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May 18, 2026
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Importing from China to India: Complete 2026 Guide on Customs Duty, Shipping Costs & Compliance
Importing from China to India: Complete 2026 Guide on Customs Duty, Shipping Costs & Compliance
For Indian businesses sourcing from China, understanding the complete cost structure and regulatory framework is critical to protecting margins and avoiding shipment delays at Indian ports.
China remains India's largest trading partner for imports, with bilateral trade crossing $118 billion in 2025. However, the import process involves multiple cost layers beyond the product price—customs duties, IGST, shipping charges, insurance, and various compliance requirements. This guide breaks down exactly what you'll pay and the documentation you'll need when importing from China to India in 2026.
Understanding the True Cost: Beyond the FOB Price
When you receive a quote from a Chinese supplier, it typically shows the FOB (Free On Board) or CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) price. But your actual landed cost in India includes several additional components that can increase the total by 30-50%.
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Basic Customs Duty (BCD) Rates for Chinese Imports
India applies Most Favoured Nation (MFN) tariff rates to imports from China. The BCD varies significantly by product category:
Product Category
HS Code Chapter
BCD Rate Range
Electronics & Components
85
10% – 20%
Machinery & Parts
84
7.5% – 15%
Textiles & Fabrics
50-60
10% – 20%
Chemicals & Pharma
28-30
10% – 15%
Plastics & Articles
39
10% – 15%
Iron & Steel Articles
73
15% – 25%
Key Update: The Budget 2026 has maintained existing BCD structures for Chinese imports, with no major rate changes announced. However, the government continues to monitor imports through the Non-Preferential Rules of Origin framework to prevent dumping.
Social Welfare Surcharge (SWS)
A 10% Social Welfare Surcharge is levied on the BCD amount (not on the assessable value). This means if your BCD is ₹1,00,000, you'll pay an additional ₹10,000 as SWS.
Integrated GST (IGST)
IGST is calculated on the total assessable value plus BCD plus SWS. The rate depends on your product's HSN code:
5% IGST: Essential goods, certain raw materials
12% IGST: Processed foods, textiles, some industrial goods
18% IGST: Most machinery, electronics, chemicals
28% IGST: Luxury items, certain automobiles
> Pro Tip: You can claim full IGST paid at import as input tax credit (ITC) against your GST liability on sales. This is a significant cash flow advantage—ensure your GST registration is active and your supplier provides proper documentation.
Shipping Costs from China to India (2026)
Shipping costs fluctuate based on container availability, fuel prices, and seasonal demand. Here's what Indian importers should budget:
Sea Freight Charges
Route
Container Type
Estimated Cost (USD)
Transit Time
Shanghai → Mumbai/Nhava Sheva
20' FCL
$800 – $1,500
18-25 days
Shanghai → Mumbai/Nhava Sheva
40' FCL
$1,200 – $2,200
18-25 days
Shenzhen → Chennai
20' FCL
$900 – $1,600
20-28 days
Ningbo → Kolkata
20' FCL
$1,000 – $1,800
22-30 days
LCL (Less than Container Load): $80 – $150 per CBM depending on destination port
Air Freight Charges
For urgent or high-value shipments, air freight costs approximately $4 – $8 per kg from major Chinese airports (Shanghai PVG, Guangzhou CAN, Shenzhen SZX) to Indian metros (Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore).
Additional Shipping Costs to Factor
Bill of Lading/Airway Bill charges: ₹3,000 – ₹8,000
Terminal Handling Charges (THC): ₹8,000 – ₹15,000 per container
Container Cleaning/Inspection: ₹2,000 – $5,000
Chassis Usage Fee: ₹3,000 – ₹6,000
Essential Documentation for China-India Trade
Incomplete or incorrect documentation is the #1 reason for customs delays. Ensure you have:
Mandatory Documents
Commercial Invoice – Must match the purchase order exactly
Packing List – Detailed weight and dimension breakdown
Bill of Lading (Sea) or Airway Bill (Air)
Certificate of Origin – Required to prove Chinese origin; obtain from China Council for Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT)
Import Export Code (IEC) – Your 10-digit IEC from DGFT is mandatory
GST Registration Certificate
Bill of Entry – Filed through ICEGATE by your customs broker
Product-Specific Compliance Documents
Product Type
Additional Requirement
Issuing Authority
Electronics
BIS Registration/Certification
Bureau of Indian Standards
Food Products
FSSAI Import License
Food Safety and Standards Authority
Chemicals
MSDS + Import License
Ministry of Environment
Pharmaceuticals
Import License + Registration
CDSCO
Toys
BIS Certification (IS 9837)
Bureau of Indian Standards
> Watch Out: Since 2020, India has tightened scrutiny on Chinese imports. Several product categories now require mandatory BIS certification before import. Check the BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme for your product's exact requirements—attempting import without certification results in seizure and penalties.
The Import Process: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Verify Product Compliance
Check if your product requires BIS certification, FSSAI license, or other approvals. Start this process 60-90 days before planned shipment.
Step 2: Finalize Terms with Supplier
Negotiate Incoterms (FOB, CIF, or DDP). FOB gives you control over shipping; CIF is simpler but less transparent on actual freight costs.
Step 3: Arrange Shipping & Insurance
Book freight through a reliable freight forwarder. Marine insurance (110% of CIF value) is mandatory and protects against transit losses.
Step 4: Pre-Shipment Documentation
Ensure your supplier provides all documents 5-7 days before shipment departure.
Step 5: Customs Clearance in India
Your customs broker files the Bill of Entry through ICEGATE. Duty payment must be made before goods can be cleared.
Step 6: Post-Clearance Compliance
Maintain all import records for 5 years as required under Customs Act, 1962.
Calculating Your Total Landed Cost: Example
Let's calculate the landed cost for importing machinery parts from China:
QR Code Mandate: Certain electronic products now require QR codes linked to BIS certification for traceability
Import Monitoring: The government has enhanced scrutiny on imports under the SIMS (Steel Import Monitoring System) and similar mechanisms for other sensitive sectors
Payment Regulations: RBI guidelines require Indian importers to remit payments within 6 months of import (9 months for capital goods) to avoid Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) violations
Final Recommendations
Importing from China to India offers significant cost advantages, but success depends on meticulous compliance and accurate cost forecasting. Before placing your order:
Verify all certification requirements through BIS and DGFT
Work with experienced customs brokers familiar with China-origin shipments
Budget 40-50% above product cost for duties, taxes, and logistics
Maintain strict documentation discipline—Chinese suppliers often use different product descriptions than Indian customs classifications
Need help navigating the import process from China? Contact our import consultants for assistance with documentation, duty calculations, and customs clearance.
Disclaimer: Customs duty rates and regulations are subject to change. Always verify current rates on [CBIC](https://www.cbic.gov.in) or consult a licensed customs broker before importing.
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