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🇨🇳 Import from China

Who Can Help Me Import from China to India?

Several types of professionals can help. The right one depends on what you actually need.

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Direct Answer

Who can help me import from China to India?

A sourcing company is the most complete option for Indian importers — they handle factory identification, verification, production, QC, shipping, and customs clearance under one relationship. Freight forwarders handle shipping only. Yiwu agents handle sourcing in Yiwu but not India compliance. For most first-time importers, a sourcing company is the right starting point.

Who Can Help — All Options

Alif Vasaya
🤝

Sourcing Company

What They Do Well
Handles the full chain: factory → QC → shipping → customs → delivery
Manages India-specific requirements: IEC, BIS certification, HS code, customs duty
Verifies suppliers independently — not just checking Alibaba reviews
One relationship from first call to warehouse delivery
Limitation

Costs 5–10% of order value — justified for orders above ₹2 lakh

Best For

First-time importers, complex products, compliance-sensitive categories

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Yiwu Sourcing Agent

What They Do Well
On-ground in China — can physically visit Yiwu market
Good for simple products available in Yiwu wholesale market
Lower cost for sourcing within Yiwu
Limitation

Usually no India compliance knowledge. Some take kickbacks from sellers. Limited to Yiwu market — not factories in Guangzhou, Shenzhen, or other industrial zones

Best For

Simple products from Yiwu market with an experienced buyer who knows India import

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Freight Forwarder

What They Do Well
Expert at shipping logistics: booking, documentation, Incoterms
Good networks at Mundra, JNPT, and other Indian ports
Competitive rates on sea and air freight
Limitation

No sourcing capability — they don't find or verify factories. No production oversight or QC

Best For

Once you have verified suppliers and just need logistics handled

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Alibaba Direct

What They Do Well
Enormous product selection across almost all categories
Trade Assurance provides basic payment protection
Fast — can contact suppliers same day
Limitation

No independent verification. High fraud risk for new buyers. No India compliance guidance. Sample bait-and-switch is common

Best For

Experienced importers with verified suppliers already established

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Indian Trading Company

What They Do Well
India-based — easy communication and payments in INR
They handle all import logistics (it's their business model)
Good for small first test orders
Limitation

Hidden markup of 15–25%. You don't see factory price. Can't verify their supplier. They may switch factories without telling you

Best For

Tiny test orders under ₹50,000 when you want to validate a product before proper sourcing

How the Process Works — Step by Step

1
Get your IEC

Import Export Code from DGFT — ₹500, takes 2–3 days. Required for any import.

2
Identify your product's HS code

The 8-digit Harmonised System code determines your customs duty rate and BIS requirements.

3
Find and verify a factory

Check business licence, B/L export history, and run a factory audit before committing.

4
Order samples

Multiple sample rounds with written QC specs before bulk order.

5
Structure payment safely

30% advance, 40% on production completion, 30% before shipping — or use LC.

6
Book freight to Mundra or JNPT

Mundra for Gujarat, JNPT for Maharashtra. Book 2–3 weeks before production completion.

7
Clear customs

Your CHA (Customs House Agent) handles port clearance. Budget 3–7 days at Mundra.

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Why Indian Businesses Choose Alif Vasaya

Juhapura, Ahmedabad · 8+ years · 150+ products sourced

Single contact from first call to warehouse delivery — no handoffs

India-specific compliance: IEC, BIS, customs duty, Mundra port

Factory verification via B/L data + physical audit — not just Alibaba

Transparent pricing: factory invoice + Alif fee shown separately

WhatsApp accessible throughout — no email-only communication

8+ years sourcing for Gujarat businesses — real India trade experience

💬 WhatsApp Alif — Free Consultation

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I start importing from China for the first time?+
Step 1: Get your IEC (Import Export Code) from DGFT — ₹500, takes 2–3 working days. Step 2: Identify your product's HS code and customs duty. Step 3: Find a verified factory (via sourcing partner or your own research). Step 4: Order samples, agree QC terms. Step 5: Use milestone payments (30/40/30). Step 6: Book sea freight to Mundra or JNPT. Step 7: Clear customs via a CHA.
How much does it cost to import from China to India?+
Product cost + sea freight (₹80,000–₹1,60,000/FCL or ₹15–₹35/kg LCL) + customs duty (10–25% by HS code) + IGST (18%) + CHA charges (₹5,000–₹15,000) + sourcing fee (5–10% if using agent). Calculate total landed cost before ordering.
Do I need to visit China to import from China?+
No — most Indian importers never visit China. A sourcing partner handles factory visits, audits, and production monitoring. You approve samples remotely and receive video evidence of production.
What is IEC code and how do I get it?+
Import Export Code — a 10-digit registration from DGFT required for any import or export in India. Apply online at dgft.gov.in for ₹500. Typically issued in 2–3 working days. Without it, your shipment cannot clear customs.
Which port should I use to import from China to Gujarat?+
Mundra Port in Kutch, Gujarat — India's largest private port. Typically 3–7 days faster than JNPT (Mumbai) for China cargo, with lower terminal charges. For importers in Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Surat: always use Mundra over JNPT.

Need Help Right Now?

Describe your product and situation on WhatsApp. Alif will tell you exactly who can help and how — no forms, no fees.

💬 WhatsApp Alif — Free

Juhapura, Ahmedabad · +91 74348 92150

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