How to Import From India to the USA: Complete 2026 Process
TL;DR: Importing from India to the USA in 2026 requires CBP entry filing, ISF 10+2 submission, HTS code classification, duty payment, and ocean or air freight coordination. Most US importers use a sourcing agent in India to handle origin-side logistics and a US customs broker for entry — this guide walks through every step.
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What is the step-by-step process to import from India to the USA?
Answer: The end-to-end import process from India to the USA has eight defined stages: factory finding, sampling, PO and production, ISF 10+2 filing, ocean or air freight booking, US arrival and customs entry, duty payment, and final delivery to the warehouse. Most steps can be outsourced to a sourcing agent in India and a US customs broker.
The end-to-end import process from India to the USA has eight defined stages: factory finding, sampling, PO and production, ISF 10+2 filing, ocean or air freight booking, US arrival and customs entry, duty payment, and final delivery to the warehouse. Most steps can be outsourced to a sourcing agent in India and a US customs broker.
1. Find verified Indian factory (sourcing agent recommended)
2. Sample approval and purchase order
3. Production and pre-shipment AQL inspection
4. ISF 10+2 filing 24 hours before vessel loading
5. Ocean freight (FCL/LCL) or air freight booking
6. CBP entry filing via licensed US customs broker
7. Duty payment (HTS code based) and CBP release
8. Final delivery via trucking to your US warehouse
How much are US import duties on goods from India?
Answer: US import duties on goods from India range from 0% (textiles under GSP-eligible HTS codes, where applicable) to 25% (specialty steel and certain chemicals). Most consumer categories — apparel, decor, jewellery, leather, handicrafts — fall in the 5–18% MFN duty band.
US import duties on goods from India range from 0% (textiles under GSP-eligible HTS codes, where applicable) to 25% (specialty steel and certain chemicals). Most consumer categories — apparel, decor, jewellery, leather, handicrafts — fall in the 5–18% MFN duty band. India is not subject to Section 301 tariffs that apply to China.
How long does shipping from India to the USA take?
Answer: Ocean freight transit times from India to the USA average 25–30 days to East Coast ports (NY/NJ, Savannah, Charleston) and 30–35 days to West Coast ports (LA/LB, Oakland) via Suez routing. Air freight via Delhi or Mumbai takes 3–5 days door-to-door.
Ocean freight transit times from India to the USA average 25–30 days to East Coast ports (NY/NJ, Savannah, Charleston) and 30–35 days to West Coast ports (LA/LB, Oakland) via Suez routing. Air freight via Delhi or Mumbai takes 3–5 days door-to-door.
What is Section 321 and can I use it for India shipments?
Answer: Section 321 of the Tariff Act allows duty-free entry of shipments valued under $800 per consignee per day. US e-commerce sellers regularly use Section 321 to clear small parcels from India duty-free, especially for Shopify and Amazon DTC fulfillment.
Section 321 of the Tariff Act allows duty-free entry of shipments valued under $800 per consignee per day. US e-commerce sellers regularly use Section 321 to clear small parcels from India duty-free, especially for Shopify and Amazon DTC fulfillment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a customs broker to import from India to the USA?
Yes for any shipment above $2,500 FOB value. Licensed US customs brokers file the CBP entry, calculate duties via HTS code, and release the goods. A sourcing agent in India coordinates origin-side documentation (commercial invoice, packing list, BL, COO) so the broker can file cleanly.
Are there any tariffs on Indian imports to the USA in 2026?
Most categories carry standard MFN duties of 5–18%. India is not subject to the Section 301 China tariffs. Some product categories qualify for reduced duties under proposed US-India trade agreements; check the current HTS code on the USITC website.
What documents are needed to import from India?
Standard documents: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading (BL) or air waybill (AWB), certificate of origin (COO), ISF 10+2 filing, and any product-specific permits (FDA prior notice for food, FCC for electronics, CPSC for children's products).
How do I get started with Small World India?
Send us your product specs or reference images via the contact form. Within 48 hours we shortlist 3 vetted factories with FOB pricing, MOQ, and lead times — at no cost.
What is the typical MOQ for sourcing from India?
MOQs range from 100 units (jewelry, handicrafts) to 5,000+ units (textiles, packaging). We negotiate flexible MOQs for first orders and combine SKUs across factories when needed.
How does Small World India ensure product quality?
Every order includes factory audit, mid-production inspection, and pre-shipment AQL 2.5 inspection by our in-house QC team. You receive photos, videos, and a full inspection report before shipment leaves the port.
Which countries do you ship to?
We export to 50+ countries with primary buyer concentration in the USA, UK, Germany, France, Netherlands, Australia, Canada, UAE, and Japan. We handle FOB, CIF, and DDP terms.
What are your fees?
Standard sourcing commission is 5–10% of FOB value, billed only after you confirm a PO. Inspections and freight are billed at cost with no markup.
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