Importing from China to India: IEC first
Start with the Indian importer's Importer-Exporter Code: DGFT says imports require it unless specifically exempted. Ask your own customs broker to check the product before ordering and confirm the final entry. Cambridge China Bridge coordinates Chinese factories, inspections and quotes to your Indian port.
Start with the Indian importer
DGFT states that no import may be made without an Importer-Exporter Code unless specifically exempted. Before requesting a factory quotation, identify the Indian entity importing the goods and ask your broker to confirm its code or applicable exemption. Put that entity's details in the order brief, alongside the product description and destination port.
When buying through a UK company, agree who sells to you, who exports from China and who imports in India. Send that arrangement to your broker before paying a deposit. Our overseas buying guide covers the wider sourcing and delivery arrangements; this guide adds the India-specific checks.
Check the product before choosing the factory
BIS says its certification scheme is basically voluntary. Ask your broker to check the current compulsory-certification lists against your exact product and intended use. Where compulsory registration applies, BIS states that registered notified goods must display the Standard Mark. Resolve the applicable scheme and marking instructions before approving production.
Ask the factory for its certification or registration evidence, then compare the manufacturer, production address, product, brand and models with your order. Send proposed labels and test reports to your broker or product adviser for review. The Egypt guide explains a different factory-registration process; use India's own checks for this shipment.
Agree the document pack before shipment
We coordinate the commercial invoice and packing list with the Chinese factory and the agreed seller. Ask your broker to approve draft descriptions, seller and importer details, quantities, values, weights and package references before dispatch. If we are the seller, give the broker our sales invoice and explain the direct shipment from China.
Agree whether a certificate of origin is needed and which form your broker accepts; we coordinate obtaining it at the China end. Ask the factory for test reports covering the ordered product and send them for review. Check that the invoice, packing list, origin certificate and transport document describe the same shipment, with any outstanding documents identified before release.
Separate a port quote from arrival clearance
Give us your named Indian port and ask for a written price breakdown with the delivery term, freight, insurance arrangements and exclusions. Ask your broker to budget separately for local duties, taxes, clearance, port charges and onward delivery. The buy-through-a-UK-company service explains the purchasing arrangement.
Appoint your own Indian customs broker early. Ask them to confirm classification and valuation, prepare and lodge the Bill of Entry, submit supporting documents, coordinate customs queries or examination, and arrange release and local delivery as agreed. Your own customs broker confirms the final entry; send document drafts before shipping so arrival work starts with a checked file.
Check the supplier and inspect the actual order
Our own staff in China can check the supplier's identity, manufacturing site and ability to make your specification. We compare the proposed production line and sample with your order, and investigate unexplained differences in company or payment details. The factory-versus-trading-company guide covers the underlying supplier checks.
Before shipment, agree inspection criteria covering dimensions, materials, function, workmanship, quantities, packaging and approved labels. We record findings against the agreed sample and specification, then coordinate correction and reinspection where needed. Ask for inspection photographs and a written release decision. Keep the inspection report and product-certification evidence together for review.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an IEC to import from China to India?
DGFT says imports require an Importer-Exporter Code unless specifically exempted. Ask your Indian customs broker to confirm the importing entity's code or applicable exemption before ordering.
Does every Chinese product need BIS certification?
BIS says certification is basically voluntary. Ask your broker to check the current compulsory lists for your exact product. Registered notified goods under compulsory registration must display the Standard Mark.
Can a UK sourcing company quote to my Indian port?
Yes. Cambridge China Bridge can quote to your named Indian port. Agree the delivery term and included costs in writing, then ask your broker to budget local clearance, duties, taxes and onward delivery.
Who supplies the documents and clears the goods?
We coordinate the invoice and packing list with the factory and seller, origin certificates where agreed, and factory test reports. Your Indian broker handles the agreed arrival work and confirms the final entry.