Import from China to India
India is the world's fastest-growing major import market and a significant buyer of Chinese goods despite geopolitical tensions. Customs duty is assessed on CIF value. The total duty burden includes BCD, IGST, and Social Welfare Surcharge (SWS). Unlike most countries, India does not have a free trade agreement with China, so MFN (Most Favoured Nation) rates apply — often significantly higher than rates for FTA partner countries.
📋 Key Import Fees — China to India
- ✓ Basic Customs Duty (BCD): 10–20% on most goods from China
- ✓ IGST: 5%, 12%, or 18% (recoverable as input tax credit for GST-registered importers)
- ✓ Social Welfare Surcharge (SWS): 10% on BCD
- ✓ India-China trade: no preferential FTA rates — MFN rates apply
Import Process — China to India
All imports into India must be declared via the Customs Automated System (ICES). An Import Export Code (IEC) from DGFT is mandatory. The Bill of Entry must be filed before or on arrival. IGST-registered importers can claim IGST paid as input tax credit against their GST liability.
Free Calculators for India Importers
Selected tools for duty, freight, landed cost, and import planning
Sea Freight Cost Calculator China to India
Use our sea freight cost calculator china to india to calculate sea freight costs from China to Indian ports. 2026 LCL and FCL rates to Mumbai/JNPT, Chennai, Mundra, Kolkata, and Kochi with transit times.
India Import Duty Calculator — China to India Customs Costs
Use our india import duty calculator to calculate indian customs duty (BCD), IGST, Social Welfare Surcharge, and total import cost for goods shipped from China to India.
India IGST Import Calculator — China to India Tax & Duty Cost
Use our india igst import calculator to calculate iGST, Basic Customs Duty, and Social Welfare Surcharge on goods imported from China to India. Shows recoverable IGST for GST-registered importers.
CBM Calculator — Cubic Meter Calculator for Sea Freight
Use our cbm calculator to calculate cBM (cubic meters) for sea freight shipping from China. Enter carton dimensions and quantity to get total volume, LCL cost estimate, and container fill rate.
Currency Exchange Impact Calculator Import
Use our currency exchange impact calculator import to calculate how USD/CNY exchange rate changes affect your import costs from China. Model favorable and unfavorable currency movements.
Incoterms Cost Calculator — EXW vs FOB vs CIF vs DDP
Use our incoterms cost calculator to compare total import costs under different Incoterms: EXW, FOB, CIF, and DDP. Find which Incoterm gives you the lowest landed cost.
Frequently Asked Questions — Importing from China to India
Import from China to India — By State
Port info, ICD locations, key industries and IGST calculators for every major importing state
Import from China to India — By City
ICD locations, transit times and duty calculators for India's top import cities
Compare Import Costs by Country
Key duty and tax differences when importing the same product from China to each country