How to Import Goods from China to India
China and India have been doing more and more business with each other. Indian customers can find very cheap suppliers in China for a wide range of commodities, including electronics, machinery, textiles, and household goods.
To transfer things from China to India without any problems, safely, and at a good price, you need to pick the best shipping option, keep an eye on expenses, and make sure you have the necessary customs paperwork.
Presou Logistics is a qualified freight forwarder that can manage everything from picking up your cargo to booking it, clearing customs, shipping it, and delivering it. This makes the whole thing go quickly and smoothly.
Shipping from China to India
Shipping can be done in two major ways: by air and by water. Air freight is ideal for things that are worth a lot of money or need to get there quickly because it is faster and cheaper than sea freight. If you have a lot of stuff to send, sea freight is the best way to do it.
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) door-to-door service is often the best solution for importers who don’t know much about international shipping because the freight forwarder will handle customs taxes and clearance.
Sea Freight from China to India
Shipping products between China and India via sea is still the most common way to do it.
Presou Logistics can ship goods from major Chinese ports, including Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen, Qingdao, and Guangzhou, to important Indian ports like Mumbai, Chennai, Kochi, and Kolkata. They can do this by taking direct routes or by transshipment.
Air Freight from China to India
Sea travel is still the most common means to send products between China and India.
Presou Logistics can ship goods from major Chinese ports, including Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen, Qingdao, and Guangzhou, to important Indian ports like Mumbai, Chennai, Kochi, and Kolkata. They can do this by taking direct routes or by transshipment.
Reference Shipping Costs (2025)
Shipping Method | Route | Price Range (USD) | Notes |
Sea Freight FCL 20ft | China Port → Mumbai Port | 650 – 850 | Excludes customs & taxes |
Sea Freight FCL 40ft | China Port → Mumbai Port | 1050 – 1450 | Excludes customs & taxes |
Air Freight (General Cargo) | Shenzhen/Guangzhou → Delhi Airport | 5.2 – 6.5 /kg | Charged per billable weight |
Air Freight (Sensitive Cargo) | Shanghai → Mumbai Airport | 6.8 – 8.0 /kg | Requires special permits |
DDP Sea Freight | Door in China → Door in India | 1450 – 1650 / 20ft container | Includes customs duties |
DDP Air Freight | Door in China → Door in India | 7.5 – 9.0 /kg | Includes customs duties |
China–India Shipping Cost Comparison (2025)
Cargo Type / Scenario | Method | Cost (USD) | Avg. Transit Time | Best For | Cost Advantage |
Bulk (>15 tons) | FCL 20ft | 650 – 850 /container | 14 – 18 days | Furniture, heavy machinery, building materials | Lowest unit cost |
Heavy bulk (>28 tons) | FCL 40ft | 1050 – 1450 /container | 14 – 18 days | Industrial equipment, raw materials | Higher cost-efficiency |
Small to mid-size (2–12 CBM) | LCL Sea Freight | 80 – 120 /CBM | 16 – 22 days | Small orders, multiple suppliers | Cost shared among shippers |
High-value / urgent (<500kg) | Air Freight | 5.2 – 6.5 /kg | 3 – 5 days | Electronics, luxury goods, samples | Fastest transit |
Sensitive goods | Sensitive Air Freight | 6.8 – 8.0 /kg | 3 – 5 days | Batteries, cosmetics, chemicals | Requires special handling |
No customs experience | DDP Sea Freight 20ft | 1450 – 1650 /container | 18 – 25 days | No import license, hassle-free | All-inclusive rate |
Urgent + no customs experience | DDP Air Freight | 7.5 – 9.0 /kg | 7 – 10 days | Small shipments, hassle-free | All-inclusive rate |
Transit Time Reference
Method | Main Route | Avg. Transit Time |
Sea Freight FCL | Shanghai → Mumbai | 14 – 18 days |
Sea Freight LCL | Ningbo → Chennai | 16 – 22 days |
Air Freight | Shenzhen → Delhi | 3 – 5 days |
DDP Air Freight | Guangzhou → Mumbai (incl. clearance) | 7 – 10 days |
Best Shipping Options for Different Cargo Types
- FCL sea freight is the best way to ship furniture, building materials, and heavy machinery. A full 40-foot container is the best choice because it costs the least per unit.
- LCL sea freight for small orders, combined with Presou Logistics to save money.
- Air freight for high-value gadgets, luxury products, and samples takes 3–5 days to keep capital from being locked up.
- To prevent problems with customs, send batteries, cosmetics, and chemicals using Sensitive Air Freight.
- No need for an import license or a complicated process—DDP Door-to-Door, which is handled solely by the forwarder to prevent demurrage and duty conflicts.
Door-to-Door Shipping from China to India
Door-to-door delivery is the greatest choice for people who don’t know much about delivering things across borders.
Presou Logistics offers DDP door-to-door service that involves picking up the package, clearing customs for export, shipping it by sea or air, clearing Indian customs, paying taxes, and delivering it. The customer doesn’t have to do any paperwork or be there.
Customs Clearance in India
Required documents include:
Document | Purpose |
Commercial Invoice | Declares value for duty & tax calculation |
Packing List | Verifies cargo specifications & weight |
Bill of Lading / Air Waybill | Proof of shipment |
Import License | Required for restricted goods |
Certificate of Origin | Needed for certain tariff preferences |
Presou Logistics verifies tariff codes and duty rates before shipping to ensure smooth customs clearance.
Practical Tips to Save on Import Costs
- Combine shipments—To save money, put supplies from different vendors into one shipment.
- Optimize packaging: The weight of air freight can have a large impact on pricing.
- Avoid busy times; reserving 1–2 months before Christmas or an Indian festival can save you 10–20%.
- New importers can avoid problems with demurrage, delays, and clearance by using DDP services.
- Choose a reliable forwarder; low prices can hide major risks. Presou Logistics makes sure that your cargo arrives on time and in good condition, with no extra expenses.
China-to-India Import Flowchart
Recommended Freight Forwarder for China–India Shipments
Presou Logistics has a lot of expertise with trade between China and India. They know a lot about customs procedures in both countries and how the shipping industry works. We have:
- We pick up and store freight all throughout China.
- Shipping by sea, air, and rail; LCL, FCL, and charter services
- Getting through customs and finally delivering in India
- DDP solutions that take care of everything
Whether you’re a first-time importer or a long-time trader between China and India, Presou Logistics can help you cut shipping costs, speed up delivery times, and make sure your goods reach their destination safely and on time.
