India exports a wide range of goods to buyers around the world, including textiles, pharmaceuticals, engineering goods, auto components, food products, chemicals and handicrafts. If you are a buyer overseas, importing from India is straightforward once you understand the steps. This guide walks through them.
1. Check your own import rules first
Before you place an order, find out what your country requires for the product: import duty, VAT or GST, licences, labelling, safety marks and any health or plant-protection certificates. Many shipments are delayed because the buyer's side of the paperwork was not checked early.
2. Find and verify an Indian supplier
Choose an exporter with a valid Import Export Code (IEC), which Indian businesses need to export goods. Ask for samples, product certifications, references and a pro forma invoice. For regulated goods such as food, pharmaceuticals or electricals, confirm the supplier holds the registrations your country requires.
3. Agree the Incoterm and payment terms
The Incoterm sets who pays for which part of the journey. Under FOB, the supplier delivers the goods onto the vessel at the Indian port and you arrange the main freight. Under CIF, the supplier pays freight and insurance to your destination port. Under DAP the supplier delivers to a named place, and under DDP also handles your import duties. Our DAP and DDP shipment service covers both arrangements.
4. Book freight with a forwarder
Choose between ocean freight for larger, heavier or less urgent cargo and air freight for urgent or high-value goods. A forwarder in India can collect the goods from the supplier, handle export clearance and book the shipment to your port. Read our guide to sea freight from India for costs and transit times.
5. Make sure the documents are right
The usual set is a commercial invoice, packing list, Bill of Lading or Air Waybill, and a certificate of origin where preferential duty applies, plus product certificates. The figures and descriptions must match across every document. See our list of export documents from India.
6. Clear customs and take delivery
Your customs broker declares the goods in your country, using the HS code and invoice value to calculate duty and tax. Once released, the cargo is delivered to your warehouse. Clear promptly to avoid storage and demurrage charges.
Where we can help
Cloudsea Shipping handles the India side of the shipment from Chennai: pickup, export documentation, customs clearance and booking. See our lane pages for the UK, Germany and Europe, Australia, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, the UAE and the USA, or browse all international shipping options and contact us for a quote.
