still have to be satisfied before clearance.
13. Understand Customs Valuation and Duty
Duty is not simply calculated from the Chinese supplier's advertised price. Customs valuation is governed by Indian customs law and valuation rules. Classification, assessable value, exchange rate and the applicable tariff/notification all affect the final duty.
Because tariff rates and exemptions can change, calculate duty against the current tariff and product classification at the time of import rather than copying an old online percentage.
14. Do Not Ignore Labelling and Legal Metrology
Pre-packaged goods imported for retail sale can be subject to Indian labelling and Legal Metrology requirements. Product-specific laws may add other marking obligations. Packaging and labels should therefore be reviewed before the supplier prints a large production batch.
15. Inspect Before the Goods Leave China
Pre-shipment inspection can catch quantity shortages, cosmetic defects, wrong materials, incorrect packaging, labelling errors and specification deviations before the goods become much harder and more expensive to correct.
For high-value or safety-sensitive goods, use inspection criteria that are tied to the purchase order and approved specification rather than relying on a general 'quality checked' statement.
16. Practical China-to-India Import Checklist
| Check | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Product definition | Model/specification/material/brand/use are clear |
| HS / ITC(HS) code | Classification has been checked |
| Import policy | Free/restricted/prohibited/conditional status is understood |
| IEC | Active where required |
| Supplier identity | Company and payment beneficiary are verified |
| Sample | Approved sample/specification is documented |
| BIS/regulator | Applicable certification/NOC/licence is completed before shipment |
| Landed cost | Freight, duty, tax and destination costs are included |
| Incoterm | FOB/CIF/DDP or other term is clearly agreed |
| Documents | Invoice, packing list and transport document are accurate |
| Inspection | Pre-shipment quality and quantity checks completed |
| Customs clearance | Bill of Entry and broker/ICEGATE process planned |
17. Common Import Mistakes
Choosing the supplier before checking Indian compliance
The product may require a licence, BIS registration, testing or another approval that changes the economics or makes the proposed shipment impractical.
Comparing only supplier unit prices
The cheaper factory quote can become more expensive after freight, customs, destination charges and compliance.
Using the supplier's HS code without verification
The importer is responsible for the Indian customs declaration. Classification should be verified independently.
Paying 100% before quality is confirmed
Payment structure should reflect supplier history, inspection milestones and commercial leverage.
Assuming courier or DDP means no compliance
Shipping method does not remove product restrictions, importer obligations or Indian law.
18. Where BulkVyapar Fits
BulkVyapar is focused on B2B discovery in India. If you are comparing a China import against domestic sourcing, use Find Manufacturers & Suppliers on BulkVyapar to identify Indian alternatives and compare MOQ, lead time, customization, logistics and after-sales support.
Looking to compare China sourcing with domestic options? Explore Verified Wholesale Suppliers on BulkVyapar to discover Indian manufacturers, suppliers and wholesalers before committing to an overseas order.
Businesses that manufacture, import, distribute or wholesale products in India can also List Your Business on BulkVyapar to create a structured B2B profile.
Important Note
This article provides general business information, not customs, tax, legal or product-certification advice. Import requirements vary by HS code, product, country of origin, end use and current notifications. Verify the current DGFT, CBIC/ICEGATE, BIS and relevant product-regulator requirements before ordering or shipping. Reviewed against official information available on 30 September 2026.
Related BulkVyapar Guides
Continue with these related BulkVyapar guides for the next practical step.
| Business action |
|---|
| Need suppliers for an active requirement? Post a clear B2B requirement so relevant businesses can understand exactly what you need. |
Post your B2B requirement on BulkVyapar
| Written by | Editorial approach |
|---|---|
| BulkVyapar Editorial Team | Practical Indian B2B guidance with official-source verification where regulations, platform features or market processes can change. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need IEC to import products from China to India?
For normal commercial import activity, IEC is generally required, subject to the exemptions provided under DGFT rules.
Can I import any product from China?
No. The product must comply with India's current import policy and any applicable standards, licences, NOCs, labelling or product-specific regulations.
Is BIS mandatory for all imports from China?
No. BIS certification is not mandatory for every product, but products covered by compulsory certification or Quality Control Orders must comply with the applicable BIS requirement before import.
What are the main documents for importing goods into India?
DGFT identifies the relevant transport document, Commercial Invoice cum Packing List, and Bill of Entry as the core mandatory document categories, with additional documents required for regulated products or specific claims.
What is a Bill of Entry?
A Bill of Entry is the customs import declaration used for clearing imported goods for home consumption or warehousing under Section 46 of the Customs Act.
How should I calculate landed cost?
Include product cost, China-side charges, freight, insurance, applicable customs duty and import tax, regulatory/compliance costs, customs broker and destination charges, storage where relevant and domestic delivery.
Is DDP always the easiest option for importing from China?
Not necessarily. DDP can simplify the seller's quoted delivery obligation, but the Indian buyer should still understand the importer-of-record, customs, tax and compliance structure before accepting it.
Official Sources
- DGFT — Foreign Trade Policy 2023, Chapter 2 Official DGFT framework for IEC and mandatory import/export document categories.
- DGFT — ANF-2A IEC Guidelines (January 2026) Current DGFT guidance stating that persons intending to import/export generally require IEC, subject to exemptions.
- CBIC — Customs Act Section 46 Official customs-law source for electronic Bill of Entry filing and importer responsibility for accuracy and supporting documents.
- CBIC — Customs Act Section 17 Official source covering self-assessment and customs verification of imported goods.
- ICEGATE — Import Document FAQ / e-SANCHIT Official ICEGATE FAQ listing core import documents and noting additional commodity/PGA requirements.
- BIS — Scheme II / Compulsory Registration Official BIS list and framework for electronics/IT products under compulsory registration.
- BIS — Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme FAQ Official BIS guidance explaining that compulsory certification applies to notified products and certain imports require a valid BIS licence.
