🇮🇳 Import Customs & Duties: India
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$0
Duty applies from $0
VAT / Sales Tax
18%
Assessable value (CIF + duty + social welfare surcharge). GST rates vary: 5%, 12%, 18%, 28% depending on product category. IGST applies to imports.
Clearance Time
3-14 days
typical processing
Note: GST applies; high duty on electronics
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 10-20% | HS 85 |
| Clothing | 20-30% | HS 61-62 |
| Footwear | 20-35% | HS 64 |
| Food products | 5-100% | HS 01-24 |
| Machinery | 0-10% | HS 84 |
| Cosmetics | 10-20% | HS 33 |
| Books | 0% | HS 49 |
| Toys | 20-60% | HS 95 |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on the HS code of your item.
Import Duty Calculator
Customs Clearance Process
CBIC (Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs) manages customs. ICEGATE is the e-filing portal. Bill of Entry required for all commercial imports. Personal imports via India Post handled at Foreign Post Offices.
What to Actually Expect
Bureaucratic but improving. ICEGATE system for e-filing. Informal payments sometimes reported at smaller ports. Duties are among the highest globally, especially on electronics and consumer goods. Customs can hold postal parcels for weeks at Foreign Post Offices in Delhi and Mumbai.
Required Documents
Commercial Invoice
Item description, quantity, value, sender and receiver details
Packing List
Detailed description of contents in each package
Customs Declaration (CN22/CN23)
Required for postal shipments
Air Waybill (AWB)
Generated by the carrier when booking the shipment
Certificate of Origin
May be required for reduced duties (FTA/preferential rates)
Export/Import License
For restricted goods (electronics, medicines, chemicals)
Import License Requirements
IEC (Importer Exporter Code) mandatory for all commercial imports. Import licenses for restricted items under ITC (HS) classification. BIS certification required for electronics, toys, and many consumer goods.
Certificate of Origin
FIEO (Federation of Indian Export Organisations) and local chambers issue certificates. Preferential certificates under SAFTA, India-ASEAN FTA, India-Korea CEPA, India-Japan CEPA.
Learn more →Prohibited & Restricted Items
Prohibited
- xNarcotics and illegal drugs
- xExplosives and flammable materials
- xWeapons and ammunition
- xCounterfeit goods
- xCounterfeit currency and documents
Restricted (permit required)
- !Medicines and pharmaceuticals
- !Food and beverages
- !Plants and seeds
- !Electronics (lithium batteries)
- !Perfumes and cosmetics (volume limits)
Useful Links
Duty & Tax Estimate
Estimated import charges when shipping goods to India:
| Goods Value | Duty | VAT/Tax | Total Charges |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50 | $5 | $10 | $15 |
| $100 | $10 | $20 | $30 |
| $200 | $20 | $40 | $60 |
| $500 | $50 | $99 | $149 |
| $1000 | $100 | $198 | $298 |
Estimates only. Actual duties depend on product category and HS code.
Popular routes to India
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for India?
India has no duty-free threshold. All imported goods are subject to duties regardless of their value.
What is the VAT rate on imports to India?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to India is 18%. VAT applies to: Assessable value (CIF + duty + social welfare surcharge). GST rates vary: 5%, 12%, 18%, 28% depending on product category. IGST applies to imports.
How long does customs clearance take in India?
Typical customs clearance in India takes 3-14 days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into India?
To import into India, you typically need: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/airway bill, and customs declaration. Some goods may require a certificate of origin or import license.
What items are prohibited from import into India?
India prohibits the import of narcotics, weapons, counterfeit goods, certain animal products, and hazardous materials. Restrictions may also apply to alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, and certain electronics.