Key facts
- India imported US$98,723 million of electronic components in FY2024-25 (static.pib.gov.in).
- Sourced from 4 origin countries: CN, TW, KR, TH.
- Certifications available from the supply base: ISO 9001, ISO 14001, UL listing, EU REACH compliance, RoHS compliance.
- Typical minimum order: PCBs: per Gerber, from prototype panels to volume orders (no fixed MOQ, price falls with panel area); connectors: full reel/box per MPN (typical).
Product overview
Bare PCBs and connectors are the two highest-count mechanical parts on an electronics BOM after passives. India has domestic PCB fabrication, but most multilayer (6+ layer), HDI, flexible and rigid-flex boards — and a large share of fine-pitch connectors — are still imported, mainly from China, Taiwan, South Korea and Thailand.
PCBs are made to the customer's Gerber files, so the import is a custom manufacturing order rather than a catalogue purchase; connectors are catalogue items bought by MPN. The research file notes anti-dumping risk on specific lines such as PCBs, and India's ECMS scheme is funding new domestic PCB capacity, which may change the import picture over the next few years.
For a trading house the workable model is managing overseas fabrication for EMS firms and OEMs that lack an offshore sourcing team: DFM review, quoting, quality inspection and on-time import, plus stocking common connector families.
HS note: Bare boards are HS 8534; connectors usually fall under 8536.69 (plugs and sockets) or 8536.90, and coaxial/RF connectors may be classified differently. Assembled boards (PCBA) are classified by function, not 8534.
Specifications
| Layer count | 2–12 layers common; HDI any-layer for mobile (typical) |
|---|---|
| Base material | FR-4 (standard / high-Tg), polyimide for flex, aluminium-core MCPCB for LED (typical) |
| Surface finish | HASL lead-free, ENIG, OSP, immersion silver/tin (typical) |
| Quality standard | IPC-A-600 Class 2 or Class 3 as specified by the buyer |
| Connector types | Board-to-board, wire-to-board, FPC/FFC, terminal blocks, USB-C, automotive sealed (typical) |
| Compliance | UL 94V-0 flammability rating on laminate, RoHS (typical) |
Typical commercial values. Final specifications are fixed per contract and verified by lab report or pre-shipment inspection.
Grades & variants
IPC Class 2
Dedicated-service electronics: industrial, consumer durables.
IPC Class 3
High-reliability: medical, aerospace, automotive safety.
Automotive connectors
Sealed, vibration-rated connector families for vehicles and EV packs.
Packaging, MOQ & container loading
| Packing | Sizes | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vacuum-sealed panels | Panels vacuum-packed with desiccant and humidity indicator card | ENIG/OSP boards have limited solderable shelf life |
| Connectors | Tape-and-reel, tubes or bulk bags per MPN | Full reels from manufacturers |
Container load (estimate): 20' GP Volume PCB orders can fill LCL/FCL · 40' HC Rarely used. Prototypes and quick-turn by air/courier; volume boards often by sea LCL
Customisation: Built to customer Gerber/BOM; stack-up, impedance control, surface finish and panelisation specified by buyer
Where Indian buyers are
Main Indian demand centres we distribute to.
Uttar Pradesh
Noida, Greater Noida
Consumer-electronics and mobile EMS
Tamil Nadu
Chennai, Hosur, Coimbatore
EMS, EV and automotive electronics
Karnataka
Bengaluru
Design houses, aerospace/defence and industrial electronics
Gujarat
Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Sanand
New semiconductor/ATMP and electronics projects
Maharashtra
Pune, Mumbai
Industrial automation, metering and auto electronics
Sourcing origins
CN
Shenzhen, Dongguan, Huizhou, Kunshan
World's largest PCB production base; fast prototype-to-volume service; broad connector supply.
TW
Taoyuan, Taipei, Hsinchu
High-end HDI, IC-substrate and connector makers; often with plants in mainland China or Thailand.
KR
Ansan, Cheongju
HDI and flexible PCB capability tied to Korean electronics supply chains.
TH
Ayutthaya, Prachinburi, Bangkok
Growing PCB hub as makers relocate from China; useful for China+1 sourcing.
Origin market notes
Southeast Asia
Thailand and Vietnam are absorbing PCB capacity moving out of China, which helps China+1 sourcing; lead times and price levels vary by plant maturity.
East Asia
China offers the deepest PCB supply base and quick-turn service; Taiwan and Korea lead in HDI and substrates. China-origin PCBs carry trade-remedy risk in India (see importRestrictions), so pricing should allow for a duty change during the contract.
General guidance, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with your customs broker or the regulator.
Trade policy note
As of 2026-11: bare PCBs and connectors are 'Free' under ITC(HS) and are not, to our knowledge, under a BIS QCO. The research file flags anti-dumping risk on specific electronics lines including PCBs; check the DGTR notices and the ICEGATE duty calculator for any ADD on your HS code and origin before quoting. Sources: research/02-indian-imports.md; http://www.dgtr.gov.in/en; https://www.icegate.gov.in (status: ASSUMPTION — current ADD status on PCBs not verified this session).
Quality control
- • DFM review of Gerbers before order
- • Electrical test (flying probe or fixture) report per lot
- • Microsection and solderability reports for Class 3
- • Third-party pre-shipment inspection on volume orders
Certifications available
- • ISO 9001
- • ISO 14001
- • UL listing
- • EU REACH compliance
- • RoHS compliance
Held by the producing supplier for the specific lot; copies shared with the quote.
Shipping documents
- • Commercial invoice
- • Packing list
- • Airway bill or bill of lading
- • Certificate of origin
- • Electrical test report
- • Certificate of conformance
- • RoHS declaration
Trade data
| Period | Flow | Value (USD mn) | Status | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FY2024-25 | India importsLine: Electronic components (passives, connectors, PCBs, displays, modules) | 98,723 | verified | static.pib.gov.in |
DGFT 'Electronic goods' group: FY25 98,723 -> FY26 116,176 (+17.7%); components alone ~USD 40 bn FY26 (CRISIL, tier 5)
Import routes
Frequently asked questions
Is there anti-dumping duty on PCBs imported into India?
Trade-remedy action on PCBs from China has been raised before, and the research file flags PCBs as an ADD-risk line. We have not verified a current duty; check DGTR notices and the ICEGATE duty calculator for your exact HS code and origin before ordering.
What HS code is used for bare PCBs?
Bare printed circuits are classified under HS 8534. Assembled boards are classified by their function, and connectors usually fall under 8536.69 or 8536.90.
Do imported PCBs need BIS certification?
Bare PCBs are not, to our knowledge, covered by a BIS QCO or the CRS scheme. The finished product they go into may need CRS registration.
What files are needed to get a PCB quote?
Gerber or ODB++ files, a fabrication drawing with stack-up, material, finish and IPC class, the quantity and target delivery date.
How long do bare PCBs stay solderable?
Typically 6–12 months in sealed packaging depending on the surface finish; OSP has the shortest life and ENIG among the longest.
Request a quote for Connectors & Bare Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs)
Tell us grade, quantity and destination. We reply with options, packaging and pricing on your Incoterm.
