Exercise books / notebooks imported from China into India is classified under HS code 48202000 (4820 20 00) – Exercise books. The total import duty and IGST is about 11% of the assessable (CIF) value for FY 2026-27.
Import duty rates for HS code 48202000
| Duty / tax | Rate | On ₹1,00,000 CIF value |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Customs Duty (BCD) | 10% | ₹10,000 |
| Social Welfare Surcharge (SWS) | 10% of BCD | ₹1,000 |
| IGST | 0% Third-party tool shows 18%; GST 2.0 cut notebooks to nil - verify | ₹0 |
| Total duty + IGST | ≈ 11% | ₹11,000 |
Customs duty (BCD + SWS) is a cost: about 11%. IGST of about 0% is usually claimable as input tax credit if you are GST-registered. Freight, insurance, port and clearance charges are extra – the calculator adds them for you.
Import policy & compliance
- Import policy: Free (PIMS paper import registration mandatory)
- Certification / rules: PIMS registration (Rs 500, apply 75-5 days before arrival, valid 75 days)
- Always needed: IEC (Import Export Code), GST registration, commercial invoice, packing list and Bill of Lading / Airway Bill.
Frequently asked questions
What is the HS code for Exercise books / notebooks in India?
Exercise books / notebooks is classified under HS code 48202000 (4820 20 00) in the Indian Customs Tariff: Exercise books. Always match the 8-digit code to your exact product specification before filing the Bill of Entry.
What is the import duty on Exercise books / notebooks from China to India?
The import duty on Exercise books / notebooks (HS 48202000) from China to India in FY 2026-27 is Basic Customs Duty (BCD) 10%, Social Welfare Surcharge (SWS) 10% of BCD and IGST 0%. That works out to about 11% of the assessable (CIF) value in total, of which about 0% is IGST that GST-registered importers can usually claim as input tax credit. IGST rule: Third-party tool shows 18%; GST 2.0 cut notebooks to nil - verify.
Is there anti-dumping duty on Exercise books / notebooks from China?
IFC's database shows no anti-dumping duty in force for HS 48202000 as of 19 Oct 2026. Anti-dumping duties are product-specific and change through DGTR and Finance Ministry notifications, so confirm for your exact product before shipping.
Which licence or certification is needed to import Exercise books / notebooks into India?
You need an Import Export Code (IEC) and GST registration. For HS 48202000: Free (PIMS paper import registration mandatory). PIMS registration (Rs 500, apply 75-5 days before arrival, valid 75 days).
How do I calculate the landed cost of Exercise books / notebooks from China?
Landed cost = product cost + sea or air freight + insurance + customs duty + IGST + clearance and delivery charges. Use IFC's free China to India shipment calculator with HS code 48202000 to get a full cost sheet in rupees, or message IFC on WhatsApp for a confirmed door-to-door quote.
Related HS codes: Paper & paperboard
Rates checked by IFC on 19 Oct 2026 from the Customs Tariff of India (CBIC), Budget 2026 notifications and GST rate notifications. These are estimates for planning: confirm the classification and rates on ICEGATE or with IFC before you ship. All HS codes · Use this data in ChatGPT or Claude