Import from China – A Simple, Practical & Smart Guide for Indian Businesses

Posted on 31st October 2025 by K2M

China has become one of the biggest global hubs for manufacturing and exports. Whether you want electronics, machinery, textiles, furniture, toys, or raw materials—China offers everything at competitive pricing. For Indian businesses, import from China is no longer just an option, it is a major growth strategy. However, importing successfully requires the right process, planning, compliance, and strong logistics support.

This guide breaks down every step in simple and easy-to-understand English, so even first-time importers can follow it confidently.

Why Businesses Prefer to Import from China

• Low production cost = Better profit margins
• Huge product variety across industries
• Scalable manufacturing capacity
• Fast innovation cycles especially in electronics & machines
• Customization options for private-label brands
• Well-built export ecosystem with strong infrastructure

These advantages make import from China attractive for startups, traders, wholesalers, manufacturers, and even established corporate buyers in India.

Challenges Faced While Importing from China

Despite the benefits, Indian importers often face:

• Difficulty in finding reliable suppliers
• Communication gaps due to language barriers
• Fake or low-quality products
• Payment fraud risks
• Lack of clarity in import regulations
• Shipping delays
• Complex documentation
• High logistics expenses if not optimized

Most of these issues can be solved by following a structured system and working with trusted international logistics companies in India.

Step-by-Step Process to Import from China

1. Get Your Import Business Ready

Before placing any order:

• Apply for Importer Exporter Code (IEC) from DGFT
• Register your business (GST, PAN, etc.)
• Decide product category & HSN code
• Check if your product requires special licenses (BIS, FSSAI, WPC, etc.)
• Study customs duty and taxes applicable

This initial setup ensures your import from China is legally compliant.

2. Find Trusted Chinese Suppliers

Popular ways to find suppliers:

• B2B marketplaces (Alibaba, Made-in-China, Global Sources)
• Trade exhibitions (Canton Fair, Yiwu Market visits)
• Sourcing agents
• Manufacturer directories

Tips to verify suppliers before importing

• Check company registration and export license
• Read buyer reviews
• Request product images & videos
• Ask for previous export proof
• Evaluate response speed & professionalism
• Avoid suppliers demanding full advance payment

Supplier verification is one of the most important parts of import from China.

3. Request Samples & Perform Quality Testing

Never order in bulk without checking quality.

• Ask for product samples
• Test durability, functionality, safety, and packaging
• If applicable, send sample for lab testing in India
• Use third-party inspection services like SGS, TUV, or BV

This step protects you from low-quality goods and secures a successful import from China deal.

4. Negotiate Pricing, MOQ & Delivery Terms

Important terms to finalize:

• Try to reduce MOQ if you are a first-time importer
• Compare shipping cost between FOB & CIF
• Ask for price breakup
• Negotiate packaging, branding & delivery timeline

Good negotiation ensures cost-effective import from China operations.

5. Choose the Right Shipping Mode

Air Freight

• Fast delivery (3–7 days)
• Best for electronics, urgent orders, small shipments
• Higher cost than sea freight

Sea Freight

• Economical for bulk shipments
• Takes 20–35 days depending on port & route
• Ideal for machinery, furniture, raw materials, non-urgent goods

Most importers in India choose sea freight when doing import from China in large volumes.

6. Work with International Logistics Companies in India

A good logistics partner will:

• Book freight & manage container planning
• Handle customs clearance
• Manage port documentation
• Track shipment updates
• Optimize cost and delivery time
• Reduce transit delays
• Offer cargo insurance
• Support door-to-door delivery

Without strong logistics, import from China becomes expensive and unpredictable. This is why businesses rely on trusted international logistics companies in India for smooth trade movement.

7. Make Secure Payments

Common safe payment options:

• Letter of Credit (LC) – Most secure for large orders
• TT Payment (Bank Transfer) with 30/70 or 40/60 terms
• PayPal or Escrow for small transactions

Avoid:

• Paying to personal accounts
• 100% advance payments
• Deals without invoice or contracts

Safe payments help you import from China without financial risk.

8. Prepare Import Documents

Mandatory documents for import from China to India:

• Commercial Invoice
• Packing List
• Bill of Lading (Sea) / Airway Bill (Air)
• Certificate of Origin
• Insurance Copy
• IEC Copy
• Customs Declaration
• Product compliance certificates (if applicable)

Proper documentation ensures fast customs clearance.

9. Customs Clearance & Delivery in India

When goods reach Indian port:

• Customs verifies shipment value and product category
• Duties & taxes must be paid
• Clearance is issued
• Goods move to warehouse or business address

Efficient clearance depends heavily on the logistics company handling your import from China shipment.

Role of International Logistics Companies in India in Importing from China

Key Contributions

• Freight booking and carrier selection
• Customs duty calculation support
• Container management
• Warehousing and last-mile delivery
• Real-time shipment tracking
• Compliance advisory
• Insurance & risk management
• Port coordination
• Timely delivery performance

Thus, selecting the right logistics partner is crucial for businesses planning to import from China regularly.

How K2M Helps

K2M offers importer support through:

• Verified supplier sourcing assistance
• Logistics planning & cost optimization
• Documentation support
• Quality inspection guidance
• Secure payment advisory
• End-to-end shipment coordination

K2M empowers Indian businesses to scale their import from China operations without confusion.

Best Ports & Logistics Routes for Import from China to India

Port selection affects both cost and delivery timeline.

Quick Cost Optimization Tips for Import from China

• Prefer sea freight for bulk shipments
• Consolidate goods to reduce shipping cost
• Use 3PL logistics providers
• Compare duty rates under different trade agreements
• Take cargo insurance
• Plan orders early to avoid premium air shipping
• Use a customs broker via international logistics companies in India

Conclusion

Importing from China can unlock massive profit potential for Indian businesses, but only when done the right way. From supplier sourcing to documentation, quality testing, shipping mode, and customs clearance—each step must be planned carefully. The backbone of this entire process is a trusted logistics partner, which is why international logistics companies in India play a major role in ensuring successful import from China operations.