India Import Intelligence

Operational guidance for cross-border B2B procurement from China

Sea 28d avg
Air 5d avg
Customs Category-specific
IEC Required
Shipping Lanes — China to India
✈
Air Freight
CN-IN-AIR
3–8 days
91% reliable
Normal
Express cost
Air freight via major airports. Premium cost. Best for time-sensitive, high-value goods.
📦
Courier Freight
CN-IN-COURIER
5–12 days
88% reliable
Normal
Premium cost
DHL/FedEx/EMS courier. For samples, documents, small parcels <30kg.
🚢
Sea Freight
CN-IN-SEA
20–40 days
82% reliable
Normal
Economy cost
Main ocean freight route. Cost-effective for large shipments. Mumbai/Nhava Sheva port.
🔀
Multimodal Freight
CN-IN-MULTI
14–25 days
76% reliable
Normal
Standard cost
Rail+sea multimodal. Faster than pure sea, cheaper than air.
Import Categories Guide
Electronics
Customs High
Duties High — ~20% BCD
Lead: 25–45 days
Textiles
Customs Medium
Duties Standard — Variable
Lead: 22–38 days
Hardware
Customs Medium
Duties Standard — Variable
Lead: 20–35 days
Machinery
Customs Medium
Duties Standard — Variable
Lead: 28–50 days
Accessories
Customs Low
Duties Low — Lower BCD
Lead: 18–30 days
Packaging
Customs Low
Duties Low — Lower BCD
Lead: 15–28 days
Furniture
Customs Low
Duties Standard — Variable
Lead: 28–45 days
Auto Parts
Customs Medium
Duties Standard — Variable
Lead: 25–40 days
Sourcing Timing Guidance
Optimal
Best window
Source now
Good
Good window
Plan ahead
Neutral
Standard
Proceed
Caution
Delays likely
Consider wait
Import Readiness Checklist
✓
IEC Code (Import Export Code)

Required for all imports. Apply via DGFT portal. No import shipment clears customs without an active IEC.

✓
GST Registration

Mandatory for B2B importers. IGST applies on imports and can be claimed as input tax credit.

✓
Bank Account & Forex Authorization

Payments to foreign suppliers must route through an authorized dealer (AD) bank. Ensure your bank supports SWIFT/TT remittances.

✓
Product-Specific Licenses

Certain products require mandatory certifications: FSSAI (food), BIS (electronics), AERB (radiation-emitting devices). Verify before ordering.

✓
Customs Broker (CHA)

Licensed Customs House Agents file Bills of Entry on your behalf. Recommended for first-time importers to avoid clearance delays.

Frequently Asked Questions