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 |
| 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 |
| Trusted trader status | CBIC | AEO-T1/T2/T3/LO |
Policy watch
As of 2026-11: lithium-ion cells and batteries require BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) registration (IS 16046 series for portable types) for the exact model and factory before import; EV traction batteries must satisfy AIS-156 through vehicle homologation, and traction cells are tested to IS 16893 (confirm). No DGTR anti-dumping duty on Li-ion cells was found in this session's search. Customs notification 27/2026-Customs amended concessions on capital goods for Li-ion cell manufacture (not on cells). Sources: research/02-indian-imports.md; https://www.crsbis.in/BIS/; http://www.dgtr.gov.in/en (status: CRS requirement VERIFIED in research; standard numbers ASSUMPTION).
Frequently asked questions
How do I import lithium-ion cells & battery packs 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 lithium-ion cells & battery packs made?
Main hubs: Ningde, Shenzhen, Huizhou, Changzhou, Hefei. About 75% of India's Li-ion imports (Economic Survey 2024-25 as reported); full range from tier-1 EV cell makers to smaller cylindrical-cell producers. Highest trade-remedy and policy exposure.
What HS code is used for importing lithium-ion cells & battery packs into India?
Usually HS 85076000; confirm the 8-digit Indian tariff line and current duty on CBIC/ICEGATE with your customs broker.
Related
Source lithium-ion cells & battery packs from China
Specification, volume and delivery city in India.