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 |
| Trusted trader status | CBIC | AEO-T1/T2/T3/LO |
Policy watch
As of 2026-11: finished LED lamps, luminaires, LED modules and LED control gear (drivers) are under BIS's Compulsory Registration Scheme — each model and factory needs CRS registration before import. Bare LED packages/chips are not, to our knowledge, covered. Pre-packaged retail lamps must also carry Legal Metrology declarations. Sources: research/06-compliance-logistics.md; https://www.crsbis.in/BIS/ (status: CRS coverage of LED products VERIFIED in compliance matrix; exclusion of bare LEDs ASSUMPTION).
Frequently asked questions
How do I import led chips, packages & led drivers 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 led chips, packages & led drivers made?
Main hubs: Shenzhen, Zhongshan, Xiamen, Jiangmen. Largest source of LED packages, COB and drivers; Zhongshan (Guzhen) is a lighting manufacturing hub.
What HS code is used for importing led chips, packages & led drivers into India?
Usually HS 854141; confirm the 8-digit Indian tariff line and current duty on CBIC/ICEGATE with your customs broker.
Related
Source led chips, packages & led drivers from China
Specification, volume and delivery city in India.