India is one of the largest importers of goods from China, relying on it for a wide range of industrial and consumer products. From electronics and machinery to chemicals, steel, plastics, and auto components, Chinese imports play a vital role in fueling India’s manufacturing and consumption needs. Since the time span of Galwan army skirmishes to the present-day bonhomie at SCO summit at Tianjin, there have been several regulatory hiccups from both sides. China is still holding on the delaying clearance of rate earth magnets and India’s BIS Compliances and DPIIT NOC are still there for imports from China. Along with this, there is Press Note 3 which puts all FDI from China under Approval Route in India. However, there is willingness to move ahead from both sides. In this backdrop, the present article explores the various regulatory compliances for imports from China.
Let us start with macroscopic view of imports from China:
- In 2024, India’s total imports from China were valued at USD 126.96 billion.
- China continues to be India’s largest trading partner, especially in electronics, machinery, and chemical sectors.
Top 5 Product Categories of Imports from China
1. Electronics & Electrical Machinery
- Mobile phones, parts, printed circuit boards, semiconductors, telecom equipment.
- Largest category — 60-65% of imports from China.
2. Machinery & Mechanical Appliances
- Industrial machines, compressors, boilers, tools, auto parts.
- Crucial for manufacturing and infrastructure.
3. Organic Chemicals & APIs
- Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients and specialty chemicals.
- Vital for pharma industry (India imports 65–70% of its APIs from China).
4. Iron & Steel
- Finished steel, stainless steel, alloys.
- Imports surged in 2024–25, touching nearly 2 million tons.
5. Plastics & Articles of Plastics / Auto Components
- Plastic resins, sensors, electronic auto parts.
- Increasing with EV and electronics manufacturing.
The Table shows the Import Value as per the Export/Import Data Bank of the previous year.
| Products | HS Codes | Values as per 2024-25 (in millions) (USD) | Total Commodity Imported (in millions) (USD) |
| Electronics | 85 | 38,026.88 | 88,596.42 |
| Machinery | 8479 | 25,924.96 | 64,302.12 |
| Chemicals | 28 | 1,274.46 | 11,377.08 |
| Steel & Metals | 73 | 2,234.24 | 5,259.24 |
| Plastics | 39 | 6,335.27 | 22,116.05 |
| Auto Parts | 87 | 2,135.34 | 8,259.18 |
India’s FDI Policy with Press Note-3 : Import Categories of items under India’s Policy
1. Free- Can be imported without any import license.
2. Restricted- Requires a Restricted Import License from DGFT (sometimes NOC from DPIIT or line ministries).
3. Prohibited- Completely banned; cannot be imported into India.
Now, let us scan imports from regulatory prism:
This table shows the main products imported from China that need BIS or other approvals, and the type of license required to clear customs smoothly.
| Product Category | BIS/Other Compliance Needed? | Type of License |
| Electronics (mobiles, chargers, LEDs) | Yes | BIS CRS Registration |
| Machinery (industrial) | Mostly No (except notified QCO items) | BIS ISI License if covered |
| Chemicals & APIs | Yes (for some chemicals); APIs via CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organization) | BIS ISI License (chemicals) / CDSCO Import License (APIs) |
| Steel & Metals | Yes (many steel items under QCOs) | BIS ISI License (Scheme-I) |
| Plastics & Auto Parts | Yes (resins, tyres, helmets, etc.) | BIS ISI License (Scheme-I) |
Other Compliance Situations:
- Restricted Products: Goods falling under the “Restricted List” need a DGFT/DPIIT license or NOC for customs clearance. Example: Certain electronic waste, second-hand machinery, or defence-related equipment.
- Steel & Metal Products (SIMS Requirement): Many steel imports need pre-registration under the Steel Import Monitoring System (SIMS), managed by DPIIT.
- Importers must obtain a SIMS Registration Number before shipment clearance.
- Used / Second-hand Machinery: Import of second-hand or reconditioned machinery often requires DPIIT/DGFT approval.
- Sector-Specific Regulators (if not BIS)
| Product Type | Compliance / Authority Required |
| Food, beverages, packaged goods | FSSAI license (Food Safety & Standards Authority of India) |
| Drugs, cosmetics, APIs | CDSCO Import License (Central Drugs Standard Control Organization) |
| Wireless/IT/communication devices | WPC / TEC Approval (Department of Telecommunications) |
| Chemicals, fertilizers, explosives | MoEF, DG Explosives, Insecticides Board |
| Agricultural or plant-based products | Plant Quarantine / APEDA clearance |
| Animal origin products | Animal Quarantine / FSSAI |
Points to be Considered :
- Always mention the correct HS code and license number in shipping documents.
- Avoid importing non-certified products to reduce risks of shipment detention.
- Work with suppliers who are proactive in BIS compliance.
- Many of these imported goods fall under mandatory BIS certification, without which shipments often face customs delays, penalties, or rejection.
- Apply for DPIIT NOC at least 60-80 days in advance. There is a loop from DPIIT to BIS to DPIIT and then the concerned Ministry. Kindly avoid a situation when the goods have reached the Indian ports and the Indian customs asks for NOC and the demurrage starts to day third of landing. Importers come under intense pressure and approval time cannot be shortened.
In case, you are an importer seeking DPIIT NOC, BIS Compliance or FMCS, a foreign manufacturer planning to enter Indian market and need any support or have any query, you may like to connect with us.
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Abhinarayan Mishra FCA, FCS, LL. B, IP, RV; Partner, KPAM & Associates, Chartered Accountants, SAM Law Associates LLP, New Delhi; +91 9910744992; ca.abhimishra@gmail.com; samlawassociates18@gmail.com
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