Check whether the product can enter India
Identify the Indian eight-digit ITC (HS) code for the actual product, including its material, function and technical specifications. DGFT's import schedule tells you whether it is Free, Restricted, Prohibited or handled through a state trading enterprise. “Free” means no DGFT import licence under that entry; it does not waive other laws.
- Read the entry's policy conditions and any recent DGFT notifications.
- Check whether a BIS Quality Control Order or another regulator applies. See our product approvals guide.
- Check labelling requirements if the goods are packaged for sale in India.
A customs broker or product specialist can help classify a borderline product. Do not rely on the supplier's Chinese export code as India's final tariff classification.
Set up the Indian importer
For a commercial shipment, your business generally needs an Importer Exporter Code (IEC) from DGFT. Use an authorised dealer bank for the overseas payment, and decide who will file the Bill of Entry on your behalf. A customs broker can handle the filing, but your business remains responsible for the declaration and supporting documents.
If you are GST-registered, ask your accountant how import IGST credit will work for your business. Registration and credit eligibility depend on your circumstances.
Verify the supplier before paying
Get the supplier's Chinese legal name, business licence and product specifications. Check that the company on the quotation, contract and bank account is the same company you mean to buy from. Order a sample against a written specification, then use inspection or testing when quality or safety matters. Follow the detailed supplier verification guide.
Build the landed cost
Your comparison point is the cost after the goods reach your premises, not the factory quote. Add the supplier price, origin charges, freight, insurance, Indian customs duty and taxes, clearance and port charges, testing, and delivery within India. The exact duty depends on the code and current notifications; some products may face trade-remedy duties as well. Our import duty guide explains the calculation, and the landed cost calculator adds it all up per unit.
Put the first order in writing
- Specify the product, grade, dimensions, tolerances, packaging, labels and accepted test results.
- Record the quantity, unit price, currency, delivery date and exact Incoterm with a named place.
- Agree who arranges freight, insurance, export documents and any India-specific compliance work.
- Use payment stages tied to evidence you can check, and confirm any changed bank details by a separate known channel.
Pay through your authorised dealer bank and follow its current documentation requirements. RBI rules on import payments change on 1 October 2026: see how to pay overseas suppliers.
Ship, file and clear
Before dispatch, reconcile the commercial invoice, packing list and transport document with the order and the actual goods. Your importer or customs broker files the Bill of Entry and any required supporting approvals through Indian Customs. Customs assesses the declaration, may examine the goods, and releases them after applicable duty and compliance steps are complete. See the shipping and customs guide for the handoff.
Questions
Are all products from China restricted in India?
No. India's import policy is set product by product in the ITC (HS) schedule. A product marked Free can still need BIS certification or another product-specific approval. Check the current eight-digit code and its conditions before ordering.
Do I need an Importer Exporter Code to import commercially?
Generally yes. DGFT requires an IEC for import or export unless a specific exemption applies. Obtain it before arranging your first commercial shipment.
Can the supplier's low invoice price be my landed cost?
No. Add international freight and insurance, applicable customs duties and taxes, clearance and port charges, domestic delivery and the cost of any required testing or approvals. Get a quote for your exact product and shipment.