Import Duty On Products From China To India: A Complete Guide For Businesses (2026)

By Author: Mansi Desai
Total Articles: 1
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China continues to be one of the largest trading partners for India, supplying everything from industrial machinery and electronics to consumer goods, furniture, packaging materials, and textiles. For many businesses, importing from China offers better pricing and access to a wider range of products. However, understanding import duty on products from China to India is essential before placing an order.

One of the biggest mistakes new importers make is calculating only the supplier’s price. In reality, the final landed cost includes customs duties, taxes, freight, insurance, and logistics expenses. Without proper planning, these additional costs can significantly reduce your profit margins.

This guide explains how import duty works, what factors affect it, and how businesses can plan their imports more efficiently.

What Is Import Duty?
Import duty is a tax charged by the Government of India on goods brought into the country from overseas. The duty is collected by Indian Customs before imported goods are released for delivery.

The amount payable depends on several factors, including:

HS ...
... Code of the product
Assessable value of the shipment
Product category
Applicable customs notifications
Country of origin
Current government regulations
Every shipment is assessed individually, which is why two different products imported from China may attract different customs duties.

Why Understanding Import Duty Is Important
Whether you’re importing for resale, manufacturing, or wholesale distribution, import duty directly affects your business costs.

Before importing products from China to India, calculate your complete landed cost instead of relying only on the supplier’s quotation.

A realistic import budget should include:

Product purchase cost
Freight charges
Marine insurance
Import duty
Integrated GST (IGST)
Customs clearance charges
Port handling charges
Local transportation
Warehousing costs
Knowing these costs in advance helps businesses set accurate selling prices and avoid unexpected expenses.

How Import Duty Is Calculated
There isn’t a fixed import duty applicable to every product. Customs calculates the payable amount using multiple factors.

1. HS Code
Every imported product receives a Harmonized System (HS) Code. This international classification system helps customs identify products and determine the applicable customs duty.

Using the wrong HS Code can result in:

Customs delays
Incorrect duty assessment
Penalties
Additional inspections
Reclassification of goods
Always verify the correct HS Code before importing.

Before importing machinery, it’s also important to understand the applicable import duty on products from China to India and other costs involved.