What India buys from Germany
India's main imports from Germany: machinery (US$5.53 bn), aircraft (US$2.92 bn), electrical equipment (US$2.06 bn), optical/medical instruments (US$1.83 bn), vehicles (US$1.14 bn) (calendar 2025, UN Comtrade).
Indian import requirements
| Requirement | Authority | Document |
|---|---|---|
| Importer-Exporter Code; GST; ICEGATE | DGFT / GSTN / CBIC | IEC; GSTIN; ICEGATE DSC registration |
| Import policy classification | DGFT | ITC(HS) policy: Free/Restricted/Prohibited/STE; import authorisation if Restricted |
| Customs declaration & duty | CBIC / ICEGATE | Bill of Entry; BCD + AIDC + SWS(10% of BCD) + IGST |
| Duty deferment | CBIC (Customs Act s.65) | MOOWR bonded warehouse licence |
| Trusted trader status | CBIC | AEO-T1/T2/T3/LO |
Policy watch
As of 2026-11: new CNC machine tools are 'Free' under ITC(HS) with no broad BIS QCO (research file). The Machinery and Electrical Equipment Safety (Omnibus Technical Regulation) Order 2024, which would have required BIS certification for many machine categories from 1 Sep 2026, was reported repealed on 14 Jan 2026 (ICE New Delhi; single source — confirm in the Gazette). Second-hand capital goods need a chartered-engineer certificate per DGFT rules. Sources: research/02-indian-imports.md; https://www.ice.it/it/sites/default/files/inline-files/Gennaio%202026%20-%20Flash%20News.pdf; https://www.dgft.gov.in/CP/?opt=itchs-import-export.
Frequently asked questions
How do I import cnc machine tools from Germany to India?
Place the order with a verified Germany supplier, ship to an Indian port or ICD, and clear customs with an IEC and Importer-Exporter Code; GST; ICEGATE and Import policy classification. We manage supplier checks, shipment and clearance for you.
Is there a trade agreement between India and Germany?
No bilateral FTA (EU competence). India–EU FTA concluded 27 Jan 2026, signing expected Dec 2026, not yet in force — until then MFN tariffs apply [S7][S8]; India graduated from EU GSP for 2026–2028 (Reg. (EU) 2025/1909) so MFN duties apply until the FTA enters into force (expected 2027) [06 §C.4]
Where in Germany is cnc machine tools made?
Main hubs: Stuttgart, Bielefeld, Pfronten. High-end 5-axis, grinding and gear-cutting machines.
What HS code is used for importing cnc machine tools into India?
Usually HS 8457; confirm the 8-digit Indian tariff line and current duty on CBIC/ICEGATE with your customs broker.
Related
Source cnc machine tools from Germany
Specification, volume and delivery city in India.