Complete Guide to Importing Plastic Raw Materials from China to India: 2026 Process & Costs

If you're running a manufacturing unit in India, importing plastic raw materials from China can reduce your input costs by 15-25%. But the process involves multiple regulatory layers—BIS certification, customs clearance, and compliance with anti-dumping duties that change frequently.

This guide breaks down the exact steps, documentation requirements, and real cost calculations you need to import plastic raw materials from China in 2026.

Prerequisites Before You Place Your Order

Before contacting suppliers in China, ensure you have these in place:

1. Import Export Code (IEC)

Mandatory for all imports. Apply through the DGFT portal if you don't have one. Processing time: 3-5 working days.

2. GST Registration

Required for claiming Input Tax Credit (ITC) on IGST paid during import.

3. BIS License (ISI Mark)

Plastic raw materials fall under the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) compulsory registration scheme. Check if your specific product requires BIS certification at bis.gov.in.

4. AD Code Registration with Customs

Register your Authorised Dealer (AD) Code at the port where you'll clear goods. This links your bank with customs for duty payments.

Step-by-Step Process to Import Plastic Raw Materials from China

Step 1: Identify Your HS Code and Duty Structure

Plastic raw materials cover multiple HS codes depending on the type:

> Pro Tip: Verify the exact HS code with your CHA before finalising the purchase order. Misclassification can trigger penalties up to 5x the duty shortfall.

Step 2: Check Anti-Dumping Duties (ADD)

India has active anti-dumping duties on several plastic raw materials from China:

• PVC Suspension Grade: $96.79 per MT (Notification No. 14/16/2023-DGTR)
• Purified Terephthalic Acid (PTA): $64.05 per MT
• ABS Resin: Variable rates based on exporter

Check the latest DGFT notifications before calculating your landed cost.

Step 3: Obtain BIS Registration (If Required)

For plastic raw materials under compulsory BIS certification:

1. Submit application through the BIS portal
2. Provide test reports from BIS-recognised labs
3. Factory inspection (for some categories)
4. License issuance: 3-6 months

> Watch Out: Do not ship goods before obtaining BIS registration if your product category requires it. Customs will detain shipments without valid BIS certificates.

Step 4: Negotiate Incoterms and Place Order

Recommended Incoterms for China imports:

• FOB (Free On Board): You control shipping and insurance
• CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight): Supplier handles shipping to Indian port

For first-time importers, CIF reduces logistics complexity.

Step 5: Arrange Shipping and Insurance

• Engage a freight forwarder for container booking
• Get marine insurance covering 110% of invoice value
• Typical transit time: 18-25 days (Ningbo/Shanghai to Nhava Sheva/Mundra)

Step 6: Prepare Import Documentation

Your supplier must provide:

• Commercial Invoice
• Packing List
• Bill of Lading (or Airway Bill)
• Certificate of Origin
• Test reports (for BIS compliance)

You must prepare:

• IEC copy
• GST certificate
• PAN card
• Import License (if applicable)
• BIS certificate (if required)
• AD Code proof

Step 7: File Bill of Entry and Pay Duties

Your Customs House Agent (CHA) will:

1. File Bill of Entry in ICEGATE
2. Submit documents for assessment
3. Pay customs duties (BCD + IGST + SWS + ADD if applicable)
4. Obtain customs clearance

> Key Update: As of 2026, customs assessments for plastic raw materials are increasingly automated. Ensure your documentation matches exactly with the Bill of Lading to avoid red channel clearance.

Step 8: Complete Port Clearance and Transport

• Pay port handling charges (₹15,000-₹35,000 per container)
• Arrange inland transport to your warehouse
• Get delivery order from shipping line

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

1. Ignoring ADD calculations: Many importers forget to factor anti-dumping duties into pricing, eroding margins.
2. BIS non-compliance: Shipping before obtaining BIS registration causes costly port demurrage.
3. Incorrect valuation: Customs may reject declared values if significantly below market rates. Keep supporting price documentation ready.
4. Currency fluctuation: Yuan-Rupee volatility can impact costs. Consider hedging for large orders.

Cost Breakdown: Importing 1 MT of PP Resin from China

Effective duty incidence: ~31% of CIF value

> Pro Tip: You can claim IGST (₹21,412) as Input Tax Credit against your GST liability—effectively reducing your net import cost.

Final Checklist Before You Import

• [ ] IEC number active and linked to GST
• [ ] HS code verified with CHA
• [ ] Latest ADD rates checked on DGFT portal
• [ ] BIS registration obtained (if required)
• [ ] Supplier credentials verified
• [ ] Marine insurance arranged
• [ ] CHA appointed with AD Code registration
• [ ] Working capital for duty payment (IGST refund takes 30-60 days)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does the entire import process take?

A: From order placement to warehouse delivery, expect 35-45 days including BIS compliance and customs clearance.

Q: Can I import without BIS certification?

A: Only if your specific HS code is not under compulsory BIS registration. Check the latest BIS notifications—the list expands regularly.

Q: What's the minimum viable quantity to import?

A: Economically, import at least 1 FCL (20ft container, ~25-27 MT) to justify freight costs. LCL shipments increase per-kg costs by ₹8-12.

Q: Are there any import restrictions from China?

A: As of 2026, plastic raw materials face no specific import bans, but BIS-QCO (Quality Control Orders) compliance is mandatory for several categories.

Need Help with Your Import?

At Befach International, we handle end-to-end import clearance for plastic raw materials from China—including BIS liaison, customs documentation, and duty optimisation. Contact our team for a customised cost estimate for your specific product.

Thinking about importing? We help Indian businesses navigate these complexities — from sourcing to doorstep delivery. Tell us what you need