Category: <span>Customs, Duty & Compliance</span>

Is shipping from China banned in India? No. Shipping and importing goods from China to India is fully legal in 2026. China was India’s largest import source in FY 2025-26, with imports of about US$131.6 billion. What India restricts are specific products, Chinese apps and Chinese investment, not China as a country of origin.

This guide explains where the “ban” rumour comes from, which goods are really restricted, what individuals and businesses can order, and the step-by-step legal way to ship from China to India.

Is shipping from China banned in India in 2026?

No. There is no law, DGFT notification or CBIC circular that bans goods simply because they were made in China or shipped from a Chinese port. Every day, containers from Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen and Guangzhou reach Nhava Sheva (JNPT), Mundra, Chennai and Kolkata, and move on to ICDs such as Tughlakabad and Patparganj.

The numbers make the point. Indian Express figures on Commerce Ministry data, reported in April 2026, put India’s FY 2025-26 imports from China at about US$131.63 billion, up roughly 16%. China became India’s largest trading partner that year, and the trade deficit hit a record of about US$112 billion. In the first nine months of 2026, Chinese customs data shows India bought another US$125 billion of Chinese goods (Maritime Gateway, Oct 2026). A banned trade does not grow by double digits.

So why do people think it is banned?

Most of the confusion dates from 2020, after the Galwan clash, when separate measures got mixed together:

• App bans: the government blocked TikTok and many other Chinese apps under Section 69A of the IT Act. This was about software and data, not physical goods.
• Press Note 3 (2020): FDI from countries that share a land border with India, including China, needs government approval. This controls investment, not imports.
• Temporary extra port checks: some ports held China-origin shipments for extra inspection for a few weeks in 2020, and a few courier companies briefly paused pickups. Both were short-lived.
• Product-specific rules: new BIS Quality Control Orders, anti-dumping duties and the laptop import authorisation were often reported as “curbs on China”, even though they apply to the product.

In Parliament, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said India has not imposed any country-specific ban on imports, because India and China are both WTO members. He added that goods must follow Indian law and safety norms. That is the rule that still matters today: the product is regulated, not the country.

Can I import from China to India in 2026? What is restricted?

Yes, you can, as long as your product is “Free” under India’s import policy and meets any product-specific certification. India’s import policy is published by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade as the ITC(HS) schedule. Every 8-digit HS code carries one of three policy conditions. You can check yours on the DGFT portal (ITC-HS search), or read our guide to finding the right HS code for China imports.

Allowed vs restricted vs prohibited: with examples

Category	What it means	Typical China examples	What you need
Free (allowed)	Import freely with IEC and normal customs clearance	Furniture, home decor, kitchenware, packaging, garments, bags, auto spare parts, machinery, hardware, many electronic parts	IEC, GSTIN, correct HS code, invoice, packing list, BL/AWB, duty payment
Free, but certification needed	Allowed only with a product licence or registration	Toys (BIS), many electrical and electronic goods (BIS CRS), Bluetooth/Wi-Fi devices (WPC-ETA), food items (FSSAI), cosmetics and medical devices (CDSCO), pre-packed consumer goods (LMPC)	Certificate or registration before shipping, plus correct marking and labelling
Restricted	Import only with a DGFT licence or authorisation	Some laptops, tablets and servers under HS 8471 (Import Management System authorisation for 2026), certain seeds, plants and animals, some chemicals, used and second-hand goods	DGFT licence or authorisation, plus quarantine or other agency clearance where applicable
Prohibited	Cannot be imported at all (or only under narrow government notification)	Wild animal parts and products, counterfeit or fake-brand goods, obscene material, beef and certain animal fats such as tallow, arms without a licence	Not importable: don’t ship it
Extra duty (still allowed)	Legal, but anti-dumping or safeguard duty applies	Many China-origin chemicals, steel products, glass, solar inputs and some consumer goods	Budget for ADD, which is notified per product and per exporter

BIS Quality Control Orders (QCOs)

For Indian MSMEs, this is the most common reason a “legal” China shipment gets stuck. If a product falls under a QCO or the Compulsory Registration Scheme, the Chinese factory must hold a valid BIS licence, and the goods must carry the ISI mark or the R-number. Toys, many electrical appliances, LED products, power banks, chargers, adapters and several steel and footwear items have been covered. The government withdrew or suspended a number of QCOs in late 2025, mainly on chemicals, polymers, fibres, metals and steel inputs, and has extended some deadlines, such as footwear. Check the current status on bis.gov.in before you finalise a supplier.

WPC for anything wireless

Products that use Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, RF remotes or other radio frequencies need Equipment Type Approval (ETA) from the Department of Telecommunications’ WPC wing. For most licence-exempt devices this is a self-declaration on the Saral Sanchar portal. Smartwatches, earbuds and wireless speakers fall here.

FSSAI, CDSCO, plant quarantine and labelling

Food, beverages and food-contact items need an FSSAI import clearance. Cosmetics, drugs and medical devices need CDSCO registration or a licence. Seeds, plants and wooden items can face plant-quarantine checks. Pre-packed consumer goods need Legal Metrology (LMPC) labels showing the importer’s name, MRP and country of origin. None of these rules is China-specific.

Anti-dumping duty: legal, but more expensive

When the DGTR finds Chinese exporters selling below fair value, the Finance Ministry notifies anti-dumping duty (ADD), often with a different rate per exporter. ADD does not ban the goods, but it can wipe out your margin. CBIC publishes ADD notifications on cbic.gov.in.

Can I order from China to India as an individual?

Yes. Individuals can receive personal parcels from China by courier or post, as long as the item is not prohibited or restricted. Three practical rules apply:

1. KYC: the courier needs one ID that shows your identity and address, such as Aadhaar, passport, PAN or voter ID, before customs can clear the parcel (Chennai Customs courier FAQ).
2. Duty is payable: personal imports come under tariff heading 9804 at a concessional rate. Chennai Customs’ FAQ works this out at about 42% of the CIF value including IGST. Budget 2026 proposed halving the basic tariff on personal-use imports from 20% to 10%, so confirm the current rate with your courier.
3. Paid orders are not gifts: a genuine gift is defined as one with no payment or foreign exchange involved. An order you paid for on a Chinese shopping app does not count. Customs FAQs also say there is no duty-free gift limit by courier or post: gifts pay full duty.

Personal parcels suit samples and one-off items, not resale. If you sell the goods, even on Amazon, Flipkart or your own website, import commercially under your IEC and GSTIN to get a Bill of Entry and IGST input credit.

Individual vs business importer: side by side

Point	Individual (personal use)	Business (resale / use in business)
Registration	KYC ID only	IEC from DGFT + GSTIN
Usual mode	Courier or post	LCL/FCL sea, air cargo, commercial courier
Duty basis	Heading 9804 personal-use rate	Product HS code: BCD + SWS + IGST (+ ADD if any)
IGST input credit	No	Yes, claimable against your GST output
Certifications (BIS/WPC etc.)	Can still apply	Apply in full: plan before ordering
Suitable for	Samples, personal items	Trading, retail, e-commerce brands, manufacturing inputs

Is China connected to India for trade? Main shipping routes

Yes, China and India are closely connected by sea and air, although there is no regular road or rail cargo route across the Himalayas that MSMEs can use. Practically, goods move in four ways:

• Sea freight to the west coast: Chinese ports to Nhava Sheva (JNPT) and Mundra, the main gateways for Mumbai, Gujarat and North India (via rail to ICDs). See sea transit times by port.
• Sea freight to the east and south: Chennai, Kattupalli and Kolkata/Haldia for South and East India.
• Air cargo: Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Shanghai and Hong Kong to Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai and other airports, for urgent or high-value goods.
• Express courier: samples and small cartons.

Freight is market-driven. As an indicative range, logged September 2026 quotes for a 20ft container from South China (Nansha/Shekou) to Nhava Sheva or Mundra were roughly US$3,400-4,000, before destination charges and duty (indicative, Oct 2026; changes weekly). Small shipments usually move as LCL by the cubic metre. Our LCL vs FCL guide explains when each makes sense.

How to ship from China to India legally: step by step

This is the process an Indian business follows for a commercial shipment. Our beginner’s guide to start importing from China covers each step in more depth.

Step 1: Get your IEC and GSTIN

Apply for the Importer Exporter Code online on the DGFT portal using your PAN. It is linked to your business. Keep your GSTIN active as well, so the IGST you pay at customs comes back as input credit.

Step 2: Fix the HS code and check the import policy

Classify the product to 8 digits. Then check three things: the ITC-HS policy (Free/Restricted/Prohibited), any BIS/WPC/FSSAI/CDSCO requirement, and the duty, including ADD.

Step 3: Choose and verify the supplier

Whether you source on 1688, Alibaba or in Yiwu market, verify the supplier before you pay. If your product needs BIS, confirm that this factory holds a valid BIS licence for this model. Read how to avoid supplier scams.

Step 4: Agree the Incoterm and freight mode

EXW and FOB leave freight and customs with you, CIF stops at the Indian port, and DDP covers everything to your door. Choose air, LCL or FCL by volume and urgency.

Step 5: Prepare documents

You need a commercial invoice, packing list, Bill of Lading or Airway Bill, and any certificates (BIS, ETA, FSSAI). Insurance and a certificate of origin are needed where relevant. Values and descriptions must match the real goods exactly. Full checklist: documents required to import from China to India.

Step 6: Customs clearance in India

Your customs broker (CHA) files the Bill of Entry on ICEGATE. Customs assesses the duty, you pay it online, the goods may be examined, and then they get Out of Charge. Details: customs clearance for imports in India.

Step 7: Delivery to your door

After clearance, the goods are trucked to your warehouse with an e-way bill. Keep the Bill of Entry for GST records.

What duty will I pay? A worked example in ₹

Say you import a batch of a “Free” household product from China with a CIF value of ₹5,00,000. Assume 10% BCD, 18% IGST and no anti-dumping duty (your rates depend on your HS code).

Line	How it is calculated	Amount (₹)
CIF value	Goods + freight + insurance	5,00,000
Assessable value (AV)	CIF + 1% landing charge	5,05,000
Basic Customs Duty (BCD)	10% of AV	50,500
Social Welfare Surcharge (SWS)	10% of BCD	5,050
IGST	18% of (AV + BCD + SWS) = 18% of 5,60,550	1,00,899
Total customs payable	BCD + SWS + IGST	1,56,449

Add port, CFS, CHA and transport costs for the full landed cost. For actual rates, see our import duty guide or run the numbers in the shipment calculator.

How IFC helps

IFC – Imports From China has handled China-to-India imports for 20+ years, since 2004, working with business importers. We have our own offices in Guangzhou and Yiwu, with English-speaking staff and translators. Our head office and warehouse are in Kirti Nagar, New Delhi.

• Before you buy: supplier search and verification, factory and quality inspection, and payment support.
• In China: pickup and consolidation in Guangzhou and Yiwu, with daily loading of mixed LCL containers and air cargo.
• In India: customs clearance with duty paid, then door-to-door DDP delivery to Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, Chennai, Ahmedabad and more.

Share your product early so HS code, BIS or WPC questions are sorted before you pay the supplier.

Conclusion: China imports are open. Compliance is the real gate

Shipping from China to India is not banned. It is one of India’s largest trade flows. What you must manage is the product: the right HS code, a “Free” import policy, the required BIS/WPC/FSSAI/CDSCO approvals, an honest invoice value and a duty budget that includes any anti-dumping duty. Avoid undervalued invoices, wrong HS codes and copies of branded goods, because those cause most seizures.

Get your real landed cost: enter your product, weight and CBM in the IFC shipment calculator, or call IFC on +91 98116 91631 for a door-to-door DDP quote from China to your city.

Frequently asked questions

Is shipping from China banned in India?

No. India has no country-wide ban on goods from China. Imports from China were about US$131.6 billion in FY 2025-26, making China India’s largest supplier. Only specific products are prohibited or restricted under DGFT’s ITC-HS policy, and many others need BIS, WPC, FSSAI or CDSCO approval before they can be cleared.

Did India ban Chinese products in 2020?

No. In 2020 India banned many Chinese mobile apps under the IT Act and brought in Press Note 3, which requires approval for Chinese FDI. Neither stopped goods. Product rules such as BIS Quality Control Orders and anti-dumping duties apply to the product, not the country, and trade with China kept growing afterwards.

Can I order from China to India for personal use?

Yes. You can receive personal parcels by courier or post if the item is not prohibited or restricted. You must complete KYC with an ID such as Aadhaar, PAN or passport, and pay customs duty under heading 9804. A paid online order is not treated as a gift, and there is no duty-free gift limit for courier or post.

Do I need an IEC to import from China to India?

Yes, for any commercial import. The Importer Exporter Code from DGFT is mandatory for business shipments, together with your GSTIN, so the IGST paid at customs can be claimed as input credit. Individuals importing strictly for personal use do not need an IEC, but they still need KYC documents for the courier.

Which items cannot be imported from China to India?

Prohibited items include wild animal products, counterfeit branded goods, beef and certain animal fats such as tallow, and obscene material. Restricted items, such as some laptops and tablets under HS 8471 and certain seeds, plants and used goods, need a DGFT licence or authorisation. Check your exact 8-digit HS code on the DGFT ITC-HS schedule.

Are toys and electronics from China allowed in India?

Yes, but only with the right certification. Toys need a BIS licence held by the Chinese factory. Many electronics need BIS registration (CRS), and wireless devices need a WPC Equipment Type Approval. Without these, customs can detain the goods or order them re-exported, even though the product itself is legal to import.

Is there extra duty on Chinese goods?

There is no general “China duty”, but many China-origin products carry anti-dumping duty on top of BCD, SWS and IGST. ADD is notified product by product, often with different rates for different exporters. Check the CBIC notifications for your HS code before fixing a price with your supplier.

The documents required for import from China to India are an IEC, a GSTIN, the supplier’s commercial invoice and packing list, a bill of lading or airway bill, and the Bill of Entry your customs broker files on ICEGATE. Add an insurance certificate, a certificate of origin when you claim a lower duty, and product approvals such as BIS or WPC.

Below is the full checklist in one table, with who issues each document, when you need it and the mistakes that hold cargo at Nhava Sheva, Mundra or ICD Tughlakabad, plus a rupee example and what changes under DDP.

What documents are required for import from China to India? (Complete checklist)

Some documents you arrange once, some your supplier sends with every shipment, and some are created in India during clearance.

Document	Who issues it	When you need it	Common mistakes
IEC (Importer Exporter Code)	DGFT, online	Before your first commercial import	Missing the April–June yearly update, so the IEC is deactivated
GSTIN	GST department	Before import, if you will resell or use goods in business	GSTIN missing on the Bill of Entry, so no IGST credit
AD code (bank)	Your bank (Authorised Dealer)	Mainly exports; keep the letter ready for imports	Paying from an account not linked to your IEC
Commercial invoice	China supplier	Every shipment	Vague description, value not matching the payment
Packing list	China supplier	Every shipment	Carton count, gross weight or CBM different from the bill of lading
Bill of lading (sea) or airway bill (air)	Shipping line, NVOCC or airline	Every shipment	Consignee not matching IEC name; original BL not surrendered
Insurance certificate	Insurer (India or China)	Every shipment (strongly advised)	No policy: customs adds 1.125% of FOB and you have no cover
Certificate of origin	China CCPIT or customs authority	Only when claiming a preferential rate (for example under APTA)	Claim rejected for not meeting CAROTAR rules
Bill of Entry	Filed by your CHA on ICEGATE, assessed by Indian Customs	Every shipment, before or on arrival	Late filing, wrong HS code, value lower than the payment proof
Product approvals (BIS, WPC ETA, FSSAI, CDSCO, EPR)	BIS, DoT WPC wing, FSSAI, CDSCO, CPCB	Before the goods are shipped from China	Treating a CE or FCC report as an Indian approval
KYC and authorisation for CHA	You (the importer)	Before your first job with a customs broker	Missing authorisation or address proof
Delivery order and gate pass	Shipping line or CFS / airline terminal	After customs Out of Charge	Unpaid local charges adding demurrage

Which registrations do you need before your first import?

IEC: the import licence most people mean

India does not issue a general import licence for normal goods. What you need is the 10-digit IEC, applied online on the DGFT website using your PAN. The government fee is ₹500. You must update your IEC every year between April and June, even if nothing has changed; an IEC that is not updated is deactivated and your CHA cannot file a Bill of Entry on it. Goods imported for personal use, not for trade, are exempt from IEC. If you are unsure whether you need one at all, read our guide on IEC and import licences.

GSTIN: needed to claim IGST back

Most commercial imports pay IGST at customs. With your GSTIN on the Bill of Entry, that IGST flows into your GSTR-2B as input tax credit; without it, the IGST becomes a cost. For resellers and Amazon/Flipkart sellers a GSTIN is effectively compulsory.

AD code, ICEGATE and Legal Metrology

AD code registration at the port is mandatory for exporters. For imports it is not a standard requirement at every port, but keep your bank’s AD code letter ready in case your CHA asks. You do not need your own ICEGATE login if your CHA files for you, though one helps you track filings and duty. To sell packaged goods at retail, you also need importer registration under the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules and labels showing importer name and address, MRP, net quantity and country of origin.

KYC for your customs broker (CHA)

Customs brokers must verify each client before filing. Expect to give: IEC copy, GST certificate, PAN, address proof of the business, an authorisation letter on letterhead naming the broker, and ID of the signatory. Send this pack before the goods leave China. IFC’s custom clearance service in India collects this once and keeps it on file for later shipments.

Which shipping documents must your China supplier send?

Commercial invoice

Customs values your goods mainly from this document, so check the draft before the supplier ships. It should show buyer name and address exactly as on your IEC, invoice number and date, Incoterm (FOB, CIF, EXW), currency, a clear description with model and material, quantity, unit price, total value and ideally the HS code. A description such as household items invites a query or examination. The value must match what you actually pay; customs compares it with remittance records and past imports of similar goods.

Packing list

The packing list shows how many cartons, what is in each, net and gross weight and dimensions or CBM. During examination, the officer checks cartons against this list, so carton marks should match it.

Bill of lading or airway bill

Sea cargo moves on a bill of lading (BL) from the shipping line or NVOCC; air cargo on an airway bill (AWB). The consignee must be you, in your IEC name (or your bank, under an LC). For sea shipments the supplier couriers the original BL or arranges a telex release after balance payment; until then the line will not issue a delivery order, even after customs clearance.

Insurance certificate and certificate of origin

If you buy on FOB or EXW terms, insure the cargo yourself. Under the Customs Valuation Rules, when actual insurance cost is not available, customs adds 1.125% of FOB value to the assessable value; when freight is not known it adds 20% of FOB. Since 2017, landing charges are no longer added. A certificate of origin is not needed for every China shipment. China and India are both in the Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA), and some tariff lines get a concession with a valid APTA certificate, claimed under CAROTAR 2020 rules (origin details in the Bill of Entry, records kept five years). Check the current APTA notification for your HS code.

How is the Bill of Entry filed and what does customs check?

The Bill of Entry is the import declaration. Your CHA prepares it from your invoice, packing list and BL, files it on ICEGATE and uploads supporting documents on e-Sanchit.

1. Advance filing: the law requires filing before the end of the day preceding the vessel’s arrival (up to 30 days ahead is allowed). Late filing charges are currently ₹5,000 per day for the first three days and ₹10,000 per day after, with a cap; check the current notification.
2. Assessment: accepted by the system or sent to an officer; queries usually concern HS code, value or a missing approval.
3. Duty payment: paid online through ICEGATE. Late payment attracts interest.
4. Examination: some shipments are opened and checked, especially electronics and first-time importers.
5. Out of Charge (OOC): customs releases the goods; your CHA pays CFS charges, collects the delivery order and gate pass, and the cargo moves out.

With complete documents, clearance usually takes a few working days after arrival. Missing approvals or a valuation query can stretch this to weeks while demurrage adds up. Indicative, October 2026: sea port to port from China to Nhava Sheva about 12–20 days, LCL roughly 3–6 weeks door to door, and air cargo 5–10 days door to door.

Which products need extra approvals (BIS, WPC, FSSAI, CDSCO, EPR)?

Customs checks product approvals at the port, so they must be in place before goods are shipped. Check your 8-digit code on our India import duty rates page, which lists compliance notes for each code.

Approval	Typical products	Who issues	What it means for you
BIS (CRS registration or ISI licence)	Power banks, adapters, LED lights, speakers, toys, many QCO items	Bureau of Indian Standards	Held by the Chinese factory per model; goods must carry the mark
WPC ETA	Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, RF remotes, smart watches	DoT WPC wing (Saral Sanchar portal)	Equipment Type Approval, often by self-declaration
FSSAI	Food, beverages, supplements	FSSAI	Central licence plus clearance of each consignment
CDSCO	Medical devices, cosmetics, drugs	CDSCO (SUGAM portal)	Import licence or registration certificate before shipping
EPR registration	Plastic packaging, electronics (e-waste), batteries	CPCB portal	Importers count as producers and must register
Import monitoring (e.g. SIMS)	Iron and steel items in chapters 72, 73, 86	DGFT / Ministry of Steel portal	Registration number before arrival

Check the BIS website for whether your product is under a Quality Control Order. A supplier’s CE or FCC test report is not a BIS registration. If the model is not registered, change the model or supplier before paying the deposit.

How do your import documents change the duty you pay? (Worked example in ₹)

Example: 500 Bluetooth speakers, HS code 85182110, LCL from Shenzhen to Nhava Sheva. Rates as of October 2026: BCD 20%, SWS 10% of BCD, no AIDC, IGST 18%, no anti-dumping duty; the product needs BIS (CRS), WPC ETA and e-waste EPR. Assumptions: values converted at the customs exchange rate; no landing charges (removed in 2017). Confirm rates for your exact HS code.

Item	Calculation	Amount (₹)
FOB value (invoice)	500 × ₹480	2,40,000
Sea freight to Nhava Sheva	Freight invoice	36,000
Insurance	Insurance policy	1,000
Assessable value (CIF)	FOB + freight + insurance	2,77,000
Basic Customs Duty	20% of 2,77,000	55,400
Social Welfare Surcharge	10% of 55,400	5,540
IGST	18% of (2,77,000 + 55,400 + 5,540 = 3,37,940)	60,829
Total paid to customs	BCD + SWS + IGST	1,21,769
Cost after IGST credit (GSTIN on BoE)	2,77,000 + 55,400 + 5,540	3,37,940 (about ₹676 per speaker)
Cost without IGST credit (no GSTIN)	3,37,940 + 60,829	3,98,769 (about ₹798 per speaker)

Lessons: the GSTIN on your Bill of Entry is worth ₹60,829 here, about ₹122 per speaker. Without an insurance certificate customs would add ₹2,700 (1.125% of FOB) instead of ₹1,000, and you would have no cover for lost cartons. A missing BIS registration or ETA would stop clearance completely, and CFS storage would cost far more than any duty difference. Local charges (CFS, DO, CHA fees, transport) come on top; see our import duty guide for China to India for how each duty works, or enter your own numbers in the IFC shipment calculator.

What changes for DDP vs self-import?

Under self-import, you handle every document above on your IEC. Under DDP shipping from China to India, the provider is the importer on record, pays duty on its own IEC and delivers with a GST invoice.

Point	Self-import (your IEC)	DDP (provider’s IEC)
IEC needed	Yes	No
GSTIN needed	Yes, to claim IGST	Yes, if you want input credit on the GST invoice you receive
CHA KYC and authorisation	Yes, from you	Handled by provider
Invoice, packing list, BL checks	You and your CHA	Provider, with your supplier
Bill of Entry and duty payment	On your IEC; you pay duty	On provider’s IEC; duty included in the DDP price
Product approvals (BIS, WPC, FSSAI)	Your responsibility	Still needed for regulated goods
Best for	Regular high-volume importers	First-timers, small mixed orders, no IEC

DDP does not make a non-compliant product legal: BIS or ETA is still needed, whoever files the Bill of Entry.

What should you have ready before the shipment leaves China?

Save this checklist and tick it off for every order.

• Registrations: IEC active and updated this year; GSTIN active; Legal Metrology importer registration if selling packaged goods.
• CHA pack: KYC documents and signed authorisation letter sent to your customs broker.
• HS code: agreed 8-digit code, duty rate and any anti-dumping duty checked.
• Approvals: BIS, WPC ETA, FSSAI, CDSCO, EPR or SIMS in place, where your product needs them.
• Drafts checked: invoice, packing list and draft BL match on consignee, description, quantity, weight and CBM.
• Payment proof: bank remittance copies match the invoice value and currency.
• Insurance: policy or certificate issued before departure.
• Release: original BL couriered or telex release arranged after balance payment.
• Labels: origin, importer details and MRP ready for retail goods.

How IFC helps with documents required for import from China to India

IFC – Imports From China has worked in China–India import and export for more than 15 years. Our own offices in Guangzhou and Yiwu have translators and English-speaking staff who coordinate with suppliers on invoices, packing lists and carton marks. We load mixed containers and air cargo daily and run a warehouse at our headquarters.

Our services cover sourcing, supplier verification, quality inspection, LCL and FCL sea freight, air cargo and customs clearance on your IEC. With DDP, we deliver door to door to major cities including Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai and Ahmedabad.

Conclusion

Importing from China to India needs fewer documents than most people fear, but each must be correct and consistent. Sort out IEC and GSTIN, confirm product approvals before paying the supplier, match the draft invoice, packing list and BL, and file the Bill of Entry early. If you would rather not manage the paperwork, a DDP shipment moves most of it to the provider.

Frequently asked questions

How does customs clearance work for imports in India? Your customs broker (CHA) files a Bill of Entry on ICEGATE before the ship arrives. Customs checks it through its risk system and faceless assessment. You pay duty online, the goods are examined if selected, and the officer gives Out of Charge. After that, the CFS or ICD releases your cargo against the delivery order.

This guide follows a China shipment through each stage. It covers Bill of Entry types and deadlines, a duty calculation in rupees, realistic timelines, indicative CHA, CFS and DO charges, and the mistakes that most often hold up Chinese cargo at Indian ports and ICDs.

How does customs clearance work for imports in India, step by step?

Commercial imports are cleared under the Customs Act, 1962, and almost all paperwork goes through ICEGATE, the customs e-filing portal. For a sea shipment from Shenzhen, Ningbo or Shanghai to Nhava Sheva, the steps run in this order:

1. Documents from the supplier: the commercial invoice, packing list and bill of lading reach you and your CHA before the vessel arrives.
2. IGM filed: the shipping line (and the consolidator for LCL) files the Import General Manifest, the list of all cargo on board. Your Bill of Entry is linked to your cargo’s line on it.
3. Bill of Entry filed: your CHA declares the HS code, value, quantity, IEC, GSTIN and any licence or BIS details. Supporting documents are uploaded on e-Sanchit.
4. Risk check and assessment: the Risk Management System (RMS) decides whether the Bill of Entry is accepted as filed, sent for assessment, marked for examination, or both.
5. Duty payment: you pay BCD, cess and IGST online on ICEGATE.
6. Examination (if selected): officers at the CFS or ICD open and check the cargo against the declaration.
7. Out of Charge (OOC): the officer releases the goods from customs control. Legally, customs clearance is now complete.
8. Delivery order and CFS release: you collect the delivery order (DO) from the shipping line or forwarder and pay CFS charges. The CFS issues a gate pass and the truck leaves.

What documents and registrations do you need before the ship arrives?

Registrations on your side

• IEC: the Importer Exporter Code from DGFT, linked to your PAN. It is needed for any commercial import.
• GSTIN: it must be declared on the Bill of Entry so the IGST you pay is available as input tax credit.
• Product approvals: BIS registration or an ISI licence for goods under a Quality Control Order (many electronics, toys, furniture and steel items), WPC approval for Bluetooth and Wi-Fi devices, FSSAI for food and CDSCO for medical devices and cosmetics.
• A licensed customs broker: you may legally file your own Bill of Entry, but most small and mid-size importers use a CHA. The work needs ICEGATE access and staff at the port.

Documents for each shipment

• Commercial invoice: your name, address and GSTIN as consignee, the real price paid, the Incoterm and a clear description of each item. Vague words like “parts” or “accessories” invite queries.
• Packing list: carton count, net and gross weight and marks. These must match the invoice and bill of lading exactly.
• Bill of lading or air waybill: for LCL this is usually a house bill of lading. The original must be surrendered, or a telex release issued, before you get a delivery order in India.
• Freight and insurance details, plus a catalogue or technical sheet: these support the CIF value and the HS code.
• Certificate of origin: India has no free trade agreement with China. You need one only to claim an Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA) concession on an eligible item, following the CAROTAR origin rules.

Fix the HS code before you place the order, not when the cargo is at the port. You can check duty and compliance notes for any 8-digit code on IFC’s India import duty rates by HS code page.

Which Bill of Entry should you file, and by when?

The Bill of Entry is your formal declaration to customs. Its type depends on what you will do with the goods and when you file it.

Bill of Entry type	When it is used	What it means for you
Home consumption	Goods will be sold or used in India now	The normal choice for traders, online sellers and project buyers. All duty is paid now.
Into-bond and ex-bond	Goods enter, then leave, a bonded warehouse	Duty is paid later, on each quantity taken out.
Advance filing	Up to 30 days before arrival	Recommended. Assessment can start before the vessel berths.
Filed after arrival	Once the cargo has landed	For sea cargo from China, this is late and attracts late presentation charges.

The filing deadline most importers miss

Since the Finance Act 2021 change to section 46, the Bill of Entry for sea cargo from China must be filed before the end of the day before the vessel arrives, whether the cargo clears at the port or at an ICD. Air cargo can be filed until the end of the arrival day. So your CHA needs final documents 3–4 days before the ETA. Late filing attracts charges: currently ₹5,000 a day for the first three days and ₹10,000 a day after that, unless the officer accepts your reason. Check the current CBIC notification, because these amounts can change.

How does customs assess and examine your goods?

Self-assessment and the Risk Management System

Indian customs works on self-assessment: you declare the HS code, value and duty yourself through your CHA. The RMS then scores each Bill of Entry on importer history, product, origin and value. A facilitated Bill of Entry needs no assessment or examination. You pay duty and get Out of Charge. Others go for assessment, examination, or both.

Faceless assessment

Since October 2020, assessment has been faceless across India. A Bill of Entry for Nhava Sheva may be assessed by officers in another city. If they have doubts, a query is raised on ICEGATE asking for a catalogue, proof of payment, freight details or a BIS licence. Each query adds a day or two, so a clean first filing saves time.

If the officer disagrees with your value or HS code, the Bill of Entry is reassessed and you pay the difference. An invoice far below the price of similar recent imports is likely to be rejected.

Examination and Out of Charge

When examination is ordered, officers at the CFS, ICD or air cargo terminal open the cargo. They check quantity, description, markings, origin and BIS/ISI marks. For retail packs, they also check the Legal Metrology declaration: importer name and address, MRP and month of import. Your CHA arranges labour and pays the examination charges. When everything matches and duty is paid, the officer gives Out of Charge.

The cargo stays at the CFS until you collect the delivery order and pay the CFS charges. Under section 48, goods not cleared within 30 days of unloading can be auctioned by the custodian after notice. Do not leave cargo at the port while payments are sorted out.

How is import duty calculated and paid at customs?

Duty is charged on the assessable value. This is the CIF value (cost + insurance + freight to the Indian port), converted to rupees at the CBIC customs exchange rate. The old 1% landing charge was removed from the valuation rules in 2017. Customs adds Basic Customs Duty (BCD), the Social Welfare Surcharge (10% of BCD unless exempt), AIDC where applicable and any anti-dumping duty, then IGST on the total. Our guide to import duty from China to India explains each part.

Worked example: 200 office chairs from Foshan to Nhava Sheva

Assumptions: 200 swivel office chairs (HS 94013900) at FOB USD 25 each, or USD 5,000. Sea freight is USD 400 and insurance USD 50, so CIF is USD 5,450. The exchange rate is ₹96.95 per USD, the CBIC import rate notified on 2 October 2026. The IFC duty database shows BCD 20%, AIDC 5%, no SWS on this line, IGST 18% and no anti-dumping duty. Rates as of October 2026; confirm for your exact HS code.

Item	How it is calculated	Amount (₹)
Assessable value (AV)	USD 5,450 × 96.95	5,28,378
Basic Customs Duty	20% of AV	1,05,676
AIDC	5% of AV	26,419
Social Welfare Surcharge	Exempt on this line (normally 10% of BCD)	0
Value for IGST	AV + BCD + AIDC	6,60,473
IGST	18% of 6,60,473	1,18,885
Total paid at customs	BCD + AIDC + IGST	2,50,980

The IGST of ₹1,18,885 is usually claimable as input tax credit when your GSTIN is on the Bill of Entry. Your real duty cost is the ₹1,32,095 of BCD and AIDC, about 25% of the assessable value. Office chairs also fall under a BIS furniture Quality Control Order, so check the current ISI requirement before shipping.

Duty is paid online on ICEGATE. For a self-assessed Bill of Entry it is due on the day of filing. After reassessment, it is due within one working day, and interest applies after that. Try your own product in the IFC shipment calculator.

How long does customs clearance take in India, and what does it cost?

These timelines are counted from the day of arrival for a shipment with clean documents. Indicative, October 2026.

Shipment	Facilitated (no exam)	With assessment or examination	What adds time
FCL at Nhava Sheva, Mundra or Chennai	1–3 working days	3–6 working days	Moving the container to the CFS, scanning, queries
LCL at a port CFS	3–5 working days	5–8 working days	De-stuffing the shared container
Cargo for ICD Tughlakabad or Patparganj	As above, after the rail move	As above, after the rail move	Rail transfer from the port, often 4–10 days
Air cargo at Delhi, Mumbai or Bengaluru	Same day to 2 working days	2–4 working days	Queries, WPC or BIS checks

For the full journey, plan on roughly 12–20 days port to port by sea, 3–6 weeks door to door for LCL and 5–10 days door to door by air (indicative, October 2026). See how LCL shipping from China to India works for small cargo.

Indian-side clearance charges (besides duty)

Charge	Who bills it	Indicative range, October 2026
CHA agency fee	Customs broker	₹3,000–₹10,000 per Bill of Entry, more with queries or licences
Delivery order and documentation	Shipping line or LCL consolidator	₹2,500–₹8,000 per bill of lading
Terminal handling (FCL)	Shipping line	Roughly ₹8,000–₹15,000 per 20ft container
CFS handling and storage	CFS operator	LCL: about ₹4,000–₹15,000 for a small lot; FCL: ₹10,000–₹25,000, plus storage after free days
Examination and labour	CFS, through the CHA	₹1,000–₹5,000 when examination is ordered
Transport to your warehouse	Transporter	Depends on distance and truck size

These vary by port, line and CFS, and GST is added to most. Ask for an itemised estimate before shipping.

Why do China shipments get stuck in Indian customs?

• Undervalued invoice: a low invoice meant to save duty is compared with similar imports, rejected and raised, and penalties are possible. Declare the real price.
• Wrong or vague HS code: a code chosen for a lower rate, or a description like “household items”, leads to reassessment. Classify each product separately.
• Missing BIS, WPC or other approvals: goods under a Quality Control Order cannot be cleared without the licence, and some must be re-exported.
• Documents that do not match the cargo: a different carton count, weight or marks triggers examination. Mixed-supplier LCL lots are prone to this.
• Anti-dumping duty not budgeted: many Chinese products carry it. Check the current notification for your HS code on the CBIC website.
• No telex release or unpaid freight: no delivery order is issued, even after Out of Charge.

Pre-shipment checklist

1. IEC active, and your GSTIN correct on the invoice.
2. 8-digit HS code agreed with your CHA, with anti-dumping duty checked.
3. BIS, WPC, FSSAI or CDSCO approval in hand if needed.
4. Invoice, packing list and bill of lading checked against each other before loading.
5. Documents with your CHA 3–4 days before ETA.
6. Funds ready for duty, DO and CFS charges on arrival.

How IFC helps with customs clearance in India

IFC – Imports From China has more than 15 years in China–India import and export. Our own offices in Guangzhou and Yiwu have translators and English-speaking staff who can check supplier invoices, packing lists and markings before goods leave China, which is where most clearance problems can be stopped. We load mixed containers and air cargo daily and have a warehouse at our headquarters.

We handle sourcing, supplier verification, quality inspection, LCL and FCL sea freight, air cargo and customs clearance in India. If you prefer not to handle Bills of Entry, CFS charges and duty payments yourself, our DDP shipments from China to India deliver door to door to major cities, including Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai and Ahmedabad.

Bottom line

Customs clearance in India is predictable when the work is done before the cargo lands: a correct HS code, the real value, matching documents, the right approvals and an early Bill of Entry. Get those right and most China shipments reach Out of Charge within a few working days.

Related guide: Air Freight vs Sea Freight from China to India: Cost, Time and Which to Choose

Frequently asked questions

Import duty from China to India depends on the product classification, customs value, origin and applicable notifications. There is no single percentage that reliably prices every shipment. Use this guide to prepare a duty enquiry and a complete landed-cost estimate before paying your supplier.

Start with the actual product

Provide the product description, material, function, technical specification, model, photographs and intended use. A supplier’s suggested HS code is a starting point for review rather than a final Indian classification. Similar-looking products can have different classifications and requirements.

Use official duty tools

The ICEGATE Trade Guide on Imports supports tariff enquiries. ICEGATE also provides a Custom Duty Calculator. Check the relevant tariff item, origin and effective notifications for the proposed import. Save the date and assumptions used in the estimate, and have the classification and applicable measures reviewed before declaration.

What may appear in the duty calculation?

The assessment may include Basic Customs Duty, Social Welfare Surcharge, import IGST and product-specific cesses or trade-remedy duties where applicable. Exemptions and additional measures can change the result. Do not assume a rate quoted for a broad category applies to every product within it.

Check the relevant official notifications rather than relying on an old price list, a marketplace listing or another importer’s past shipment. A duty estimate and a product approval are separate checks: paying duty does not by itself establish that goods may be imported.

A practical quotation checklist

1. Identify the goods: confirm specifications, quantity, origin and proposed classification.
2. Document value and terms: provide the supplier invoice, currency, freight and insurance information, and agreed delivery basis.
3. Review valuation: ask the customs broker to confirm the applicable valuation adjustments and customs exchange rate.
4. Check duty measures: review the effective tariff, exemptions and any additional product or origin-specific duties.
5. Check product requirements: identify any required approvals, certification, labelling or import authorisation before shipping.
6. Record the result: separate estimated customs payments from freight, handling, storage, broker and final-delivery charges.

Duty is only part of the landed cost

Your budget should also account for goods, China domestic transport, inspection, repacking, consolidation, international freight, insurance arrangements, handling and delivery to your Indian address. Ask which charges are included in the quotation and which could arise separately.

For a simple budgeting illustration, goods costing INR 100,000 plus INR 20,000 in agreed logistics charges and INR 30,000 in hypothetical customs payments total INR 150,000 before any other excluded charges. These are invented inputs showing addition only; they are not a duty rate, IFC quotation or customs valuation calculation.

Can import IGST be claimed as input tax credit?

Eligibility depends on the importer, documentation, use of goods and applicable GST conditions. Ask your tax adviser to confirm your position before treating tax as recoverable. Keep cash outlay and any eligible credit separate in your pricing model; do not subtract a potential credit from the money you need to complete an import.

How IFC can help prepare your enquiry

IFC – Imports From China Inc coordinates China sourcing and import enquiries, including inspection, consolidation, air or sea shipping, customs-clearance support and delivery. Share your cargo information for an assessment and a written quotation. Confirm the importer of record, documentation, service responsibilities, inclusions, exclusions and estimated timing.

Use our shipment calculator for an initial estimate and then confirm the result for the actual shipment. Read our LCL guide, FCL versus LCL comparison and DDP service page.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use one duty percentage for all Chinese products?

No. Obtain an estimate for the actual classification, value, origin and applicable measures.

Does a DDP quotation mean product checks can be skipped?

No. Confirm the shipment’s eligibility and documentation as well as the quoted delivery and import responsibilities.

What should I send to request a landed-cost estimate?

Send product specifications and links, quantity, invoice value and currency, supplier location, packed weight and dimensions, and the delivery pincode.

WhatsApp IFC: +91 99119 51631 or submit an import enquiry. See our India office and delivery city guides.

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Our extractor provides you with precise information on customs tariff rates, including basic custom duty, Social welfare surcharge (SWS), and GST rates. This data empowers you to calculate your import costs with confidence.

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It used to be difficult to navigate import restrictions, but not any longer. With the help of our tool, you can learn more about important regulations like the BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards), ISI (Indian Standards Institute), ADC (Additional Drug Controller), WPC (Wireless Planning and Coordination), EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility), testing requirements, and any DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade) permissions required for your product.

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You have a strong ally in IFC’s Ai-Trained Customs Data Extractor for your import activities. It not only saves you time, but it also lowers the possibility of expensive mistakes related to customs compliance. Our tool makes sure you have access to the knowledge you need to succeed in the import industry.

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What documents are required for import ?

Do I need a import code IEC (Import Export Code) or Import License for importing

No it’s not required; we can import in our Ice and deliver you as a Indian local sale on a GST bill.

Team IFC has developed such an easy import eco system for small and large scale buyer / sellers / wholesalers / client / distributors that they need not to have any kind on paper work or documents with them regarding importing.

When there is team IFC its easy import just place your order to your supplier in china and ask him to deliver the products at any warehouse of IFC in china (3 Warehouse of IFC Available in china)

Once your supplier delivers your products to IFCwarehouse we do quality and quantity check of your products after that you just sit back and have fun. Goods will be delivered to your door shortly.

 

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