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Importing to India
India’s fast-rising economy is positioning the nation as a global tech leader, competing closely with the US and China. Despite intricate trade compliance requirements, the market remains dynamic and full of high-value opportunities for businesses looking to import to India or expand their export footprint.
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%!
Population
1,429 B
Biggest Industry by Export
Gold
Capital City
New Delhi
Biggest Industry by Import
Mineral Fuels and Oils
Challenges Of Importing To India
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.
As a Tier 2 country, India was at risk of US AI Diffusion export controls on GPUs. Although the Trump administration has since rescinded these controls, shipping GPUs still carries a risk as trade uncertainty continues to grip global supply chains.
Countries Associated with India
Asia
China
Europe
The Netherlands
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.
India Imports Reimagined | Going Beyond Compliance and Temporary Solutions
India’s fast-growing market demands support for apparel and retail shipments. TecEx offers comprehensive import services, ensuring compliance with India’s complex customs environment. We provide product compliance and manage temporary imports for campaigns and events. If you want to know how to get in, let us conduct a gap assessment to identify what may be holding you back.
India’s EPCG Scheme
To further its global trade ambitions, India has set an ambitious target of increasing its exports to $2 trillion by the fiscal year 2030–31, necessitating a significant acceleration in its current growth rate.
The Indian government strongly promotes exports through various policy frameworks aimed at boosting global trade. One such initiative is the Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG) scheme, which allows export-oriented businesses to import capital goods—such as machinery, spares, and items for refurbishment—duty-free under an EPCG license.However, this benefit comes with conditions: exporters must achieve export earnings equivalent to 600% of the duty saved within six years.
In support of its goal, the government has introduced strategic reforms to modernize the EPCG scheme. These include reducing administrative burdens, lowering compliance requirements, and launching an amnesty scheme to resolve pending cases. These measures are designed to make international trade more accessible and efficient for Indian businesses.
These efforts are beginning to yield results: in 2024, India’s exports reached a record high of $820.93 billion, driven by strong performances in key sectors such as electronics and pharmaceuticals.
Nonetheless, India faces persistent challenges, including a widening trade deficit and growing commercial pressures from major partners like the United States and the European Union. New policy measures in these markets, such as tariffs and carbon taxes, pose fresh hurdles to India’s export growth, underscoring the need for continued policy agility and global market alignment.
Key Regulatory Compliance Requirements for Electronics and Telecom Imports in India
Several critical regulatory frameworks govern India’s import and export landscape for electronics, IT, and telecom equipment. The four key terms, MTCTE, TEC, BIS, and EPR, represent mandatory compliance areas that importers and manufacturers must navigate to avoid penalties, import rejections, and denial of market access.
Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment (MTCTE) and Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC)
What is TEC?
The Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) operates under India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT). It is the designated authority responsible for setting technical standards and essential requirements, as well as issuing certifications for telecommunication equipment used in India.
What is MTCTE?
MTCTE stands for Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment, which is a regulatory framework managed by the TEC.
Scope: MTCTE applies to all telecommunication equipment that will be sold, imported, or used in India to connect to any public telecom network. This includes devices like mobile phones, routers, switches, modems, Wi-Fi access points, and IoT equipment.
Compliance Requirements: Importers and foreign manufacturers must obtain an MTCTE certificate from the TEC. This certificate confirms that the equipment meets the prescribed Essential Requirements (ERs) such as safety, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), radio frequency (RF) standards, and security protocols. Foreign manufacturers are required to appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) to handle the certification process on their behalf.
Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Certificate
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is India’s national standards organization. It oversees standardization, quality certification, and product marking to ensure consumer safety and product reliability. While MTCTE ensures telecom/network connectivity compliance, BIS certification primarily focuses on the safety, quality, and reliability of electronic and IT goods.
Role in Import and Export: BIS operates the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) for electronic and IT products. A wide variety of consumer electronics, including laptops, tablets, monitors, and power banks, must be registered with BIS before being imported, sold, or distributed in India.
Compliance Requirements: Manufacturers, whether Indian or foreign, must test their products in BIS-recognized laboratories to demonstrate safety and quality compliance. Upon successful testing, the product receives BIS Registration and is authorized to carry the Standard Mark (ISI mark) or registration under the CRS.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Certificate India
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a critical environmental policy in India that holds producers, including manufacturers, brand owners, and importers, accountable for the lifecycle management of their products, particularly with regard to e-waste and plastic waste.
Scope and Importance: EPR is mandatory for all producers of Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) and plastic products in India. It plays a vital role in ensuring responsible environmental management and is a key compliance factor for market entry and continued operation.
Compliance Requirements: Importers must register with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) for EPR and fulfill annual collection and recycling targets for e-waste and plastic waste. This responsibility ensures that environmental impacts are managed effectively after products reach the end of their useful life. Failure to comply can result in legal barriers to importing or selling goods in India.
For companies exporting electronics, IT, or telecom equipment to India, regulatory compliance requires addressing multiple authorities and frameworks. Successfully navigating these requirements ensures smooth import operations, legal market entry, and sustainable business practices in the Indian market.
India’s Other 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.
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.
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.
Ready to Ship to India?
Don’t let complex regulations slow your expansion. Partner with specialists who simplify every step of your journey to import to India, reduce compliance risks, and accelerate your path to new revenue.
