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What is the best way to ship goods from China to India ?
SINO Shipping is your perfect partner to send your goods from China to India. We can plan sea, air, rail or road freight between those two countries for all sort of items, even if they are perishable or hazardous. With SINO Shipping, every corner of China can be linked to all locations in India. First of all, thank you for visiting us here. It’s the ideal page for you, if you’re in quest of great data on trades and import processes between India and China. Without regarding if you’re wanting to import Chinese goods in India, or you’re in China and try to export your products to an Indian client. Here, we have synthetized our decade of experience in freight between both countries, detailing what is better for your goods, no matter of their volume, weight, quantity and type. From a tiny parcel, to a complete bulk cargo, you will understand precisely the transfer steps and procedures between the two countries. Also, we will provide you personal advises and interesting links, to implement or improve your trading objectives. In a first part we will discuss the freight methods existing between China and India, and which one is adapted to your situation. After, we will talk about the customs clearing process and finish with the trade relations between the two Asian titans.
Our customs broker inform you
Customs clearance in India
How to be exempted of duties and taxes
Because there isn’t any Free Trade Agreements between the two countries, the possibility for you to be exempted of taxes is very tiny. Complementary to this, India has one of the most difficult customs clearing process and legislation in the world. If you combine these two factors, it explains while most of the Indian importers are asking services to freight forwarders, to handle the customs procedures. With our great experience between the two countries, we can take in charge for you all this procedure and the inherent paperwork. Just let us know.
Necessary documents
The Certificate of Origin (CO)
The CO is a proof of the place where your goods were produced. As its name is saying, it certifies of the origin of your items and is recognised by all customs of all countries. Generally, the CO must be delivered by a government or a notary public.
The Bill of Entry (BOE)
The Bill of Entry should not be mingled with the Bill of Lading.
It’s one of the most important documents for the import. The Bill of Entry must be signed by the Importer and sent to the corresponding customs office within 30 days after the arrival of the items in India. The BOE is testifying of the “total outward remittance of country” ruled by the Reserve Bank and the Indian Customs.
The Bill of Lading (BL) or Airway Bill
The Bill of Lading (different from the Bill of Entry) is a major document required for imports in every country. As the CO testifies of where your goods are coming from, the BL is witnessing of the cargo’s information, the payment transfer from the importer to the freight forwarder and the issuance of the LC (Letter of Credit). The Bill of Lading is inherent to sea freight why the Airway bill comes for an air freights.
Here is a detailed example of what contains a BL:
1 = Shipper
2 = Consignee
3 = Notify party
4 = Vessel No.
5 = Port of loading / discharge
6 = Place of receipt / delivery
7 = Containers No.
8 = Goods description
9 = Net weight
10 = Dimensions / volume
Product test reports
Customs officers have to determine the quality of the products that you import. In this objective they might withdraw samples on your products and send them to a sworn laboratory. The complete clearing can only be finished after receiving the official results. An already made test report will probably save you and the customs time.
Product description, catalogue…
Documents or literature detailing technical aspects and functions of the goods, might be demanded by customs to clear special imports. It will help customs officers to find out the exact value of your goods, if they are uncommon.
GATT & DGFT Declarations
Every importer in India needs to fill a General Agreement on Tariff and Trade declaration (GATT) and a Directorate General of Foreign Trade declaration (DGFT).
Labels requirements for Chinese products
Labels can be written in English or Hindi. Here are the information that must be available on the label
- Product name and description
- Net weight
- Date of production
- Importer’s address
- Maximum selling price, taxes included
- Batch ID
- MM/YYYY of the import
- MADE IN CHINA
- Dimensions (optional)
- Expiry date and net weight (for food only)
BIS, Indian Standards (IS) and ISI Mark
The BIS is the state agency in charge of the establishment of the security and quality norms and standards in India. It produced a huge number of norms applicable to a lot of items that are produced or imported in India.
If you’re willing to import these items below, you must ensure yourself that they agree with one of the norms set by the BIS, before commanding them to your supplier:
- Cement
- Household electrical goods
- Food & agricultural products
- Diesel engines
- Oil pressure stoves
- Automobiles accessories
- Steel cylinders, valves and regulators
- Medical equipment
- Steel products
The Indian Standard are a set of rules, norms and standards that are applying to goods, of Indian or foreign origin. They are created by the BIS. Nowadays there is around 20,000 IS that are applying. Although, it is better if the goods you’re importing are consonant with the existing IS, but it’s not an obligation in order to import them on the Indian territory, as some IS aren’t compulsory.
If your goods are meeting the Indian Standards, you supplier will be able to put the ISI mark on them. As most of the Chinese suppliers are not used with it, you will have to provide them ISI mark, so they can print it. It’s comparable as the CE mark system that is ruling in the European Economic Area.
SINO Remark : If your goods are not IS consonant, even if it’s non-mandatory, don’t ask your supplier to mark them with the ISI symbol. It will only create troubles.
Your responsibility towards the BIS
For goods produced in India, it’s the manufacturer that is responsible for the accordance of his products with the IS. For goods produced overseas, it’s the Importer that is liable to the IS compliance of the goods he is importing.
If your goods are IS mandatory, we advise you to search for Chinese supplier that are already used to produce items matching with the IS, even if they are a few. Because if they are not, the steps to obtain this certification are numerous and it can take a lot of time, as you’re the person responsible of it, without a guarantee of results.
Here is a to-do-list for you to supervise IS matching items production:
- Find a Chinese manufacturer/supplier that is selling CE or FCC marked products. This category of supplier is more willing to accept and to be able to manage an IS product development process.
- Order samples of the goods you want to import. Send the samples to a BIS accredited laboratory.
- The laboratory will give you the results. If it’s positive, your supplier can put the ISI mark on the products. If it’s negative, they will give you further explanations. After, it’s on your will to try again or to give up.
- Despite positive results, the BIS can request further tests and factory inspection by their representatives.
- If all is ok after it, you can start your import process.
*Of course, all of this will be on your own expense.
Other documents
Most of the countries are working with the Harmonized Tariff System (HTS) to identify products, but India is one of the few countries that is not using exactly this system.
Here is a picture detailing the information provided by a HS code
At present, you know what HS code is matching with your goods. It will help you to determine what duties and taxes you will pay, on this official Indian customs tool.
First, enter the access code shown on the first page. Select “Trade Guide on Imports” on the next page.
On the following page, if you are searching tariffs applying to pineapples produced in China, type pineapple and select China as the country of origin. Select the corresponding HS Code “080430” on the next page and you will land to the final page, detailing you the tariff rates that are applying.
SINO Info : Now that you know how numerous the required documents can be, you still have the possibility to ask one of our SINO Customs Experts to handle it entirely for you.
Customs process
Customs contact in China
Customs contact in India
Official name: General Administration of Customs of China
Official Website: Chinese Customs Website
Trade relations between China and India
The BRICS, motor of the cooperation between the two countries
Because of their geographical proximity, exchanges and trades between India and China have always been great since ancient times. Their closeness is also the cause of several litigates between both countries. In our current times, conflicts are subsisting for the administration of the Arunachal Pradesh and the Aksai Chin regions in northern India/eastern China. We can say that they are as much willing to cooperate, than feeling concurrents to each other. Fortunately, thanks to the yearly BRICS forum, they are soothing their relations for better common development.
India and China have the greatest economies and populations in the world, and are constantly developing, particularly through international trades.
Hong Kong and China are the third partner of India in terms of exports, with almost 9 % of the Indian exported goods going there. China is India’s first import partner with 17 % of the goods imported to India coming from China. On the other hand, India isn’t a major partner for China, as only 0.74 % of the imported goods into China are coming from India. India is the 7th export partner of China, with 2.78 % of the goods exported from China are going to India.
As said before, India and China doesn’t have any Free Trade Agreements in common. Like all emerging countries, duties and taxes on importations in India are heavy, around 12 % on average. So you must be ready to pay duties going from 5 % to 30 % on the Chinese goods you want to import.
To sum up, India and China have been trading and exchanging greatly through modern and ancient history. India is investing massively in its infrastructures, to catch up its delay in this domain. Sea freight remains the key transfer method between the two countries, while air, rail and road freight have to be considered only on special purposes.
The customs process in India is one of the heaviest in the world, for all types of goods and country of origin. Tariff barriers in India are also quite elevated. But its common for an emerging country.
More than 10 years of expertise in Asia, enables us to deliver tailor-made freight solutions at hyper competitive prices. Do not hesitate to contact our dedicated staff for more information about your transfer, we’re always happy to serve and spread knowledge!
Our customs broker inform you
Prohibited & restricted items
Remark SINO : If you have one of the following item, you should check directly with our SINO Experts. Some of those items are restricted or even totally prohibited, it is important to anticipate such shipment to avoid any problem.
Drug Contraband
Explosives
Biohazard
Chemicals
Corrosive
Counterfeit
Ivory
Batteries
Flammable
Firearms
Drugs
Counterfeit Notes
Poison
Pornography
Knife
Tobacco
Gambling
Hazardous
SINO Shipping - Dedicated freight forwarder in India
Due to our attractive pricing & dedication, many customers trust our services and we thanks them. Stop to overpay the services and save money with our tailored package matching will all type of shipment, from small volume to full container, let us find the best and cost-effective option.
SEA FREIGHT FROM/TO VIETNAM
Ocean freight will be the best deal for you if :
- Your suppliers are located near a major Chinese port
- Your goods are bigger than 2 CBM
- You’re not in a hurry to receive them
Remark SINO : Ocean freight between China and India is the most used freight method. If you’re interested to know more about sea freight from China, check our dedicated article on the topic: Sea Freight China.
India has always been a great interface for trades between Europe, the Middle East and Asia. India’s geography is putting it in the first place of the greatest world’s peninsula. This gives to India one of the biggest world seashore, with a total length of 7517 kilometres. Adding this to its incredible population and economy, you have numerous ports infrastructures that are boarding its coasts in results. Because of its transition from an emerging to a rich country, India’s maritime system and infrastructures are in constant mutation, to follow the economic challenges that are facing the country. Statistics from the Indian Ministry of Shipping are showing that sea freight represents 95 % of the international trades in terms of volume and 70 % in terms of value.
There is 176 Minor ports and 13 Major ports that are operated by Public Private Partnerships (PPP) between the Indian states and the Port Trusts. 60 % of the Ocean traffic in India goes through the Major ports, while the other 40 % are due to the Minor Ports. This percentage might change for most of the traffic going to the Minor Ports by 2020, according to the Maritime Agenda 2010-200.
To find the perfect solution to transfer your goods via ocean, please contact one of our SINO Sea Experts. Fill our online form in 1 min and get an answer within 48H !
SINO Note : The vessels carrying your goods will use the same sea route from China to join the Indian ports. First, they will go straight south to join Singapore’s shore by crossing the South China Sea. Being there, they will go north by passing through the Malacca straight. Then they will reach the Bay of Bengal, or the Arabian Sea, depending if the port of destination is on the east or the west coast of India.
Major Ports of the East Coast
Chennai
It is the third largest container ports of India and the first of the east coast. It was opened in 1881 and is now ruled by the Chennai Port Trust, and the Singaporean group PSA International. Its container traffic was of 1,468,000 TEUs and it handled 46.29 Million tonnes of cargo in 2015.
Kolkata
It is the oldest port of India, opened in 1870. It is operated by PSA International also and the Kolkata Port Trust. In 2015, its container traffic was of 563,000 TEUs and it handled 46.29 Million tonnes of cargo. It’s the second busiest port of the east coast.
Visakhapatnam
Opened in 1933, it is now operated by the Emirati group DPW and the Visakhapatnam Port Trust. Located midway between Kolkata and Chennai, it is the third major east coast port with a container traffic of 263,000 TEUs and 58 Million tonnes of cargo in 2015.
Major ports of the West Coast
Kandla
It is the biggest Indian port and it opened after the independence in the 1950s. In 2016 the port managed 106 million tonnes of cargo. Again, it is operated by PSA International and the Kandla Port Trust.
Jawaharlal Nehru
Also known as Nhava Sheva or JNPT, it is the second biggest port of both India and the west coast. It is operated by the Danish group AP Møller and the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust. Opened in 1989, it is one of the most recent Indian port. It has the ambition to manage 10,000,000 TEUs by the year 2021. Located in the Maharashtra state, most of the cargo of the region is handled here, while bulk cargos are managed by the neighbour port of Mumbai.
SINO Plus : We are present in every major ports and harbour of China, thanks to our great collaborators. Thanks to their great work, we’re honoured to propose a full range of ocean freight services in destination to India. SINO Shipping can program full container (FCL), less than a container (LCL), for 20 fts, 40 fts and 40 fts HQ containers. If your goods are requiring a controlled environment, we’re able to plan freights by reefer container, roro or bulk cargos also.
Sea freight transit times
| Tianjin | Shanghai | Hong Kong | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kandla | 24 days | 18 days | 17 days |
| Paradip | 17 days | 15 days | 17 days |
| JNPT | 23 days | 22 days | 23 days |
| Mumbai | 23 days | 22 days | 19 days |
| Visakhapatnam | 21 days | 19 days | 16 days |
| Chennai | 16 days | 14 days | 17 days |
| Kolkata | 17 days | 19 days | 17 days |
| Krishnapatnam | 20 days | 14 days | 17 days |
| Mangalore | 18 days | 16 days | 18 days |
| Tuticorin | 16 days | 14 days | 17 days |
*Please note that those transit times are just indicative timing between China and India
Sea freight rates
*If time isn’t a key parameter for your transfer, sea freight is the best solution in your hand. If you’re more constrained by money than time, maritime freight is advised.
To go straight to the point, ocean freights possess two major benefits: you can transfer huge quantities, at the lowest prices. You will particularly appreciate this method if you’re aiming to send regular shipments with great volume and/or weight.
As told above, SINO Shipping can provide all types of service for every kind of volume! Our flexibility will enable us to fully adapt to your special needs and requirements.
AIR FREIGHT FROM/TO INDIA
Air freight will be the most efficient solution if :
Your goods are smaller than 2 CBM and 200 kg
You’re in a hurry to receive/send the goods
Remark SINO : Air freight can be a solution for your transfer, but only on specific parameters.
India is possessing a large number of international airports, that are covering all the country. They are 35 in total, while in China there is at least 60 International Airports. Numerous international cargo lines are linking the two countries with direct flights. We can mention China Cargo Airlines who possess branches in Chennai International Airports. Of course, other non-Asian Airlines have flights arriving to India’s international airports from China.
Air freight transit times
Normally, a plane will fly from China to India in less than 12 hours door-to-door. A regular air freight will permit to deliver your items, from your supplier in China to your address in India within a week. A courier air freight (express) will enables us to do it in less than 4 days.
Remark Sino : Transit time are hard to estimate as it mainly depends of the budget: a direct flight available within a day is possible, but will probably be more expensive. In average, you can expect 5/7 days (export process included).
Air freight rates
*To obtain the chargeable weight of your products, two calculation methods will be used.
First you need to calculate the weight with the two methods, gross weight and volumetric weight. Then keep the highest value, it’s the one you will be charged for.
SINO Plus : We spent a lot of energy and time to negotiate very competitive services and rates with international Airlines linking China to India. We’re proud to propose you a large scale of air freight services. Regular air freight, express freight (courier), delivery at the airport terminal, trucking following the air freight to deliver your items at your address… You just have to ask, and we will implement it.
*For courier services, your product’s chargeable weight will differ, because the volumetric weight is based on this ratio: 1 cubic meter = 200 kilograms
SINO Plus : This explains why we’re quoting every single shipment individually! Your budget won’t be exceeded and the cost calculation of your freight is fully transparent
RAIL FREIGHT FROM/TO INDIA
Remark SINO : Rail freight is very expensive between these two countries. At least your goods can be delivered faster than ocean freight.
Even though India and China have common borders, rail freight between both countries is not very developed. It is an evidence of India’s problem to develop its infrastructures.
Both countries had the occasion to be well-connected by rails, after the independence of India in the 1950s. At that time, The Trans-Asian Railway was a project designed by the United Nations, aiming to implement a great rail network linking Europe to Asia, to facilitate trades and exchanges between the two continents. It will develop landlocked countries like Mongolia and Afghanistan on the same occasion. But conflicts and wars in Asia, added to the tremendous soaring of air and sea freight let the project pending during the rest of the 20th century.
“The southern Corridor”, one of the 4 part of the project, aimed to link Europe to SE Asia and the Yunnan Province of China via India. But gaps are still existing between China and India. This explains why rail freight between both countries is expensive and without great transit times.
Rail freight transit times
This table here details regular transit times between the biggest Chinese and Indian cities:
| Shenzhen/Hong Kong | Ningbo/Shanghai | Beijing | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mumbai | 14 days | 16 days | 15 days |
| Delhi | 12 days | 14 days | 14 days |
| Bangalore | 14 days | 17 days | 16 days |
| Kolkata | 9 days | 12 days | 12 days |
| Chennai | 13 days | 16 days | 15 days |
| Hyderabad | 13 days | 15 days | 15 days |
| Ahmedabad | 13 days | 15 days | 16 days |
| Pune | 13 days | 16 days | 15 days |
| Surat | 13 days | 15 days | 15 days |
| Kanpur | 11 days | 13 days | 12 days |
*Please note that those transit times are just indicative timing between China and India
Rail freight will be the most convenient option if :
Your supplier is located near train station
You’re not in a hurry to receive your goods
SINO Info : If you need to send your goods at the south of the country by train, for example in Savannakhet, your goods will transit through Vietnam before joining the Laotian Territory.
You must know that the border between China and Vietnam is crossed by trains in only two points. There is a first line linking Kunming to Hanoi and crossing the border in Lao Cai (Vietnam) and Hekou (China). Then there is a second line linking Beijing to Hanoi and crossing the border at the “Friendship pass” between Pingxiang (China) and Đồng Đăng (Vietnam).
The train will cross the border between Vietnam and the south of Laos on two major points, in Dansavan (Laos) and Tt. Lao Bao (Vietnam), and at the Nam Phao International Checkpoint.
Here is a table of the usual transit times between Chinese and Laotian cities:
| Vientiane | Pakse | |
|---|---|---|
| Shenzhen/Guangzhou | 4 days | 4 days |
| Xi’an | 7 days | 8 days |
| Qingdao | 8 days | 9 days |
| Ningbo/Shanghai | 7 days | 8 days |
| Beijing | 8 days | 8 days |
| Chongqing | 5 days | 5 days |
| Kunming | 3 days | 4 days |
| Nanchang | 6 days | 6 days |
| Harbin | 11 days | 12 days |
| Changsha | 5 days | 5 days |
Rail freight rates
*As mentioned above, rail freights are expensive between these countries. You will pay around 4500 USD on average for a full container transiting via cargo trains between China and India.
We will propose you this solution if your supplier is located in the eastern part of China (which is rarely the case) and if your goods needs to be sent in north west India, like in Kolkata.
CROSS BORDER TRUCKING TO INDIA
Remark SINO : Rail freight is very expensive between these two countries. At least your goods can be delivered faster than ocean freight.
Remark SINO : Road freight is the second fastest option after air freight but is as much expensive.
Your goods will take similar routes than rail freight. Roads in India are still in need of progress, but in China they are well-shaped and well-maintained. It halves the transit times on average, if you compare road freight to sea freight. But the rates are multiplied by 5 or 6 on the other hand. Not to be neglected, there is bigger risks for a road freight to be delayed or extended, due to the bad road conditions in India. Because most of the Chinese suppliers or manufacturers are located near the Chinese major ports and seashore, it will be hard for a road freight to be competitive. The two countries being also great in terms of area, the road distance covered by trucks can be very long.
Road freight will be an advantage for distances like Kunming-Kolkata. If your supplier is located (again) in eastern China (not common) and your goods must be delivered in northern India, it will be the best freight method for sure. In other situations, you can easily forget it.
Road freight transit times
This table here details regular transit times between the biggest Chinese and Indian cities:
| Shenzhen | Qingdao | Shanghai | Beijing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mumbai | 7 days | 8 days | 8 days | 8 days |
| Pune | 7 days | 8 days | 8 days | 8 days |
| Delhi | 6 days | 7 days | 7 days | 7 days |
| Bangalore | 7 days | 8 days | 8 days | 8 days |
| Kolkata | 5 days | 6 days | 6 days | 6 days |
| Chennai | 7 days | 8 days | 8 days | 8 days |
| Hyderabad | 7 days | 8 days | 7 days | 7 days |
| Ahmedabad | 7 days | 8 days | 8 days | 7 days |
| Surat | 7 days | 8 days | 8 days | 7 days |
| Kanpur | 5 days | 6 days | 6 days | 6 days |
Road freight transit times
*Road freight rates are varying a lot, depending on the road distance. At least you will be charged around 2500 USD for the shortest distance, and it can go around 9000 USD if the journey covers the extremities of India and China.
Similarly, to a rail freight, we will advise you this solution if there isn’t that much distance between you and your supplier.
Freight insurance
If the loss of your goods can be lethal for your business, you must secure your shipment with advanced coverage, thanks to our insurance
Because we’re always exposed to the occurring of a bad event, SINO Shipping linked with the greatest freight insurers to cover your items while they are transferred. You will be refunded the full value of your cargo, if they are damaged during the freight. Our insurance price is define on the base of 2% of the freight + shipment total value. As it’s not an obligation, we will cover your goods on your demand.
Recurrent questions regarding the shipping from China to India
What is the shipping cost from China to India?
LCL: 60 USD /cbm FCL: 130 USD /20’: 200 /40’ Express shipping door to door (10kg): 850 USD
How long does it take to ship from China to India?
Average transit time by sea: 20 days Average transit time by airfreight: 1 days (daily direct flight) Average transit time by rail freight: 14days Average transit time by road freight: 8days Express shipping door to door (10kg): 1 day
What are the best freight options to send good from China to India?
There are 4 options, by sea, air, road or railway, it depends on how big the volume and the weight are, and then you will decide which shipping methods is more adequate. You must calculate the ration time/cost
How much tax will I pay for importing goods from China to India?
According to the proposal, India would abolish customs duties on 28 per cent of goods immediately, while tariffs on other imports from China would be reduced or eliminated over a period of 5,10, 15 and 20 years.
Do customs open every package?
No, they don’t immediately open your package without any reason. … They will only instantly check what’s inside of your package if: Your package has been damaged when it reached the Customs office or desk. The damages can include broken seals or plastic or any cover of your package.
How do I avoid custom charges?
When you make a shipping request, you’ll have to declare the value of your shipment. The value you enter on your request form is the value that will be declared at customs, so it is important that you declare accurately. If you declare too high a value, you may be assessed more taxes than you want to pay! If you declare too low a value, your declared value may be considered unreasonable and adjusted upward.
How can I reduce my shipp ing costs?
-Negotiate with multiple carriers -Get suppliers to use your shipping account number -Use packaging provided by your carrier -Consider a regional carrier -Use online shipping -Invest in prepaid shipping -Buy insurance from a third party -Factor in all shipping fees before billing customers -Consider hybrid services -Ask about association discounts
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