How to import from India in 2020?

If you’re considering importing goods from India, you may be making an excellent choice. Indian economy is quickly booming and with such a massive population is one of the largest trading countries in the world. Among their main exports, you will find organic chemicals, precious stones, and electronic goods.

Not dissimilar from China, the costs of manufacturing for foreign companies are relatively low when compared to other countries. Also, duties when importing from India are fairly low, though the United States does not have a trade deal with the country, which could mean more duties/taxes when importing from India.

Still, it’s worth considering. But you might be thinking, “Do I need a license importing from India? How complex is the process?”….

1. Mind the Laws and Regulations for Importing From India

Depending on the country you’re exporting products from India to, your typical regulations and rules will apply. Understanding how to import from India involves more of a well-rounded knowledge of what your home country is allowed to receive in terms of products.

Local Indian regulations also vary, but in general, you will be required to fill out some documentation, have shipping arranged ahead of time, and be able to clear Customs. You will also need to pay the required duties as well. You can learn more about Indian import tariffs at Privacy Shield Framework or the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs.

If you’re based in the U.S., you will need a commercial invoice that details the product volumes, a notice of arrival, a bill for shipping via ocean or airway, a full packing list, and the specific Customs forms 7501 and 3461.

2. Choose the Right Indian Suppliers

While India is an excellent and inexpensive choice for importing, India also has an unfortunate reputation for disorderly business dealings.

Exercise serious caution when you deal with a new supplier, especially an overseas supplier. Always take the steps to ensure that your supplier is legitimate. This can be done by communicating thoroughly and as often as possible. Constantly ask for product samples– fake suppliers will typically jump ship when asked. Just as well, you should plan a trip with a product expert to the Indian manufacturer to get a hands-on view of both the product and the factory.

Another way to ensure you don’t get burned when importing from India is to research the supplier’s name and their internet presence, or perhaps to get in touch with a colleague who has done business in India before.

3. Focus on the Sales Contracts

Another way to keep your business secure when dealing with a possible supplier in India would be to draft an incredibly detailed sales contact. Incoterms will facilitate the negotiation.

Sales contracts outline everything involved in a supplier-importer relationship, including:

• The shipment rates involved in shipping from India
• Details of payment and compensation
• Each and every component of the product
• Expectations for both parties
• Identification of the buyer, seller, product, etc.
• Delivery instructions
• Details of communication
• Warranties

When drafting your contract, consult our experts to ensure that all the small print is written properly. It may also be necessary to enlist the help of a translator as well.

4. Choose How You Will Transport Internationally

Depending on your home country location, you may choose between, air freight or sea freight. In case you only need a small amount of space, consider LCL shipping. You should be very mindful of the shipping times and which mode of transport is more efficient and inexpensive, as well as the speed of which your products will get from supplier to importer or customer.

Are you convinced about importing from India? As a seller, importing from India presents an incredible opportunity to buy relatively inexpensive supplies for your products directly from Indian suppliers and sell them at a high profit margin in your own country. But as coronavirus continues to radically change how supply chains operate and international trade occurs, it may be a good idea to do a little bit of self-education. We’re dedicated to helping businesses and logistics companies get the most out of their international business plans by providing excellent shipping rates and a detailed blog full of information about international import campaigns. Don’t forget to follow iContainer’s blog today for more great resources!