Found a Product in China? First Check If India Allows You to Import It
Found a product in China? Before ordering, check HS code, import policy, BIS and other applicable approvals. A practical compliance guide for Indian importers.
Available in China does not automatically mean importable into India
China can manufacture almost anything. That does not mean every product can simply be bought, shipped and cleared in India. Before we discuss freight, we prefer to understand the exact product. India’s Foreign Trade Policy says imports are generally free unless prohibited, restricted or routed through designated entities, but even goods that are “free” can still be subject to requirements under other Indian laws. ## The product comes first The practical sequence should be: identify the product, determine the correct HS/CTH classification, check import policy, check product-specific compliance, understand the duty structure, and only then finalise the logistics. For some products, BIS certification or a Quality Control Order may apply. For wireless products, WPC/DoT requirements can apply. Cosmetics have CDSCO registration requirements. Food imports can involve FSSAI requirements. The exact route depends on the product. ## Why this matters before paying the factory A Chinese supplier may be perfectly capable of manufacturing the item. The separate question is whether the exact product, factory and documentation meet the requirements for India. We would rather identify a compliance issue before the customer pays the supplier than discover it after the cargo reaches Customs. ## Sometimes the right answer is: do not order yet If a product needs certification, testing, registration or another approval that is not yet in place, the sensible decision may be to wait, change the specification, use another compliant factory or choose another product. That is not lost business. It is responsible trade support. ## Our working principle At LCL Global Trading Group, sourcing and logistics are connected. We look at the commercial side and the import route together so the client can make an informed decision. > [!TIP] > **Action Step**: Before placing a China order, send us the product photo, link, specification or PI. We can first identify the sourcing and compliance questions that need to be checked. ## Helpful Resources & Official Links - BIS Compulsory Certification Scheme - ICEGATE Import Trade Guide - Explore Sourced Product Categories
Planning a China Order or Need True Landed Cost?
Send your supplier PI, product specification or link for a transparent review of HSN classification, customs duty, and end-to-end logistics.
