Import from China — FAQs

Start with an IEC (Importer Exporter Code) from DGFT — it takes 2–3 days online and costs ₹0. Then find your product on Alibaba or 1688, get samples, finalize a supplier, arrange freight via a freight forwarder, and clear customs with a CHA (Customs House Agent). Your first order should be small — test before scaling.

IEC stands for Importer Exporter Code. It's a 10-digit code issued by DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade) and is mandatory for all imports and exports above personal consumption. Apply online at dgft.gov.in — you need your PAN, bank account details, and a digital signature. It's usually approved in 2–3 working days and costs nothing.

There's no legal minimum, but practically you need to consider: freight economics (air freight for small orders is expensive per unit), customs process (the effort is the same for a small or large order), and supplier MOQ (minimum order quantity — varies from 12 pcs on Yiwu platforms to 500+ pcs for factory direct). For first-time importers, air freight of ₹30,000–80,000 worth of goods is a common starting point.

Import duty in India consists of: BCD (Basic Customs Duty) — varies by product, typically 10–20%; Social Welfare Surcharge — 10% of BCD; and IGST — 5%, 12%, or 18% depending on the product. Use our duty calculator to estimate your landed cost. Always verify with a CHA or check the ICEGATE portal for your specific HS code.

HS (Harmonized System) code is an internationally standardized product classification used to determine duty rates. You can find your HS code on the ICEGATE portal or by searching 'HS code [product name] India'. A wrong HS code can mean paying wrong duty or facing clearance delays — when in doubt, ask a CHA.

BCD = Basic Customs Duty (charged on CIF value). SWS = Social Welfare Surcharge = 10% of BCD. IGST = Integrated GST, charged on (CIF + BCD + SWS) — you can claim this back as input tax credit if you're GST registered. Total duty = BCD + SWS + IGST.

For your first order: use Alibaba's Trade Assurance — it holds your payment until you confirm receipt. Alternatively, use PayPal for smaller amounts (has buyer protection). Avoid TT (bank wire transfer) for new suppliers — no protection if things go wrong. Once you've done 3–5 orders and trust the supplier, you can switch to TT (30% advance, 70% after shipment photos) for lower cost.

1688 is a legitimate platform (Alibaba's domestic B2B site), but it's in Chinese and designed for Chinese buyers. Payment is through Alipay (domestic escrow). For Indian importers, the main risk is language barrier and potential misunderstandings. Use a sourcing agent who operates on 1688 — they handle negotiation, quality inspection, and logistics. The price advantage (30–60% cheaper than Alibaba) makes the agent fee worthwhile.

Air freight: fast (5–7 days), expensive (₹400–700/kg), best for high-value, low-weight goods or urgent orders. Sea freight (LCL): 25–35 days, much cheaper for heavy/bulky goods. FCL (full container): cheapest per unit, but you need 20–25 CBM+ to fill a container. Rule of thumb: if sea freight cost > 20% of product cost, consider air. If your goods are over 100kg and not urgent, sea is almost always better.

A freight forwarder arranges international shipping — they book cargo space, handle export documentation from China, and can sometimes assist with import clearance in India. For beginners, using a freight forwarder (or asking your supplier to arrange it on FOB/CIF terms) is much easier than trying to arrange logistics yourself. Many Indian importers use forwarders based in Guangzhou or Mumbai.

Yes. You must have GST registration to import commercially. The IGST paid at customs can be claimed as input tax credit against your GST liability. Without GST registration, you're effectively paying 18% more and can't claim it back.

Yes. You need: IEC, GST registration, and a trademark/brand (for Amazon — you'll need brand registry or be a reseller). Make sure your products are BIS-certified if required (electronics, toys, certain household goods have mandatory BIS certification in India). Import duties must be paid before selling.

Amazon India and Flipkart have the largest reach for most categories. Meesho is strong for fashion and small goods at lower price points. JioMart and Blinkit/quick-commerce platforms are growing fast for FMCG-adjacent categories. Start on one platform, master it, then expand. Amazon FBA (Fulfilled by Amazon) simplifies logistics significantly.

Research before you import: check Amazon Best Sellers and search volume for your product keywords. Use tools like Helium 10 (Amazon) or simply look at what's selling well in your category on Meesho/Amazon with 100+ ratings. Import a small test batch (air freight) first, see how it sells, then commit to sea freight bulk if it works.