Can I import electronic products from China to India? Is there any restriction from the government?

In 2024, China supplied India with goods worth $126.96 billion, which marked an increase from the $121.97 billion in goods imported by China to India in 2023. China has become a manufacturing hub in international trade, exporting various products to India and globally. As a major player in foreign trade, India has witnessed a huge rise in importing Chinese goods over the years. China exported supplies worth approximately $126.96 billion to India. Consequently, China is India's top import partner.

During the first half of the fiscal year 2024-2025, India imported products from China totaling $56.29 billion. The Indian economy is currently one of the sectors experiencing growth. Many online sellers are interested in importing goods from China to India, but are uncertain about the process. You can import electronic products from China to India, but you must adhere to various government regulations and restrictions.

Let’s explore “How to Import Electronic Products from China to India.” You can discover various ways to import from China to India, whether it requires BIS certification or not, review the latest India import data, and more.

List of Electronic Goods Imported in India from China

Below, you can go through the list of the top 15 products imported in India from China:

Government Restrictions on Importing Electronics from China to India

First, let us go through the summary of the Government import restrictions notifications -

• Under the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, Ministry of Commerce, 2023 notification, India has introduced import restrictions on electronic devices such as PCs, laptops, etc. 
• These import restrictions are imposed to boost the Indian domestic manufacturers and support the “Make in India” campaign. This move can lower the cost of electronic items. 
• In the notification, DGFT has mandated that businesses will have to present a license for importing the mentioned electronic devices.
• There is a notification from the Ministry of Commerce dated May 20, 2024, which reinforced the restrictions on imports of specific electronics and IT goods. The rule, in effect since 2021, forbids unregistered and non-compliant products. 
• The government will allow the import of goods that meet safety and BIS standards. 
• The non-compliant goods will face re-exportation or destruction.

From the above information, the following conclusions can be made as follows: For you to import goods from China:

• As an importer of electronics goods from China to India, we need an import license.
• The products must meet the safety standards all the relevant BIS standards.
• Kindly note that there are import restrictions – something different from an outright ban on the importation of some products. However, to have a smooth import, the business must abide by the new regulations and the new procedures.

Let’s understand what are rules and regulations are for importing goods in India -

What is the Role of BIS in Imports in India?

BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) maintains the quality and safety of products manufactured in India. BIS also stipulates specific standards imported in India under the FMCS License and X schemes, etc.

It has three key functions: 

• Set the uniform IS (Indian Standard) for agricultural and industrially manufactured goods, 
• As a universal service requirement to have products tested, and 
• As a means of indicating that a product meets BIS specifications, it allows the use of the Standard Mark, otherwise referred to as the ISI Mark.

The BIS permits the use of the ISI Mark under its product certification schemes. It may be noted that certification is done on a largely voluntary basis, though certain product types have a mandatory requirement for certification. The imported products are covered by the following BIS Certification Scheme, as detailed below:

1. BIS CRS Registration India:

• This category of EIT and ICT products includes mobile phones, laptops, smart watches, Bluetooth speakers, television sets, and LED lights.
• Any importer of a CRS product from China (or from any other country) is under the obligation to get that product a BIS registration. The certification is not given to the importer but to the maker of the goods.
• It is also possible for the importer to be the local representative of the Chinese manufacturer in India and seek the certificate on their behalf.

2. Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS):

• In India, certain product categories need to be mandatorily stamped with the ISI mark before being supplied; these are electronic goods, cement, batteries, medical products such as X-ray machines, iron and steel products, chemicals, fertilizers, and toys.
• Such products can be registered with BIS by their Importers with the FMCS BIS Certification.
• A manufacturer is qualified for the license under this scheme if and only if he has facilities located outside India and corresponding to compliance with the BIS quality standards, and have, at their premises, necessary production facilities, production processes, quality control, and testing capabilities.
• Also, importers can be registered under this scheme voluntarily to certify other products.

3. SCOMET  (Special Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipment, and Technologies) products:

Furthermore, BIS Certification is required for the import of SCOMET (Special Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipment, and Technologies) products mentioned in Appendix 3 of Schedule I (Imports) of the ITC (HS) Classification, which is India's system for categorizing goods for import and export.

Here's the process for the BIS Certificate for Import

The SCOMET list covers prohibited substances such as nuclear material, electronics, and toxins. These might also fall under CRS or FMCS. For compulsory registration, SCOMET goods must meet the following conditions:

• They must be for captive consumption (defined as the consumption of commodities made by one division by another division of the same/related business to produce another product).
• They should be required continuously.
• They must be obtained from predetermined sources.

How to Import Electronics from China to India Step-by-Step in 2025

To get BIS Certification for Chinese products to import in India, ERCS, as the best BIS consultant in India, can help you at every step. Go through the certification steps:

1. Determine if BIS Certification is Required

Visit the BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme website. Check whether your product (e.g., mobile phones, LED lights, power banks, laptops, etc.) falls under the list of mandatory BIS-certified items. Note the IS standard number associated with the product category.

2. Appoint an Indian Authorized Representative (IAR)

If importing as a foreign manufacturer, you must appoint an Indian Authorized Representative (IAR). The IAR must be a registered Indian entity that will coordinate with BIS on your behalf and take responsibility for compliance.

3. Choose a BIS-Recognized Laboratory for Testing

Your product must be tested in a BIS-recognized lab in India. Send product samples from the Chinese manufacturer to the lab for testing. The lab will issue a test report per the relevant Indian Standard (IS).

4. Create a BIS Account and Apply for Registration

Register on the BIS CRS portal. Submit the online application along with:

• Test report
• Manufacturing license
• Factory layout and process flowchart
• Brand details
• IAR agreement
• Legal documents of the manufacturer and IAR 
• Pay the applicable BIS Certification fees.
• BIS Evaluation & Grant of Registration
• BIS will evaluate your documents and test reports. If all is in order, BIS Certification is granted within 15–30 days. You will receive a
• Registration Number and a CRS certificate valid for 2 years (renewable).

5. Product Marking and Labelling

• After obtaining BIS Certification, you must mark your product with:
• The Standard Mark: IS Number
• Registration Number (e.g., R-XXXXXXXX)
• Manufacturer’s details and country of origin

Labels must be printed or embossed on the product or its nameplate (not just on packaging).

6. Start the Import Process

With BIS Certification in hand, you can now:

• Place the bulk production order with your Chinese supplier
• Instruct the supplier to label products as per BIS rules
• Ship goods to India using Sea or Air freight

7. Customs Clearance in India

Submit the following to Indian Customs:

• BIS certificate (mandatory for CRS products)
• Importer Exporter Code (IEC)
• Commercial Invoice & Packing List
• Bill of Lading/Airway Bill
• Bill of Entry
• Product testing documents (if requested)

Pay applicable Basic Customs Duty + IGST + SWS (Social Welfare Surcharge).

8. Distribution and Sales

Once cleared, the electronics can be legally sold in India through:

• Retail shops
• Distributors
• E-commerce platforms (Amazon, Flipkart, etc.)

9. Renewal of BIS Registration

BIS registration is valid for 2 years and must be renewed before expiry. Renewal requires resubmission of documents, updated factory info, and recent test reports (if applicable).

Customs documentation for imports from China

The following are the most common documents (required and secondary) to prepare:

• Bill of Lading/Air Waybill
• Commercial Invoice with Packing List
• Proforma Invoice
• Purchase Order
• Letter of Credit and Insurance Certificate
• Health Certificate (For Food Products)
• Country of Origin Certificate.

Import Duties and Taxes on Electronics & Other Goods from China

Please follow the following steps for the smooth movement of your import business along the borders:

• It’s important to find the correct HSN code for the goods that you are importing, as well as to be informed of various government requirements.
• Get reliable partners in China that will be in a position to produce products that meet the quality and safety standards of India, and be in a position to provide the necessary authenticated documents when required.
• Documentation is the main determinant of the ease of passing through a country’s customs. Kindly prepare other supportive documents, including certificates of origin, bills, packing lists, all the required invoice lists, etc.
• For taxation and customs purposes, make sure that you have chosen the accurate HSN code.
• Your calculation of taxes, customs duties, and product valuation depends on the HSN code.
• To clear your goods at customs, you have to deliver all relevant documents to customs.
• Please make sure that the goods that you’re importing uphold the BIS standards, as, according to the government notification, the goods that do not meet the quality and safety standards will be re-exported or destroyed.

Please understand that these import restrictions are taken for long-term benefits for the Indian economy, though it may take some time for relevant stakeholders to adjust.

Such restrictions will boost the manufacturing of electronics and IT goods in the domestic industry. With the decrease in imports, hence the availability of Chinese electronic goods such as laptops, PC, tablets, etc., we might see fluctuations in prices and ultimately rising demand for domestically produced goods, which will only drive more innovation.

Hence, for importers and businesses, it is wise to engage in diversifying their product offerings while leaning towards domestic brands. At the same time, you should engage with trade experts, industry experts, and compliance industries to remain up-to-date with government notifications, rules, and regulations. Hence, to set your future strategy right to set your robust foothold in the Indian market.

Overview of India & China Trade Relationship (2024-25)

Despite increasing border tensions and India's strategic efforts to lessen dependence on Chinese imports, commerce between India and China has grown continuously in 2024. Electronics, machinery, and chemicals are the high-value imports, and India imported as much as $4.2 billion worth of telecom and smartphone parts from China, accounting for 44% of overall imports in this area.

In addition, China imported $3.8 billion worth of laptops and PCs, representing 77.7% of India's imports in the category. India also imported $2.2 billion worth of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles, representing 75% of imports. Despite all this, however, China still looms large in India's trade, which shows the complex and dynamic nature of the relationship.

How to import electronic items from China to India?

You need a BIS certification in India for most electronic and IT goods imported into India from China. This is under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS). The BIS certification ensures that imported products meet Indian safety, quality, and performance standards.

What are the BIS certification requirements for imported electronics products from China?

Electronics under the Compulsory Registration Scheme require BIS registration. The process involves submitting test reports from BIS-recognized labs, factory details, and product specifications. Random samples may be selected for testing upon arrival in India.

What is the List of electronic goods imported in India from China?

India imports a wide range of electronic goods from China, including components, finished products, and machinery. Key items include electronic integrated circuits, micro assemblies, telecommunications equipment, diodes, transistors, and various semiconductor devices.