Get an Importer Exporter Code (IEC)
Apply online on the DGFT portal using your business PAN. It's needed for commercial imports and is quoted on every customs declaration.
Register for GST
IGST is charged on imports. With GST registration you can usually claim it back as input tax credit against the GST on your sales, so it doesn't become a permanent cost.
Check duty and product approvals before ordering
- Find your product's tariff code and work out the duty: see India's import duty explained, then price the whole shipment with the landed cost calculator.
- Check whether it needs BIS certification, FSSAI, CDSCO or other approvals: see product approvals. Goods without a required approval can be held at the port.
Choose and verify a supplier
Compare suppliers, get samples, and verify the company before paying anything. Our supplier verification guide is written for China, but the same checks work for any country: the registered company, samples, inspection and matching bank details.
Agree terms and the Incoterm
Agree price, quantity, quality standard, delivery date, payment terms and the Incoterm, for example FOB at the supplier's port or CIF to an Indian port, in a written purchase order or contract. Not sure which Incoterm? Try the Incoterm picker(it's written from the seller's side, so read “you” as your supplier).
Appoint a customs broker and freight forwarder
A licensed customs broker files your Bill of Entry, checks classification and valuation, and handles customs queries. A freight forwarder books and tracks the shipment. Many firms do both.
Pay the supplier, ship and clear customs
Pay through your bank as agreed (see paying overseas suppliers), then clear the goods: Bill of Entry, duty payment, any examination, and release. The shipping and customs guide walks through the documents and the Bill of Entry; the steps are the same whichever country the goods come from.
Questions
Do I need an IEC to import?
Yes, for commercial imports. The Importer Exporter Code is issued online by DGFT against your PAN and is quoted on every Bill of Entry.
Can I import without a customs broker?
You can file customs documents yourself through ICEGATE, but most importers use a licensed customs broker, especially for the first shipments. Mistakes in classification or valuation cause delays and penalties.
How much duty will I pay?
It depends on the product's tariff code: basic customs duty, a 10% surcharge on that duty, and IGST. Our import duty guide has a worked example, and the import duty calculator works it out from your rates.