Buyer guide
Importing from India to the USA
For US buyers, India offers depth in home, textile, furniture and handmade categories that few other sources match. This guide covers the practical mechanics of moving goods from an Indian factory to a US warehouse.
Documentation you will need
A commercial invoice and packing list, a bill of lading, and a certificate of origin are the core documents. Exports from India are zero-rated for GST, so Indian tax should not appear on your invoice. Product-specific certificates — for example testing for children's products — attach to these as required.
Duties, customs and compliance
US import duty depends on the product's HTS classification and country of origin; confirm the classification early because it drives landed cost. Products such as textiles, children's goods and food-contact items carry additional regulatory requirements administered by agencies including CBP, CPSC and the FDA. Treat compliance as a design input, not an afterthought.
This is general information, not customs or legal advice — confirm specifics with a licensed customs broker for your product and program.
Shipping and lead time
Most India–US ocean freight sails from Nhava Sheva (Mumbai) or Mundra to US ports. Plan a first order at roughly 8–12 weeks from approved sample to port, plus transit. Consolidating several suppliers into one shipment simplifies documentation and can reduce cost.
Frequently asked questions
Do I pay Indian GST when importing to the USA?
No. Exports from India are zero-rated for GST, so Indian tax should not appear on your export invoice. You pay US duties based on the product's classification and origin.
How long does shipping from India to the USA take?
Ocean transit is typically several weeks depending on the port pairing, on top of production and inspection time. Plan the full timeline from approved sample rather than from shipment.
What compliance applies to US imports from India?
It depends on the product — textiles, children's goods and food-contact items carry specific requirements from agencies such as CPSC and the FDA. Confirm with a customs broker.
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