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Importing to India
India is an ambitious economic powerhouse with a high growth rate. PwC believes it rivals even the US and China as a tech pioneer. Despite intricate trade compliance requirements, India’s trade market is thriving and bustling with opportunities for importers and exporters.
Tax
up to 30%
Duties
up to 25%
Lead Times
4-5 weeks
Restricted Items
Wireless goods
Best Carrier Option
Courier or Freight Forwarder
Non-Working Days
Saturday, Sunday, and Public Holidays
Prominent Languages
Hindi and English
Exporting from and Importing to India
India’s top exports include diamonds, refined petroleum, medicaments, and jewelry to the United States, the United Arab Emirates, the Netherlands, China, and Bangladesh. India’s key imports include crude and gas petroleum, coal, gold, and diamonds, mainly from the US, China, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Russia. In August 2024, their top imports included electronic components, and their top exports included telecom instruments and electric equipment. This data highlights the recent growth in their tech sector compared to India’s typical imports and exports.
India has amongst the highest import duties in the world, mainly because the government aims to minimize imports of various goods. In addition to duties, India’s Goods and Services Tax (GST), implemented in 2017, applies to most cargo at differing rates depending on the goods’ HSN code. For example, IT software faces a single GST rate of 18%!
The Indian government strongly promotes exports from the country. Under the EPCG (Export Promotion Capital Goods) scheme, importing materials for capital goods to India has fewer obligations. With an EPCG license, export-oriented businesses can import goods duty-free – including machinery, spares, and items for refurbishment. But there’s a catch – exported goods have 6 years to earn 600% of the value saved on duties.
Population
1,429 B
Biggest Industry by Export
Gold
Capital City
New Delhi
Biggest Industry by Import
Mineral Fuels and Oils
TecEx DDP to India
India’s import requirements constantly evolve, making it difficult for importers to keep up. Many of the necessary certifications can have lengthy lead times. With our extensive experience, TecEx is on top of the regulations and compliance requirements. We already possess many of the required certifications and can apply for them on your behalf to streamline the process when necessary.
Our Delivery Duty Paid (DDP) solution can manage your shipment from pre-compliance to the final delivery. We know how to obtain the necessary licenses, what documents you need, and which authority to communicate with. TecEx takes the risk off your shoulders, ensures all tariffs and duties are paid, facilitates smooth customs clearance, and gets your goods where they need to be. As experts on India trade compliance, you can leave IEC, BIS, EPR, MTCTE, LMPC, and ETA to us.
With TecEx, you can take your supply chain to the next level. Our Exporter of Record (EOR) services mean we can help you successfully navigate SCOMET requirements to export dual-use technology, comply with EPR requirements, or even keep up with EPCG expectations by streamlining your global exports from India.
For EPR compliance, we’ve partnered with E-Waste Recyclers India (EWRI) to simplify the process. We also offer a reverse logistics solution to optimize waste reduction by collecting goods from the end-user in India and returning them to the seller for recycling, refurbishment, and remanufacturing purposes. Indian EPR compliance doesn’t need to be a hassle.
Unique Pain Points
India’s trade regulations and requirements are complicated and ever-changing. Because of this, customs clearance delays are common in India and are often caused by documentation requests and requirements. In addition, Indian seaports, airports, railways, and roads frequently face congestion and capacity constraints. This makes factors like well-planned supply chain risk management and efficient drayage critical for successful imports to India.
Tariffs are not only unstable but also are not always transparent or predictable. In addition to these potential costs, detention and demurrage charges can be hefty.
The Indian government requires companies that import items classified under HSN 8471 to register the quantity and value of their imports. This code covers tech items like PCs, laptops, and tablets. The government aims to use this data to oversee imports, promote domestic manufacturing, and ensure the affordability of imported IT products.
Countries Associated with India
Asia
China
Europe
The Netherlands
India’s Compliance Regulations
Import Export Code (IEC) India
Obtaining an IEC from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) is a mandatory first step for importing to or exporting from India. However, this is not always necessary when exporting services.
BIS Certificate India
Most goods imported to India must be certified as safe, reliable, and high-quality with a BIS certification administered by the Bureau of Indian Standards. A BIS certification must be applied for by the manufacturer, and is mandatory for the majority of IT goods.
EPR Certificate India
Despite producing approximately 2 million tonnes of e-waste annually, India strives for a low-carbon economy through a green revolution. To this end, Indian and foreign manufacturers and importers of Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) are required to hold an EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) certificate. The certification holds them accountable for their products from production to disposal, ensuring that they are recycled, refurbished, or correctly disposed of rather than incinerated or added to landfills.
Equipment Type Approval (ETA) India
Manufacturers must apply for an ETA from The Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC) Wing of India’s Ministry of Communications for specific wireless technology. This covers medical equipment equipped with radio, Bluetooth, RFID, and wireless features, excluding GPS.
There are two types of ETAs:
- A self-declared ETA means that no additional WPC Import Permit is required.
- A “normal” ETA means that an additional WPC Import Permit is required for your import, which TecEx can acquire.
Special Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipment, and Technologies (SCOMET) India
India’s export control list, SCOMET, stipulates what dual-use goods, software, and technologies can be exported unless prohibited. The policy controls exports, ensures compliance with international treaties, and ensures access to high-tech goods from Indian exporters. SCOMET covers laptops, tablets, servers, computers, and desktops.
All SCOMET goods require an export license from the DGFT to leave India, which can be applied for using various documentation and forms and is valid for up to 24 months. No license is required to import SCOMET goods to India as long as the importer possesses an IEC.
Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment (MTCTE) India
MTCTE is compulsory when selling or importing telecom equipment like modems and IP phones to India. There are various essential requirements that specific Indian Accredited Labs must test for the goods to receive the certification.
Legal Metrology Packaging Commodity Certificate (LMPC) India
Before importing goods to India, LMPC registration is mandatory. This ensures that goods comply with Legal Metrology Rules stipulating weight, measurements, labeling, and packaging requirements. TecEx can apply for this on your behalf.
Your global trade solution for India
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