Import From China To India | A 6-step Complete Guide

GETTING STARTED

IMPORT FROM CHINA TO INDIA: GETTING STARTED

Do you want to cut costs & manage their risks when importing from China.

IMPORT FROM CHINA TO INDIA

GETTING STARTED: IMPORT GOODS FROM CHINA TO INDIA

Importing from China to India can be profitable for your business with an asset-light model, your Business can only focus on your core. Buying a Finished product or Raw material for production or even buying a whole production line for a new Factory setup is what Wedoimport can help you with.

“If we start to focus on ourselves, instead of focusing on our customers, that will be the beginning of the end,” he said. “We have to try and delay that day for as long as possible.” – Jeff Bezos

“It is not enough to do your best; you must know what to do, and then do your best.” – W. Edwards Deming

Here’s a step-by-step Guide from the view of us, an Import agent from China to India serving exporters in China and importers worldwide for years. Let’s check out how to import from China to India, and what you can do to make the process more smooth and efficient.

Step 1. Identify goods for import from China to India

Step 1

What product are you planning to Import from China to India?

Importing can be very easy, however, identifying what kind of goods to import from china to India is difficult to identify. Many of our clients already have their category or product in mind before they start import from china to India, and for those who are yet to identify there are several ways you can go about it,

Travel to China and do the groundwork on your own.
Research products online.
Attend trade shows and fairs.

You can also get your unique product produced by Best Chinese Factories.

Expert Tip: Any product that you could easily sell with your existing network is an ideal product to start with. The first product would be the most difficult to identify once you get hands-on experience it would be must easier to fine-tune the choices.

Step 2. Enduring they comply with Regulatory rules of your Country

Step 2

Certifications and Regulations for your product must be checked before you Import from China to India

While considering the product you are planning to import from China to India, make sure that they comply with Indian regulatory requirement. Technical Compliance such as:

Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS),
NABL Lab recognition Scheme,
ISI Product Certification Scheme
WPC Approval, Products with radio and/or wireless functionalities
Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS)
Food Safety Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
EPR (Plastic/Electronic/Battery Waste Management)
Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) – LMPC

Every day, a surprising number of shipments of seemingly innocuous products being imported from China to India have prevented entry by Customs due to Non-Compliance. Conceptualize how your product might be able to injure a consumer, even with improper use. Packaging and Labeling You must also ensure your product’s Packaging and labelling comply with the Weights and measures act of India. MRP or RSP stickers are mandatory for all Finished products You can easily ensure that your labels comply by creating the label file in .ai or .eps format. Documentations Some products require detailed documentation before they can be Imported once all the documentation is in place and Approved by the local authority you are ready to Go. Lab Testing If relevant to your product, submit samples for testing to a NABL-accredited compliance testing company. ARAI, ICAT for Automobile and so on

ENDURING THEY COMPLY WITH REGULATORY RULES OF YOUR COUNTRY

Step 3. Find a supplier in China

Step 3

How to Find the Best Supplier from China?

After you have decided on the product, it’s time to find a supplier in China. Most First-time Importers, who go to the marketplace are Alibaba, however, there are many such online market portals online. However, it is important to note that Alibaba, or by nature of fact any marketplaces are not actual manufacturers of the products that are listed on their portals. Suppliers listed could be wholesalers, manufacturers, or trading companies.

Expert Tip: It is not always correct to buy from a factory directly, there are various instances in our Client’s preferred trading company over a manufacturer could be higher MOQ, flexibility, delivery time, or more. In case you are serious about your sourcing being from a Factory directly, we suggest you live video chat or visit them before you even finalise the price.

It is important as an Importer you need to protect yourself by drafting a formal legal contract. Commonly known as a purchase agreement, manufacturing contract, purchase contract, sales contract, or supplier agreement. Work with a lawyer specializing in China business law on this. Unfortunately, most small importers never bother most don’t even know about this and they just work on a Proforma Invoice given by the supplier.

However, in case of issues, most suppliers would still resolve issues and protect their reputation. But, it’s not at all recommended and you absolutely must get a formal legal contract if you are planning on buying a substantial amount from the supplier over time. There are even more legal formalities involved if you want IP protection. By allowing us to import from China to India, we can make sure you follow all the guidelines set by our in-house team and make your procurement and import journey hassle-free.

Step 4. Calculate the landed cost of your goods.

Step 4

How much does it cost to import from China to India?

Now that you know the price after you have identified potential suppliers from china, the next important step is to check the Landing cost. A feasibility analysis is what it is called is most important for the profitability of the business. Landed cost can be determined with the calculation of the cost of product + Cost of transporting + Duties and Taxes + other expenses incurred to make sure they can be imported. In nutshell, costing involves every expense from factories floor to your doorstep. Landed cost is a calculation used to determine your company’s bottom line profit on your Import from China to India. Expert Tip: We can help you determine the landed cost for Free. We just need the following information before you plan your import from China to India 1. Value of order
2. CBM or size of the boxes
3. Weight of total order
4. HSN code
5. Product description
6. Mode: Air/Sea
You can also share the Proforma invoice and packing list if you have one. Get your first quote for Free chick here

Step 5. Confirming the order, the Shipping them

Step 5

We can provide you with both Air or Sea services for your Import from China to India

Once Costing is Decided and you are happy to place an order(s) you need to make sure you double-check every detail about the product specification and quality requirement. It is advised to also let the manufacturer know that they will only accept the goods if it is passed by Inspection or Test labs if applicable. Make sure all the details are written in the contract that the supplier shall sign for you. Once the goods are ready, you can hire our Pre-shipment inspection service and get the quality and quantity checked. After approval, you can approach a freight forwarding agent or let our team handle the whole process. We can get your goods to where they need to go whether you’re shipping via air or ocean.

Expert Tip: Cargo insurance is super cheap compared to the costs involved if your shipment is lost or damaged at some point along the way when importing from China to India. Our rates are quite comparable to buying directly from an insurer, and it’s less hassle for you.

Incoterms

Incoterms are (eleven) standardized freight terms that must be agreed in writing between the supplier and buyer, or no air or ocean carrier will accept the shipment. They are a trap for beginners and choosing the wrong one can have catastrophic consequences. When starting out with Incoterms, stick to:

Ex Works (EXW): You take full responsibility (arranging and paying) and liability following up with problems) from factory pickup. Make sure to add a clause to your purchase agreement that the supplier must help load the truck.
Free To Carrier (FCA): You take responsibility and liability once the shipment is handed over to the carrier, typically near the port.
Free On Board (FOB): You take responsibility and liability once the shipment crosses the ship’s rail. Expect to pay the local charges between delivery to the carrier and loading on the vessel.

Step 6. Customs Clearance and Delivery to your warehouse.

Step 6

We provide customs clearance for all your Import from China to India

The Indian Trade Classification (ITC)-Harmonized System (HS) classifies goods into three categories:

Restricted – Restricted items can be imported only after obtaining an import license from the relevant regional licensing authority.
Canalized – Canalized goods are items that may only be imported using specific procedures or methods of transport.
Prohibited – These are the goods listed in ITC (HS) that are strictly prohibited on all import channels in India.

Once the goods arrive in Indian Port the Procedure for clearance of Imported Goods:

Bill of Entry – Declaration
Assessment
EDI Assessment
Examination of Goods
Green Channel facility
Payment of Duty
Amendment of Bill of Entry (If required)

The Foreign Trade Policy, 2015-2020 mandates the following commercial documents for carrying out importing and exporting activities:

Bill of lading or airway bill;
Commercial invoice cum packing list;
Shipping bill or bill of export, or bill of entry (for imports).

Additional documents like a certificate of origin and inspection certificate may be required as per the case.

Expert Tip: Customs Clearance in India has been evolving, Continuos amendments in Customs rules and keeping track of such changes can be time-consuming. Always take our expert advice before planning to Import any product.

Conclusion

Summarizing the process of Import from China to India

Importing can be daunting and time-consuming, we shall provide you with one-stop services for all your Importing business needs. Importers usually require (IEC) Import Export Code License to Import. However, we would import on your behalf on our IEC and Resell them to you in a Local GST Invoice. You do not have to worry about any cumbersome documents or Foreign Transfer. From the Factory floor to your doorstep is our Responsibility. For further questions on how to start importing today you can contact us or if you have a product idea in mind and don’t know who can make it for you please get in touch with our experts who will be more than happy to help you.

In case you miss any information or just want to give us feedback, please feel free to contact us.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What documents are required for importing goods from China to India?

A: The required documents include a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/airway bill, import license (if applicable), and any other specific documentation required by the Indian customs authorities.

Q: How long does it take to import goods from China to India?

A: The duration of importing goods can vary depending on factors such as the mode of transportation (air or sea), customs clearance procedures, and distance. It typically takes around 15-30 days for sea shipments and 3-5 days for air shipments.

Q: Are there any restrictions or prohibited items when importing from China to India?

A: Yes, there are certain restrictions and prohibited items when importing from China to India. Some items such as firearms, explosives, narcotics, counterfeit goods, and certain agricultural products are restricted or prohibited. It is important to familiarize yourself with the specific regulations to avoid any issues.

Q5: Do I need an Import-Export Code (IEC) to import goods from China to India?

A: Yes, an Import-Export Code (IEC) is mandatory for any person or entity wanting to import goods into India. You can apply for an IEC online through the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) website or we can help you Import Goods from China to India

Q2: What are the customs duties and taxes involved in importing goods from China to India?

A: Customs duties and taxes vary depending on the type of goods being imported and their respective Harmonized System (HS) codes. Basic customs duty, Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST), and other levies may apply. You can consult our team or seek guidance from a customs department for the specific rates applicable to your product category.

Q7: Can I import goods from China for personal use?

A: Yes, you can import goods from China for personal use, provided that you comply with the customs regulations and pay any applicable duties, taxes, and fees. However, there may be quantity restrictions or additional requirements for certain goods, such as electronics or high-value items.

Q8: Can I import goods directly from manufacturers in China, or do I need to use an agent or middleman?

A: It is possible to import goods directly from manufacturers in China. However, if you are unfamiliar with the import process, it can be beneficial to work with an experienced sourcing agent like wedoimport who can help navigate the complexities of international trade.

Q9: How do I ensure the quality of the goods I import from China?

A: To ensure the quality of imported goods from China, consider the following steps:

Research and select reputable suppliers with a track record of producing high-quality products.
Request product samples before placing bulk orders to evaluate their quality.
Use third-party inspection agencies to conduct quality checks during production and before shipping.
Communicate your quality requirements and specifications to the supplier and establish a quality control agreement.

Q10: What are the payment terms commonly used when importing goods from China?

A: The most common payment methods used when importing goods from China are:

Letter of Credit (LC): A payment method that offers security for both the importer and exporter. The payment is made through a bank, ensuring that the exporter receives the payment upon meeting the specified conditions
Telegraphic Transfer (TT)/Wire Transfer: Directly transferring funds from the importer’s bank account to the exporter’s bank account.
PayPal or Escrow: Online payment platforms that provide buyer protection and secure transactions.

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IMPORT GOODS FROM CHINA TO INDIA

How it works

For Beginners/Startups

Narrow down the product you are planning to source, prepare the specifications list and sent them to our professional sourcing agent. They will assist you in simplifying the then complex purchasing process. Our professional agent will look for the best supplier suiting your product requirement and sent you the best-filtered quote so it becomes easy for you to decide.

Multiple products or Bundling

Getting Help

Are you planning to buy multiple products or have a product to be bundled & assembled from multiple suppliers? In this situation, we would require you to send us a list of product(s) that you would plan to purchase. You are required to travel to China and we shall fix up your meetings with the potential suppliers. Our professional Agent will help you at all times during your trip from Airport pickup to hotel booking anything you may need for your procurement.

Detailing

First Steps

Try to get every detail about the product jotted down and then prepare the product specification. It could be as detailed as how many numbers of screws you required or the exact colour code you require your product to be manufactured. Send them to us and then we shall start the process of soucing. We would require a small security deposit of USD 300 for us to start investing time in getting the best source. This is completely refunded on your first order.

Plant & Machinery

Advanced Users

Sourcing Factory Setup, Turnkey projects, Production line or Raw material for your factory. We can source everything you want. Let us know what are you planning to Manufacture we shall dig deep inside to get the best hidden gem supplier for your next project.

MINIMUM ORDER QUANTITY

(MOQ)

We do not have Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) as long as the suppliers are willing to supply the given quantity we do not insist on MOQ. However, From our expert analysis order, less than 8000 USD generally do not repeat their orders.

DO YOU GUARANTEE LOWEST PRICE?

Right Price Guaranteed

Obviously, why would anyone source from china if the prices are not low. Is the lowest price the key to your success in product sourcing? I would say the Right price is more important than a lower price. We guarantee our clients the right price for their requirements.