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 |
| Import licence | CDSCO | MD-14 application / MD-15 licence |
| 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: imported medical devices need a CDSCO import licence (Form MD-14 application → MD-15 licence via the SUGAM portal) for each manufacturer, site and product, held by the Indian importer; Class A non-sterile, non-measuring devices are exempt from licensing but subject to registration/self-certification requirements (secondary sources — confirm on CDSCO). Labelling must follow the Medical Devices Rules 2017; retail packs also need Legal Metrology declarations. Sources: https://cdsco.gov.in/opencms/opencms/en/Medical-Device-Diagnostics/; https://cdscoonline.gov.in; research/06-compliance-logistics.md.
Frequently asked questions
How do I import medical consumables & class a/b devices 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 medical consumables & class a/b devices made?
Main hubs: Changzhou, Weihai, Ningbo, Shenzhen. Largest volume source for disposables, consumables and basic devices; about 20% of India's medical-device imports.
What HS code is used for importing medical consumables & class a/b devices into India?
Usually HS 9018; confirm the 8-digit Indian tariff line and current duty on CBIC/ICEGATE with your customs broker.
Related
Source medical consumables & class a/b devices from China
Specification, volume and delivery city in India.