Start Here: The Import Process Overview
Before you dive into product-specific guides, understand the general import workflow. First, you need an IEC code and active GST registration. Next, identify the compliance requirements for your product — BIS for electronics, FSSAI for food, CDSCO for medical devices, and so on. Then calculate your landed cost including freight, insurance, duty, and local charges. Only then should you place your purchase order.
After the order is placed, your supplier ships the cargo, and your CHA files the Bill of Entry on ICEGATE. Customs assesses the declaration, may examine the cargo, and once duty is paid, issues the Out of Charge. The entire process from order to warehouse can take anywhere from 2 weeks (air freight with existing compliance) to 5 months (sea freight with new BIS certification).
Product Import Guides
Click any guide below for step-by-step compliance, document checklists, cost factors, and customs tips specific to that product.
📱 Import Mobile Phones to India
BIS CRS, WPC ETA, IMEI declarations, and customs duty for smartphone imports. Covers pre-shipment checklists, supplier questions, and what customs verifies.
Read the guide →💻 Import Laptops to India
BIS certification, WPC approval, serial number tracking, and air freight tips for laptops. Includes battery compliance and charger certification.
Read the guide →💡 Import LED Lights to India
BIS CRS, anti-dumping duty, HS codes, and sea freight guidance for LED lighting. Best practices for bulk container imports.
Read the guide →💄 Import Cosmetics to India
CDSCO registration, import licences, ingredient disclosure, and labelling for beauty products. Covers serum, cream, and makeup imports.
Read the guide →🥤 Import Food Supplements to India
FSSAI Central Licence, FICS NOC, ingredient restrictions, and customs clearance for supplements and nutraceuticals.
Read the guide →🧸 Import Toys to India
BIS CRS, phthalate testing, age-labelling, and high duty considerations for toy imports. Covers infant and children's toys.
Read the guide →👕 Import Textiles to India
Fibre-content labelling, HS classification, and customs duty for garments and fabrics. Includes preferential duty rules.
Read the guide →🔧 Import Auto Parts to India
BIS AIS certification, OEM documentation, and HS classification for automotive components. Covers OE and aftermarket parts.
Read the guide →☀️ Import Solar Panels to India
BIS certification, ALMM requirements, and duty considerations for renewable energy imports. Covers cells and modules.
Read the guide →🏥 Import Medical Devices to India
CDSCO registration, risk classification, and customs clearance for healthcare equipment. Covers diagnostic and surgical devices.
Read the guide →🇮🇹 Import from Italy to India
Sea and air freight planning for Italian machinery, industrial goods, and wine. Covers duty benchmarks, CE vs BIS, and typical transit time to India.
Read the guide →🇦🇪 Import from UAE to India
India-UAE CEPA duty savings, origin checks, and the difference between genuine UAE manufacture and Dubai transshipment cargo.
Read the guide →🇸🇬 Import from Singapore to India
Singapore freight timing, CECA and ASEAN concessions, and customs treatment for electronics, semiconductors, and industrial inputs.
Read the guide →🇹🇭 Import from Thailand to India
ASEAN-India FTA rules, Form AI origin proof, and duty planning for Thai auto parts, electronics, and machinery imports.
Read the guide →🍷 Import Wine to India
HS 2204, 150% BCD, FSSAI, state excise, and label compliance for importers bringing bottled wine into India.
Read the guide →🔌 Import Semiconductors to India
HS 8541/8542 classification, 0% BCD under ITA-1, and air-freight planning for chips, ICs, and electronic components.
Read the guide →Capital Goods & Industrial Imports
Capital Goods Import India
Machinery, industrial equipment, and EPCG scheme guide. Complete customs duty and clearance guide for manufacturers.
Read the guide →Importing Machinery to India
HS codes, duty rates, and clearance process for CNC machines, generators, packaging lines, and industrial equipment.
Read the guide →Importing Chemicals to India
Duty rates, antidumping duties, MSDS requirements, and port selection for industrial and specialty chemical imports.
Read the guide →Importing Industrial Equipment to India
CNC machines, robots, compressors, and factory equipment under HS Chapters 84/85. BCD 7.5–10%, EPCG scheme eligibility, and step-by-step clearance process.
Read the guide →Importing Steel to India
HS Chapter 72 duty rates, antidumping duties on Chinese steel, BIS QCO compliance, and best port selection for flat and long products.
Read the guide →Importing Plastic Raw Materials to India
HS Chapter 39 granules, resins, and polymers. ADD on Chinese PVC/PET/PP, EPR registration requirements since 2022, and container types.
Read the guide →Importing Second-Hand Machinery to India
Age restrictions (max 10 years), Chartered Engineer certificate, DGFT Restricted Import Licence, and how customs values used equipment.
Read the guide →Related Resources
Product compliance is only one part of importing. You also need to understand customs documentation, duty calculation, and freight selection. Visit our Compliance Guides for certification deep-dives, Freight Calculator Guides for cost planning, and Customs Clearance Guide for the overall process.
Need help with your shipment? Sea Air Cargo Systems is a licensed CHA in Bengaluru since 1999. Contact us for a free consultation, use our Landing Cost Calculator to plan your budget, or WhatsApp us for a quick reply.
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