Separate the goods price from shipment costs
A supplier’s price, an ocean freight rate and a delivered import budget answer different questions. Record the purchase terms and named place first. Identify what the supplier already covers and where the freight offer begins.
For a useful comparison, use the same goods, packing, cargo-ready date, collection point and Indian delivery address. An excluded charge is not a zero cost.
Build the import-cost checklist
| Cost group | What to check |
|---|---|
| Goods | Purchase value, currency and agreed supplier terms. |
| China origin | Collection, loading, export handling, terminal charges and documents. |
| Main carriage | Ocean freight, equipment or consolidation basis and surcharges. |
| India arrival | Handling, release, brokerage and government charges. |
| Duty and tax | Classification, origin, assessable-value inputs and applicable notifications. |
| Delivery and contingencies | Inland delivery, unloading, empty return, inspection, waiting and storage triggers. |
Use a consistent currency and record the exchange-rate assumption. Ask which figures are confirmed supplier charges and which remain estimates dependent on classification, customs assessment or actual events.
For import duties, the official ICEGATE Trade Guide on Imports accepts tariff classification, description and origin inputs. A single universal percentage is not a reliable landed-cost calculation for every product.
Assemble a consistent import file
DGFT’s import provisions identify the transport document, commercial invoice with packing list, and Bill of Entry among the mandatory documents; separate invoice and packing list are also accepted. Review the applicable provisions and any product-specific additions in the DGFT import policy chapter.
- Ask the supplier for an invoice and packing details that match the goods.
- Confirm importer details and the IEC position with the importer or customs broker.
- Reconcile the goods description, package count and weights with the transport document.
- Identify any licence, test, conformity or other product-specific evidence before dispatch.
Document preparation and customs submission are separate responsibilities to allocate in the offer. Do not assume every forwarding quote includes the importer’s compliance work.
Check product standards before shipment
Some goods fall under compulsory certification or registration requirements. Use the current BIS product lists and Quality Control Order guidance for the actual product. A generic description such as “machinery” or “electronics” is insufficient for a reliable compliance decision.
Provide the product specification, material, model and intended use for assessment. Product acceptance and import conditions should be resolved before cargo is dispatched.
Check container and delivery terms
For a full container, compare equipment, loading access, free time, storage terms and empty return. For consolidated cargo, compare the charging basis and origin and destination handling. Use the FCL quotation checklist when pricing a full-container shipment.
Record both the estimated port arrival and the assumptions for final delivery. Customs release, inspections and delivery appointments can sit outside the sea transit estimate.
Turn the checklist into a quote request
Send the route, goods, approximate weight or volume and ready date through the China–India quote form. Choose “Import cost breakdown” if you need the budget before ordering, or “Ready cargo” if you need a transport offer now.
Include the supplier’s terms and goods value when requesting import costing. The response should state the service boundary, cost assumptions and responsibilities before you decide to book.