What India buys from United States
India's main imports from United States: mineral fuels/crude & lng (US$15.39 bn), machinery (US$7.25 bn), gems/precious metals (US$2.98 bn), optical/medical instruments (US$2.51 bn), electrical equipment (US$2.41 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 clearance NOC | FSSAI | FICS NOC after Bill of Entry; FSSAI Central licence |
| Trusted trader status | CBIC | AEO-T1/T2/T3/LO |
Policy watch
As of 2026-11: dairy products including whey need a Sanitary Import Permit (SIP) from the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying before shipment and a veterinary health certificate with India's required attestations (including on animal feed); FSSAI Central licence and FICS clearance per consignment; FSSAI import shelf-life rules apply. Duty: verify on ICEGATE for 0404.10/3502.20 (not checked this session). Sources: https://fics.fssai.gov.in; research/06-compliance-logistics.md; DAHD SIP requirement is ASSUMPTION from general knowledge — confirm with DAHD.
Frequently asked questions
How do I import whey protein concentrate/isolate & whey powder from United States to India?
Place the order with a verified United States 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 United States?
No FTA; BTA under negotiation (talks 1–4 Jun 2026) [S7]. Tariff on Indian goods as of 22 Oct 2026: MFN + 10% Section 301 (from 24 Jul 2026), or the Section 232 rate for steel/aluminium/autos/copper; IEEPA tariffs struck down by the Supreme Court 20 Feb 2026 — verify weekly [06 §C.3]
Where in United States is whey protein concentrate/isolate & whey powder made?
Main hubs: Madison (Wisconsin), Twin Falls (Idaho), Los Angeles (port). Large WPC/WPI output from cheese industry.
What HS code is used for importing whey protein concentrate/isolate & whey powder into India?
Usually HS 040410; confirm the 8-digit Indian tariff line and current duty on CBIC/ICEGATE with your customs broker.
Related
Source whey protein concentrate/isolate & whey powder from United States
Specification, volume and delivery city in India.