What India buys from China
India's main imports from China: electrical/electronic equipment (US$56.98 bn), machinery (US$31.51 bn), organic chemicals/apis (US$11.51 bn), plastics (US$6.83 bn), precious metals/diamonds (US$5.14 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 |
| Mandatory BIS certification | BIS / DPIIT & line ministries | BIS licence (ISI, FMCS for foreign plants) or CRS registration |
| Compulsory Registration Scheme | BIS | CRS registration (Scheme-II) per model/factory |
| Import permit before shipment | DPPQS (Plant Quarantine) | Import permit PQ-01/PQ-02; PSC with additional declarations |
| Equipment Type Approval | DoT WPC via SARAL Sanchar | ETA self-declaration + import undertaking |
| Duty deferment | CBIC (Customs Act s.65) | MOOWR bonded warehouse licence |
Policy watch
As of 2026-11: most automation hardware is 'Free' under ITC(HS). Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear items (IEC 60947 family, e.g. contactors, some sensors/switches) fall under the LV switchgear/controlgear QCO (research file) — check each item; PLCs and servo drives are not, to our knowledge, covered. Devices with Wi-Fi/Bluetooth/cellular modules need WPC Equipment Type Approval. The machinery safety OTR was reported repealed on 14 Jan 2026 (confirm). Sources: research/02-indian-imports.md; https://www.bis.gov.in/product-certification/products-under-compulsory-certification/; https://saralsanchar.gov.in.
Frequently asked questions
How do I import industrial automation: plcs, sensors, servo drives & hmis from China to India?
Place the order with a verified China 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 China?
No FTA. Both are in the Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA) — limited tariff concessions; India restricts FDI (Press Note 3) and applies many QCOs/anti-dumping duties [S7 — not mentioned; S9]
Where in China is industrial automation: plcs, sensors, servo drives & hmis made?
Main hubs: Shenzhen, Suzhou, Hangzhou. Fast-growing servo, VFD and PLC brands at lower cost for OEM machines.
What HS code is used for importing industrial automation: plcs, sensors, servo drives & hmis into India?
Usually HS 853710; confirm the 8-digit Indian tariff line and current duty on CBIC/ICEGATE with your customs broker.
Related
Source industrial automation: plcs, sensors, servo drives & hmis from China
Specification, volume and delivery city in India.