Best Electronics to Import from China to India in 2026 | BEFACH International
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Best Electronics to Import from China to India in 2026
February 14, 2026
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Best Electronics to Import from China to India in 2026
Best Electronics to Import from China to India in 2026
Best Electronics to Import from China to India in 2026
China remains India's largest electronics supplier despite ongoing trade tensions, with bilateral electronics trade touching $87.4 billion in 2025. Smart importers are capitalizing on favorable duty structures for specific categories while navigating new compliance requirements that took effect this year.
What's Changing Right Now
The electronics import landscape shifted significantly in early 2026 following the Union Budget announcements and revised DGFT policies. The government reduced Basic Customs Duty (BCD) on select electronic components from 10% to 7.5% under notification 12/2026-Customs, effective February 1, 2026.
Key Update: The new Quality Control Orders (QCOs) now mandate BIS certification for 15 additional electronics categories, including wireless chargers and smart home devices. The Bureau of Indian Standards has streamlined the approval process, reducing certification timelines from 90 to 45 days for established importers.
Import licensing requirements under the DGFT have been relaxed for electronics valued under ₹50 lakh per consignment, provided they carry valid CE marking and meet Indian safety standards. This change, announced in DGFT notification 08/2026-27, has simplified procurement for small and medium importers.
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Smartphones remain the most lucrative electronics import category, despite India's growing domestic manufacturing. The key is focusing on premium segments and specialized accessories that aren't locally produced.
HS Code 8517.12.10 covers smartphones with BCD at 20%, IGST at 18%, and Social Welfare Surcharge at 10% on the duty amount. However, accessories under HS Code 8517.70.90 (mobile phone accessories) attract only 10% BCD plus 18% IGST.
Pro Tip: Import wireless charging pads and magnetic phone mounts. These categories have minimal local competition and command 40-60% gross margins in the Indian market.
Your landed cost calculation for a $15 wireless charger would be:
FOB Price: ₹1,245 (at $1 = ₹83)
Freight + Insurance: ₹125
BCD (10%): ₹137
IGST (18%): ₹272
Total Landed Cost: ₹1,779
Smart Home and IoT Devices
The Indian smart home market is expanding at 25% annually, creating massive opportunities for importers. Security cameras, smart locks, and home automation devices offer the highest profit potential.
Smart security cameras under HS Code 8525.80.30 face 10% BCD and 18% IGST. The category benefits from the government's Digital India push and growing security consciousness among urban consumers.
Befach International's smart lock portfolio demonstrates the market demand for premium security solutions. Fingerprint locks and smart door systems command retail prices 3-4 times their import cost.
High-Demand Subcategories
Smart plugs and switches (HS Code 8536.50.90) are particularly profitable, with BCD at 7.5% following recent reductions. The market lacks quality local alternatives, giving importers significant pricing power.
Motion sensors and environmental monitors benefit from government incentives under the Smart Cities Mission. These products qualify for expedited customs clearance at major ports when imported in commercial quantities exceeding ₹10 lakh.
Consumer Electronics and Gadgets
Portable electronics continue driving import volumes, especially products targeting India's tech-savvy youth demographic. Power banks, Bluetooth speakers, and gaming accessories show consistent demand growth.
Power banks under HS Code 8507.60.00 attract 15% BCD plus standard IGST. However, solar-powered variants qualify for concessional duty at 5% BCD under the renewable energy promotion scheme.
Watch Out: All lithium battery-powered devices require PESO (Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation) approval before import. Factor 15-20 days for PESO clearance in your supply chain planning.
Bluetooth speakers (HS Code 8518.21.00) face 10% BCD but enjoy strong market demand. Premium speakers with wireless charging capabilities can achieve 70-80% gross margins in tier-1 cities.
Computer Peripherals and Components
India's growing IT sector and remote work culture have boosted demand for computer accessories. Mechanical keyboards, gaming mice, and webcams offer excellent import opportunities.
HS Code 8471.60.90 covers computer peripherals with BCD at 10%. Gaming peripherals command premium pricing, with mechanical keyboards selling for 4-5 times their import cost.
USB-C hubs and docking stations benefit from India's laptop adoption surge. These products face minimal local competition and can be positioned as premium productivity tools.
Memory and Storage Devices
SSD drives and high-speed memory cards remain profitable imports despite local assembly operations. Focus on enterprise-grade products and specialized form factors not manufactured domestically.
M.2 NVMe SSDs under HS Code 8471.70.30 face 10% BCD but command strong B2B demand from system integrators and gaming enthusiasts.
Audio and Entertainment Electronics
The audio equipment segment offers diverse import opportunities, from budget earphones to premium audio gear. True wireless earbuds dominate consumer preference, while professional audio equipment serves the growing content creation market.
Wireless earbuds (HS Code 8518.30.00) face 15% BCD but enjoy massive market demand. Focus on features like active noise cancellation and long battery life to differentiate from local brands.
Key Update: The government's Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for electronics manufacturing affects certain audio categories. Verify PLI applicability before finalizing import plans, as domestic alternatives may receive significant cost advantages.
Podcast microphones and streaming equipment target India's booming creator economy. These specialized products face limited local competition and can achieve 60-70% gross margins.
Compliance and Documentation Strategy
Successful electronics imports require meticulous documentation and compliance planning. The customs clearance process has become more streamlined but demands accurate classification and valuation.
Pro Tip: Establish relationships with customs brokers experienced in electronics imports. Their expertise in HS code classification can save significant duty costs and prevent clearance delays.
Register with the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) equivalent program for expedited clearance. Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) status reduces examination rates and provides green channel clearance for compliant importers.
Consider consolidating shipments to optimize duty structures and reduce per-unit logistics costs. Electronics imports benefit from economies of scale, with significant cost reductions achievable on orders exceeding $50,000.
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