Import Guide
Importing from China to India has become one of the most powerful ways for Indian businesses to access affordable, high-quality products. Whether you are importing electronics, garments, furniture, toys or FMCG products, this guide covers everything you need to know before placing your first order.
Why Indian Businesses Import from China
China is the world's largest manufacturer. Indian businesses import from China because manufacturing costs are 40–60% lower than Indian domestic production, the product range is virtually unlimited, lead times are short, and private label and OEM manufacturing is widely available for businesses of any size.
Step 1 — Get Your IEC Before Anything Else
The Import Export Code (IEC) is mandatory for all commercial imports into India. It is issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and takes 2–3 working days to obtain. Without an IEC your goods cannot be cleared at Indian customs. Apply for your IEC before contacting any supplier.
Step 2 — Find and Verify Your Supplier
The biggest mistake first-time importers make is trusting Alibaba ratings alone. C2I Logistics recommends a 4-point verification process for every supplier — SAMR business licence check, factory capacity audit, bank account validation, and buyer reference verification. Our team conducts all of this from our offices in Guangzhou and Shenzhen.
Step 3 — Order a Sample First
Never commit to a bulk order without evaluating a sample. C2I Logistics evaluates your sample at the factory in China and delivers a full photo and video report within 24 hours — before any goods leave China. This single step prevents 90% of quality disputes.
Step 4 — Get a Pre-Shipment Inspection
Once your bulk order is produced, C2I Logistics conducts a pre-shipment inspection using the AQL 2.5 international standard. Every unit in the random sample is checked against your specifications, packaging requirements and labelling. A full report is delivered within 24 hours of the factory visit.
Step 5 — Choose the Right Shipping Mode
Air freight from China to India takes 7–12 days and is best for urgent shipments, high-value goods and orders under 200kg. Sea freight FCL or LCL takes 25–40 days and is the most cost-effective option for orders above 0.5 CBM. Express courier via DHL or FedEx takes 3–7 days for samples and small urgent parcels.
Step 6 — Understand Your Customs Duties
All goods imported into India attract Basic Customs Duty (BCD), IGST and Social Welfare Surcharge (SWS). The total duty varies by product category and HS code. C2I Logistics calculates the exact duty liability before your shipment departs China so there are no surprises at the port. IGST paid at customs is eligible for Input Tax Credit for GST-registered businesses.
Step 7 — Clear Customs or Use DDP
You have two options for customs clearance. You can self-clear through a licensed Customs House Agent (CHA) at JNPT Mumbai, IGI Delhi, Chennai or Kolkata — or you can use C2I Logistics DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) service where we handle everything including customs clearance, duty payment and last-mile delivery for one all-inclusive price. DDP is strongly recommended for first-time importers.
Step 8 — Last Mile Delivery
Once customs clearance is complete, C2I Logistics arranges transport from the port to your delivery address anywhere in India — warehouse, office, retail store or Amazon FBA fulfilment centre. Full documentation is provided including IGST receipts for your GST records.
How Much Does It Cost to Import from China?
A typical first import from China to India through C2I Logistics includes the product FOB cost (typically 20–35% of your India selling price), customs duty (10–30% of FOB depending on category), freight (₹80–₹200 per unit depending on mode and weight), and C2I Logistics service fee (3–7% of order value for end-to-end management).
Start Your First Import with C2I Logistics
C2I Logistics has handled China-to-India shipments 20+ years. Our team in Guangzhou, Shenzhen and New Delhi manages your entire import from supplier verification to doorstep delivery. Call us at +91 9289 45 11 22 or email info@c2ilogistics.com for a free consultation.