Thinking of importing goods into India? Whether it's Korean ramen, Turkish ceramics, African cocoa, or Chinese electronics—thousands of Indian small businesses are exploring imports to tap into unique supply and product margins. But what many don’t realize is: importing to India isn't just about finding a supplier.
It's about navigating a complex maze of regulations, duties, logistics and documentation—all while protecting your investment. In this post, we’ll break down the real-world challenges Indian importers face, especially first-timers and micro businesses and how you can overcome them smartly.
📌 Challenges of Importing Goods to India (For First-Time & Small Importers)
Let’s look at the most common—and most costly—challenges Indian businesses face when starting their import journey.
1. 🏛 Import Licenses & Regulatory Roadblocks
To legally import into India, your business must have:
✅ Importer Exporter Code (IEC) – Issued by DGFT India.
✅ Product-specific clearances:
FSSAI – For packaged food, beverages, edible oils, supplements.
BIS – For electronics, toys, pressure cookers, helmets, etc.
WPC – For wireless or Bluetooth-enabled devices.
Even a small slip—wrong product category, missing certificate—can get your goods stuck in customs.
🎯 Sumvaad Tip: Before placing any international order, check whether your product needs special clearance. Or drop a comment below—we’ll help you verify it.
2. 💸 High Import Duties & Hidden Taxes
India’s import duty structure includes:
Basic Customs Duty (BCD)
IGST (Integrated GST)
Social Welfare Surcharge
Anti-Dumping Duties (on select goods)
Depending on your HS code, landed cost can jump by 30–80% over the product price.
👉 Example: Importing processed food or cereals may cost you 50–65% extra due to duties and charges.
✅ Use our Import Duty Estimator Sheet (linked at the end) to calculate your landed cost before ordering.
3. 📄 Documentation Gaps That Delay Deliveries
Here’s a typical import document set you’ll need:
Even one missing or inaccurate document can lead to customs clearance delays or demurrage charges at port.
4. 🧪 Testing, Compliance & Labeling Errors
Especially for food, cosmetics, and electronics:
FSSAI mandates labeling in English, shelf life remaining (min 60%), ingredients, MRP, and importer info.
Legal Metrology laws require MRP stickers on every consumer good.
BIS testing may be mandatory before shipment, not after arrival.
🚨 Real risk: If labeling doesn't match Indian compliance, your consignment may be rejected or destroyed.
5. 🚛 Shipping & Port Delays
Port congestion at Mumbai, Mundra, Chennai is common.
Container shortages can delay shipments.
Last-mile delivery inland from ports is often expensive for Tier-2/3 cities.
Freight rates are also volatile. A ₹20,000 shipment from China could cost ₹60,000 in logistics if you don’t negotiate well.
Sumvaad Tip: Use LCL (Less-than-Container Load) shipping if your order is small. Also, always budget for buffer time and cost.
6. 🏦 Forex & Banking Barriers
Currency volatility (INR/USD or INR/CNY) can eat into your margin.
Some Indian banks are slow to process outward remittances, especially to new countries.
Letters of Credit (LCs) are safer but complex for small businesses.
7. 🔍 Unverified Suppliers = Big Risks
If you don’t audit your supplier, you risk:
Receiving poor quality or wrong goods.
Being ghosted after payment.
Language barriers causing specification mismatches.
✅ Use platforms like Alibaba Verified, or hire a pre-shipment inspection agent (SGS, TUV, Bureau Veritas) in the supplier’s country.
Important articles on IMPEX Business
💬 Join the Conversation on Sumvaad. Got a product in mind you want to import?
Comment below with what you're planning to bring in.
We’ll help you:
Understand if it needs licensing
Estimate duty %
Avoid common mistakes based on others’ experiences
Sumvaad is a growing community of smart, practical Indian business owners helping each other thrive. Don’t go through the importing maze alone—get answers from people who’ve already walked the path.