How to Import Goods from China to India
With the development of globalization, trade between China and India is becoming more and more frequent. As the world’s factory, China has a rich variety of goods and an efficient supply chain system, which has attracted a large number of Indian importers. According to statistics in 2023, India’s total imports reached 677.2 billion US dollars, and imports from China were 101.8 billion US dollars, which means that about 15% of India’s total imports came from China.
This guide explains in detail how to ship goods from China to India as soon as possible, shipping from China to India, etc., I hope it can help you.
Why import from China to India
Price advantage
China’s manufacturing industry has a cost advantage, and the product prices are relatively low. By importing from China, Indian merchants can reduce procurement costs and improve market competitiveness.
Diverse product categories
China has a huge manufacturing system that can produce a wide range of products, from electronic products to clothing, from mechanical equipment to daily necessities, covering almost all categories.
Quality assurance
Many Chinese manufacturers have advanced production equipment and strict quality control systems, which can provide high-quality products.
Fast delivery
The transportation routes between China and India are mature, which can transport goods quickly and efficiently, shortening the delivery time.
What are the popular products imported from China to India?
- Electronic products: such as smartphones, laptops, home appliances, etc.
- Mechanical equipment: such as industrial machinery, agricultural machinery, excavators, etc.
- Clothing and textiles: such as ready-made clothes, fabrics, etc.
- Furniture: such as office furniture, medical furniture, etc.
- Chemical products: such as fertilizers, plastic products, etc.
- Auto parts: such as engines, tires, etc.
- Daily necessities: such as toys, kitchen supplies, stationery, etc.
How to import from China to India?
Choose a supplier
Online platform: Find suitable suppliers through platforms such as Alibaba and AliExpress.
Field visit: Go to China to participate in exhibitions or field visits to factories and negotiate directly with suppliers.
You are interested in: Top 10 Best Wholesale Websites To Find Chinese Suppliers
Confirm orders and contracts
Negotiate prices and terms: Confirm product prices, quantities, delivery time and other details with suppliers.
Sign a contract: Clarify the rights and obligations of both parties to ensure a smooth transaction.
Payment and logistics
Payment methods: Usually payment is made by telegraphic transfer (T/T), letter of credit (L/C) and other methods.
Choose a logistics company: Choose a suitable logistics company according to the type of goods and urgency.
Process of importing goods from China to India
- Determine the demand: First, you need to clarify the type, quantity and quality requirements of the goods to be imported.
- Find suppliers: Find reliable Chinese suppliers through online platforms, exhibitions or industry recommendations.
- Sign a contract: Negotiate terms such as price and delivery time with the supplier, and sign a formal purchase and sales contract.
- Pay the payment: Pay the payment in the manner agreed in the contract, such as wire transfer, letter of credit, etc.
- Arrange transportation: Choose a suitable mode of transportation (sea, air, rail, etc.) and contact a freight forwarder or shipping company.
- Customs clearance procedures: After the goods arrive in India, customs clearance procedures need to be completed, including paying customs duties and providing necessary documents.
- Pickup and delivery: After completing customs clearance, you can pick up the goods from the freight forwarder or shipping company and arrange for delivery to the destination.
How is the duty calculated for imports into India
All goods imported into India are subject to duties and taxes, regardless of their value. There is no minimum threshold. The structure of the Indian customs duties and fees system is complex, and the generally applicable duties consist of the basic customs duty (BCD), social welfare surcharge (SWS) and the integrated goods and services tax (IGST).
As a basic tax, customs levies this tax on all goods imported into India. The duty rate depends on the product category and the country of origin. It is either a specific rate based on the unit of the item (weight, quantity, etc.) or a rate based on the taxable value of the item. The latter is more common, and in some cases, a combination of the two is used.
CIF value = cost + insurance + freight
The freight value is 20% of the cost, and the insurance value is 1.125% of the cost.
So if your goods are shipped by sea and the transaction value is Rs 10,000, we get:
Freight value = 20% * Rs 10,000 = Rs 2,000
Insurance value = 1.125% * Rs 10,000 = Rs 112.5
CIF value = Rs 10,000 (product value) + Rs 2,000 (freight value) + Rs 112.5 (insurance value) = Rs 12,112.5 = Assessable value
How to Ship from China to India
In terms of transportation, there are three main ways to ship from China to India: air freight, sea freight and express delivery.
Air freight
Advantages: fast speed, short time, usually can complete the transportation from China to India within 5-7 days.
Cost: relatively high, suitable for high-value, urgent goods.
Applicable products: electronic products, medical equipment, urgent parts, etc.
Sea freight
Advantages: low cost, suitable for bulk, low-value, and time-sensitive goods.
Time: usually takes 25-30 days.
Cost: relatively low, the specific cost depends on the weight, volume and route of the goods.
Applicable products: mechanical products, plastic products, chemicals, etc.
Express delivery
If you need door-to-door cargo transportation from China to India, then express delivery service is your best choice, such as DHL, UPS, FedEx, etc. Usually, express delivery is suitable for small quantities of goods. For example, we always send samples to customers by express delivery.
Official prices are generally higher, and freight rates often fluctuate because they are affected by various factors, such as the impact of seasons, the number of empty seats remaining on the plane, and differences in discounts from agents.
In terms of shipping time, express delivery is the fastest way. It may only take 4-5 days from China to India.
Shipping Charges From China To India
| From (China) | To (India) | FCL (20ft container) | FCL (40ft container) | LCL (per cubic meter) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Mumbai | $1,000 – $1,200 | $1,800 – $2,500 | $45 – $65 |
| Guangzhou | Chennai | $1,200 – $1,400 | $1,700 – $2,300 | $40 – $60 |
| Shenzhen | Kolkata | $1,150 – $1,450 | $1,750 – $2,350 | $45 – $65 |
| Ningbo | New Delhi | $1,250 – $1,550 | $2,000 – $2,700 | $42 – $62 |
| Qingdao | Bangalore | $1,300 – $1,600 | $2,000 – $2,800 | $45 – $65 |
Learn more: 20ft & 40ft Container Shipping Cost From China To India
Shipping Time from China to India
The time required to deliver goods from China to India varies. The shipping time depends on the loading port, destination port and the container system selected. LCL cargo takes more time to arrive.
| Port in China | Mumbai | Chennai | Nhava Sheva |
| Shenzhen | 17 | 15 | 15 |
| Shanghai | 23 | 17 | 16 |
| Tianjin | 23 | 20 | 18 |
| Guangzhou | 17 | 12 | 15 |
| Ningbo | 21 | 17 | 14 |
On average, it takes 20 days for your shipment to reach to your destination from China.
Importing and shipping goods from China to India has obvious price and variety advantages, but you need to pay attention to choosing the right suppliers and logistics methods, and be familiar with the relevant tariffs and import procedures.
