India · Import
Importing goods into India
Confirm the tariff line and product approvals before the goods leave the origin country.
Core import workflow
- Set up the importer.Check IEC, GST and any product-regulator registration.
- Confirm the Indian tariff line.Use India’s current ITC (HS) classification and policy entry.
- Read the import policy.Check free, restricted, prohibited and conditional status.
- Secure product approvals.Complete licences, registrations, testing or quarantine steps before shipment when required.
- Check origin evidence.Claim preferential duty only when the agreement and origin rules are met.
- Prepare the Bill of Entry.Declare classification, value, origin, exemption and supporting documents accurately.
- Pay and clear.Complete assessment, duty payment, examination and out-of-charge requirements.
- Close bank and compliance records.Keep import evidence and remittance records with the transaction file.
What can change landed cost
Basic customs dutySocial welfare surchargeIGSTCompensation cessAnti-dumping dutySafeguard dutyPreferential originExemption conditions
Not every layer applies to every product. Rates and exemptions must be checked against the current tariff line and notification.
Understand duties and customs valueCommon import records
Bill of Entry, commercial invoice, packing list, transport document, insurance details where relevant, licence or regulator approval, and origin evidence when a preference is claimed.
Open the full document mapOfficial sources
Evidence under review
Review these official sources before making a shipment-specific decision.
Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992Primary law for India’s foreign-trade controls ITC (HS) 2022: General notes on import policyGeneral import conditions; check the live tariff line too Customs Act, 1962Customs declarations, assessment, clearance and enforcement Customs Tariff Act, 1975Tariff schedules and the legal basis for customs duties Customs Valuation Rules, 2007Rules for determining the customs value of imported goods Master Direction: Import of Goods and ServicesImport remittances, evidence and banking controls