Step-by-Step: How to Import from India to USA
Determine Your Product & HS Code
Identify the correct Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) code for your product. This determines duty rates, quotas, and which federal agencies regulate your import.
Check US Regulatory Requirements
Determine which agencies apply — CPSC for consumer goods, FDA for food/cosmetics/drugs, USDA for agricultural products, FCC for electronics, EPA for chemicals.
Find & Vet Indian Suppliers
Use a sourcing agent, trade fairs (India Expo Mart, IITF), or B2B platforms. Always conduct factory audits and request third-party testing.
Request Samples & Lab Testing
Get product samples tested at accredited US labs for CPSC, ASTM, Prop 65, or FDA compliance before placing bulk orders.
Negotiate Terms & Place Order
Agree on pricing (FOB/CIF), payment terms (typically 30% advance, 70% before shipment), MOQ, lead time, and quality specifications.
Production & Quality Inspections
Monitor production with in-line and pre-shipment inspections. Use AQL-based sampling per ISO 2859-1 standards.
Arrange Freight & Documentation
Book freight (sea or air), obtain Bill of Lading, commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, and any required test reports.
US Customs Clearance
Work with a licensed customs broker. File ISF (Importer Security Filing) 24 hours before loading. Pay applicable duties upon arrival.
US Import Duty Rates on Indian Products
India trades with the US under Most Favored Nation (MFN) rates. Many Indian products enjoy lower effective tariffs than Chinese equivalents due to Section 301 tariffs on China.
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| Product (HS Code) | Duty Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cotton T-shirts (HS 6109.10) | 16.5% | MFN rate, no preferential treatment |
| Leather handbags (HS 4202.21) | 8–20% | Varies by material composition |
| Handmade rugs (HS 5701–5705) | 0–4.5% | Many handmade categories duty-free |
| Jewelry – silver (HS 7113.11) | 5–6.5% | Lower than many other origins |
| Furniture – wood (HS 9403) | 0–2.5% | Competitive advantage vs. China (25% tariff) |
| Engineering parts (HS 7318–7326) | 0–3.4% | No Section 301 tariffs apply |
| Organic chemicals (HS 2901–2942) | 0–6.5% | India is a top 5 global supplier |
| Spices (HS 0904–0910) | 0–5% | USDA/FDA clearance required |
US Regulatory Agencies for Indian Imports
CPSC
Consumer Product Safety Commission
All consumer products — toys, textiles, furniture, electronics
Learn about our compliance services →FDA
Food & Drug Administration
Food, food contact materials, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, medical devices
Learn about our compliance services →USDA/APHIS
US Dept. of Agriculture
Agricultural products, wood packaging (ISPM 15), plant-based materials
Learn about our compliance services →CBP
Customs and Border Protection
All imports — duty assessment, country of origin, trade enforcement
Learn about our compliance services →Essential Documents for India-to-USA Imports
India vs. China: Why US Importers Are Shifting
| Factor | 🇮🇳 India | 🇨🇳 China |
|---|---|---|
| Section 301 Tariffs | Not applicable | 7.5–25% additional |
| Textiles & Apparel | Strong — world's 2nd largest producer | Strong but tariff-burdened |
| Handmade / Artisanal | World leader — vast artisan base | Limited |
| Leather & Footwear | Excellent quality, competitive pricing | Higher tariffs apply |
| Engineering Goods | Growing rapidly, ISO-certified | Established but tariff-affected |
| English Communication | Widespread — easier negotiations | Often requires translators |
| IP Protection | Improving — WTO-compliant laws | Ongoing concerns |
Related US Import Guides
Best Products to Import from India to USA
India Sourcing Agent for US Buyers
US–India Tariff Reduction 2026
Amazon FBA Sourcing from India
Importing from India to USA — FAQs
Do I need an import license to import from India to USA?
Most consumer goods do not require a specific import license. However, certain products (firearms, alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, food) require permits from relevant agencies (ATF, TTB, FDA). All importers need a CBP Importer Number and should register with CBP.
What are the customs duties on Indian goods imported to the USA?
Duties vary by product category and HTS code. India does not have a free trade agreement with the US, so Most Favored Nation (MFN) rates apply. Rates range from 0% (many handicrafts, some engineering goods) to 25%+ (certain textiles). Use the USITC HTS database to look up specific rates.
How does importing from India compare to China for US buyers?
India offers advantages in textiles, apparel, leather, handicrafts, jewelry, and chemicals. Since Section 301 tariffs (7.5–25%) apply to many Chinese goods but not Indian goods, India can be 15–40% cheaper than China in affected categories. India also excels in artisanal and handmade products.
What documents do I need to import from India to USA?
Essential documents include: Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading/Airway Bill, Certificate of Origin, ISF (Importer Security Filing), and product-specific certificates (test reports, FDA prior notice for food, CPSC certificates for children's products).
How can Small World India help me import from India?
We handle end-to-end sourcing: supplier identification, factory audits, sample development, compliance testing, production monitoring, quality inspections, export documentation, and freight coordination. We've helped US importers since 1994.
What payment methods are safe for paying Indian suppliers?
For first orders, use Letter of Credit (LC) for maximum protection. For established relationships, Telegraphic Transfer (TT) with 30% advance and 70% against copy of B/L is standard. Never pay 100% advance to a new supplier. Escrow services are also available.
Need Help Importing from India?
We've helped US businesses import from India since 1994. From finding the right manufacturers to handling quality inspections and export documentation — we make India sourcing simple.