India and the Middle East are among the fastest-growing destinations for Chinese goods, but each market has its own duty structures, documentation and clearance procedures. Getting these right keeps your landed cost predictable and your shipments moving.
This guide covers the taxes, paperwork and logistics decisions that determine whether your import runs smoothly — or gets stuck at the border.
Understand your landed cost, not just the unit price
The price a factory quotes is only part of the story. Your true cost includes freight, insurance, customs duty, local taxes and clearance fees. Calculating landed cost up front prevents unpleasant surprises and lets you price your products accurately.
Import duties and taxes by market
India levies Basic Customs Duty plus IGST (Integrated GST) on most imports, with rates that vary by HS code. The UAE and wider GCC generally apply a 5% customs duty on the CIF value plus 5% VAT, with various exemptions in free zones.
Always classify your product under the correct HS code — it determines the duty rate and the documentation customs will expect.
Documents you will need
Accurate, consistent paperwork is the single biggest factor in fast customs clearance. Mismatched values or descriptions are a common cause of delays.
- Commercial invoice and packing list
- Bill of lading or air waybill
- Certificate of origin
- Import licence / IEC (India) or importer registration (GCC)
- Product certifications where required (BIS, ESMA, etc.)
Choose the right Incoterms and route
Incoterms define where the supplier's responsibility ends and yours begins. FOB (Free On Board) is popular because it gives you control over freight from the Chinese port, while DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) shifts almost everything to the supplier or your sourcing partner.
For India and the Middle East, sea freight is the workhorse for cost efficiency, while air freight suits urgent or high-value goods. A consolidation and customs partner can simplify both.
Frequently asked questions
What duties apply when importing from China to India?
Most goods attract Basic Customs Duty plus IGST, with the exact rate set by the product's HS code. Some categories carry additional cess or anti-dumping duties, so classification matters.
What is the import duty from China to the UAE?
The GCC generally applies a 5% customs duty on the CIF value plus 5% VAT, though goods kept within UAE free zones can be exempt until they enter the local market.
How long does customs clearance take?
With complete, consistent documentation, clearance often takes one to three working days. Missing paperwork, valuation queries or inspections can extend this significantly.
Should I use FOB or DDP terms?
FOB gives you control over freight and is usually cheaper if you have a logistics partner; DDP is simpler because the seller or your agent handles shipping, duties and delivery to your door.