India Shipping Guide
India is the world's fifth-largest economy with over 1.4 billion people and enormous market potential. JNPT (Nhava Sheva) is India's largest container port. China-India trade is substantial but complex, with BIS certification scope continuously expanding. India's tariff structure is complex with BCD basic duty and IGST. Some Chinese goods face anti-dumping duties. BIS mandatory certification keeps expanding.
Basic Information
Major Ports & Airports
India's largest container port near Mumbai, handling about 50% of containerized trade.
India's main east coast port serving South India's manufacturing clusters.
New Delhi's international airport and India's largest air cargo hub.
Customs & Clearance
Indian Customs uses the ICEGATE electronic system. Complex tariff structure with BCD+IGST compound calculation. BIS certification scope keeps expanding.
Required Documents
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Bill of Lading/Airway Bill
- BIS Certification (mandatory products)
- Import Export Code (IEC)
- Certificate of Origin
Restricted Items
- BIS certification scope expanding rapidly (electronics, steel, chemicals, etc.)
- Some Chinese goods face anti-dumping duties
- Food needs FSSAI registration
- Medicines need CDSCO approval
Customs Tips
BIS certification expands rapidly — monitor the latest lists. Some goods have anti-dumping duties. Importers need IEC numbers. India's GST is complex — professional agents needed.
Logistics Services
- FCL
- LCL
- Air Freight
- DDP Door-to-Door
Logistics Challenges
Inland infrastructure varies greatly — tier-1 cities are efficient, tier-2/3 deliveries are challenging. Clearance efficiency varies by port. BIS compliance is a major challenge.
Common Trade Goods
Exports from China
Imports from Country
Practical Tips
- 1Monitor BIS certification expansion closely
- 2Understand BCD+IGST compound tax system
- 3Choose the right entry port (JNPT/Chennai/Mundra)
- 4Watch for anti-dumping duty risks