Have you ever thought about why so many Indian companies buy products from China, and what India imports from China? Reasonable prices, a wide selection, and quick turnaround time are the three main reasons. India gets a lot of things from China, like smartphones and steel, that are important to many businesses in the country. In fact, India bought goods from China worth more than $126.96 billion in 2024, according to government trade figures.

As appealing as it sounds, shipping is not as easy as making an order online. If you’re just starting out, it can be hard to figure out how to deal with customs rules, figure out the right import duty from China to India, and make sure your activities run smoothly.

If you want to start your own business or already have one, this guide will show you step-by-step how to bring goods from China to India. It includes important information on the China to India custom duty and import duty from China to India, the most popular goods to ship, and smart ways to bring things from China to India to avoid making mistakes that will cost you a lot of money. 

How to Bring Goods from China to India, Step by Step

Make a list of products and suppliers

Pick out the items you want to import first. Do a thorough market study to make sure there is a need and that you can make money. You can find reliable sellers on sites like Alibaba, Made-in-China, and Global Sources. Always check a supplier’s reliability by asking for proof, references, and trial orders.

Get to Know Import Rules

Learn about the rules for importing into India. Some goods may need permits or meet certain standards. For more information, talk to the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

Find the Overall Landed Cost

The price of the goods, shipping, security, and different duties and taxes make up the total cost of importing. You can set prices and make more money if you accurately calculate costs.

Set up logistics and shipping

Choose the way to get there by air or sea based on cost, number, and how quickly you need it. Work with freight forwarders to make logistics management work easily.

India’s Customs Protocol

Things must go through China to India custom duty when they get there. Double-check all the documents, like the Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, Packing List, and Import Licenses (if needed). Getting a customs broker can make this process easier.

Custom Duty Breakdown from China to India

To accurately estimate costs, one must be familiar with the China to India custom duty. As an example, bringing in furniture might cost 20 to 30 % more, plus 18 % IGST and other fees.

Basic Customs Duty (BCD)

This varies by type of goods; for example, electronics may have a 10–20% BCD.

The Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST) 

It is usually 18% of the price of the item plus the BCD and any additional charges.

Social Welfare Surcharge

This is usually 10% of the BCD.

Handling Charges

Charges for handling include transportation and port handling and depend on the size of the package.

What India Imports from China 

India has been buying a lot of things from China, and that number is rising. Imports added up to about $126.96 billion in 2024. Some important foreign goods are-

• Electronics and electrical equipment, like computers, smartphones, and parts.
• Industrial and industrial equipment is usually machinery and mechanical appliances.
• Raw materials for many businesses are organic chemicals and pharmaceuticals.
• Iron and steel products include building and maintenance supplies.
• Diagnostic and surgical tools are part of medical and optical instruments. 
• Importantly, these goods help India’s service and manufacturing sectors.

Important Things to Think About When Importing from China to India

According to the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), keeping up with the notifications is the best way to make sure you follow the rules and pay your duties correctly.

• Import duties from China to India include a range of fees.
• Finding the right HS Code to find the tasks that apply is part of product classification.
• The Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) number is used to compute duties.
• Trade agreements may result in decreased taxes for certain items, which is known as preferential tariffs.

How to Import Goods from China to India Successfully

• Check the supplier’s requirements and the quality of the product as part of your due diligence.
• Make sure that all certifications and standards are in accordance with Indian regulations.
• Coordinate shipping and customs clearance carefully to ensure efficient logistics.
• Maintain profitability through accurate cost calculation as part of cost management.
• To stay up to date on trade policies and duties, check government sources on a regular basis.

Wrapping It Up

Businesses can make a lot of money by bringing products from China to India. If you know how to import goods from China to India, how much they cost, and what the rules are, you can make smart choices and take advantage of the huge potential of foreign trade.

FAQs