
Complete Guide to Importing Plastic Raw Materials from China to India: 2026 Process & Costs
If you're running a manufacturing unit in India, importing plastic raw materials from China can reduce your input costs by 15-25%. But the process involves multiple regulatory layers—BIS certification, customs clearance, and compliance with anti-dumping duties that change frequently.
This guide breaks down the exact steps, documentation requirements, and real cost calculations you need to import plastic raw materials from China in 2026.
Before contacting suppliers in China, ensure you have these in place:
1. Import Export Code (IEC)
Mandatory for all imports. Apply through the if you don't have one. Processing time: 3-5 working days.
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2. GST Registration
Required for claiming Input Tax Credit (ITC) on IGST paid during import.
3. BIS License (ISI Mark)
Plastic raw materials fall under the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) compulsory registration scheme. Check if your specific product requires BIS certification at bis.gov.in.
4. AD Code Registration with Customs
Register your Authorised Dealer (AD) Code at the port where you'll clear goods. This links your bank with customs for duty payments.
Plastic raw materials cover multiple HS codes depending on the type:
| Product Type | HS Code | Basic Customs Duty (BCD) | IGST | Social Welfare Surcharge (SWS) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Polyethylene (PE) | 3901 | 10% | 18% | 10% on BCD |
| Polypropylene (PP) | 3902 | 10% | 18% | 10% on BCD |
| Polystyrene | 3903 | 10% | 18% | 10% on BCD |
| PVC Resin | 3904 | 10% | 18% | 10% on BCD |
> Pro Tip: Verify the exact HS code with your CHA before finalising the purchase order. Misclassification can trigger penalties up to 5x the duty shortfall.
India has active anti-dumping duties on several plastic raw materials from China:
Check the latest DGFT notifications before calculating your landed cost.
For plastic raw materials under compulsory BIS certification:
> Watch Out: Do not ship goods before obtaining BIS registration if your product category requires it. Customs will detain shipments without valid BIS certificates.
Recommended Incoterms for China imports:
For first-time importers, CIF reduces logistics complexity.
Your supplier must provide:
You must prepare:
Your Customs House Agent (CHA) will:
> Key Update: As of 2026, customs assessments for plastic raw materials are increasingly automated. Ensure your documentation matches exactly with the Bill of Lading to avoid red channel clearance.
| Cost Component | Amount (USD) | Amount (INR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| FOB Price | $1,150 | ₹97,750 | @ ₹85/USD |
| Ocean Freight | $85 | ₹7,225 | 20ft container share |
| Insurance | $12 | ₹1,020 | 1.1% of CIF |
| CIF Value | $1,247 | ₹1,05,995 | |
| Landing Charges (1%) | $12.47 | ₹1,060 | |
| Assessable Value | $1,259.47 | ₹1,07,055 | |
| Basic Customs Duty (10%) | $125.95 | ₹10,706 | |
| Social Welfare Surcharge (10%) | $12.60 | ₹1,071 | |
| IGST (18%) | $251.89 | ₹21,412 | On (AV + BCD + SWS) |
| Total Duty | $390.44 | ₹33,189 | |
| CHA Fees | - | ₹8,500 | |
| Port Handling | - | ₹22,000 | |
| Transportation | - | ₹18,000 | |
| Total Landed Cost | $1,637.44 | ₹1,89,684 | Per MT |
Effective duty incidence: ~31% of CIF value
> Pro Tip: You can claim IGST (₹21,412) as Input Tax Credit against your GST liability—effectively reducing your net import cost.
Q: How long does the entire import process take?
A: From order placement to warehouse delivery, expect 35-45 days including BIS compliance and customs clearance.
Q: Can I import without BIS certification?
A: Only if your specific HS code is not under compulsory BIS registration. Check the latest BIS notifications—the list expands regularly.
Q: What's the minimum viable quantity to import?
A: Economically, import at least 1 FCL (20ft container, ~25-27 MT) to justify freight costs. LCL shipments increase per-kg costs by ₹8-12.
Q: Are there any import restrictions from China?
A: As of 2026, plastic raw materials face no specific import bans, but BIS-QCO (Quality Control Orders) compliance is mandatory for several categories.
At Befach International, we handle end-to-end import clearance for plastic raw materials from China—including BIS liaison, customs documentation, and duty optimisation. Contact our team for a customised cost estimate for your specific product.
Thinking about importing? We help Indian businesses navigate these complexities — from sourcing to doorstep delivery. Tell us what you need