Asia-Pacific · country guide
Trade with India.
India is one of the world’s largest economies and a major exporter of rice, steel, chemicals, textiles, engineering goods and pharmaceuticals. It is also a large importer of crude oil, coal, edible oils, fertilizers, electronics and machinery.
- JNPT · Mundra · Chennai
- 4 relevant categories
- 5 relevant products
Market overview
Key industries
- Steel and metals
- Chemicals and pharmaceuticals
- Textiles and apparel
- Agriculture and food processing
- Engineering and auto components
Import opportunities
- Coal and energy products
- Edible oils
- Fertilizers
- Machinery and electronics
- Non-ferrous metals
Export opportunities
- Rice and spices
- Steel products
- Organic chemicals
- Cotton yarn and textiles
- Tiles and stone
Trade requirements
The main rules to check when trading with India. This is orientation, not legal or customs advice.
- Importer Exporter Code (IEC)
- Businesses need an IEC from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade to import or export.
- Quality Control Orders
- Many products, including several steel, chemical and electrical items, need BIS certification before import.
- Food imports
- Food products are subject to FSSAI clearance and labelling rules.
- Export policy
- Export rules for some agricultural commodities have changed at short notice. Check current DGFT notifications.
Logistics considerations
Major container gateways include JNPT (Nhava Sheva) and Mundra on the west coast, and Chennai on the east.
Inland container depots connect ports with industrial regions by rail.
Monsoon season can affect port operations and inland transport schedules.
Relevant TP4 categories for India
Relevant products
Non-Basmati Rice
Long-grain white and parboiled rice for importers, distributors and food service.
HS 1006
TMT Bars
Thermo-mechanically treated reinforcement bars for concrete construction.
HS 7214
Cotton Yarn
Ring-spun and open-end cotton yarn for weaving and knitting.
HS 5205
Cumin Seeds
Whole cumin seed for spice processors, packers and food manufacturers.
HS 0909
Porcelain Tiles
Glazed and polished porcelain tiles for floors and walls.
HS 6907
Information current as of October 2026. Regulations, duties and documentation requirements change. Confirm with the relevant authority, your customs broker or forwarder before shipment. TP4 does not claim offices or operations in India.
Trading with India?
Tell TP4 the product, quantity and route.