How to Import Machinery from China to India BIS Requirements 2026 | BEFACH International
product-import
How to Import Machinery from China: BIS Requirements Guide 2025
March 16, 2026
befach
Share
How to Import Machinery from China: BIS Requirements Guide 2025
How to Import Machinery from China to India: Complete BIS Requirements Guide for 2026
How to Import Machinery from China to India: Complete BIS Requirements Guide for 2026
Importing machinery from China to India requires strict adherence to Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification mandates, customs protocols, and technical compliance frameworks. Whether you are sourcing industrial equipment, manufacturing units, or specialized production tools, understanding how to import machinery from China to India BIS requirements is critical for avoiding shipment delays, port detention, or costly regulatory penalties. This comprehensive guide covers every regulatory checkpoint, from pre-shipment certification to post-import compliance, ensuring your machinery clears Indian customs smoothly and legally.
Facing Any Issue While Buying
Discover how ESSENTIO revolutionizes home cleaning with AI-driven precision. Watch as it navigates, cleans.
Understanding BIS Certification for Chinese Machinery
The Bureau of Indian Standards mandates compulsory registration for electronic and information technology goods under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS). For industrial machinery, the requirements vary based on equipment type and applicable Indian Standards (IS). Note that CRS primarily applies to electronics and IT products, while general industrial machinery typically falls under the Compulsory Registration Scheme for specific IS standards.
Compulsory vs. Voluntary Registration
Machinery falling under specific IS codes requires BIS certification before importation. Industrial equipment such as injection molding machines, CNC tools, textile machinery, and power generation equipment often fall under mandatory BIS standards. You must verify whether your specific machinery category requires:
ISI Mark Certification: For safety-critical industrial equipment
CRS Registration: For electronically integrated machinery and IT equipment
WPC Approval: For machinery with wireless or Bluetooth capabilities
BIS Recognition of Chinese Labs
BIS does not recognize Chinese testing laboratories for certification purposes. Therefore, machinery samples must either be tested in BIS-recognized Indian labs or manufacturers must establish testing facilities within India. This requirement significantly impacts lead times and costs when importing from China.
Step-by-Step Process: How to Import Machinery from China to India
Step 1: Obtain Import Export Code (IEC)
Before initiating any machinery import from China, register for an Import Export Code (IEC) with the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). This 10-digit code is mandatory for all importers and remains valid for lifetime (no renewal required). Submit PAN card, bank account details, and company registration documents through the DGFT online portal.
Step 2: Identify Correct HS Codes and Duty Structure
Accurate HS code classification determines your duty liability and BIS applicability. Common machinery HS codes include:
8479: Industrial robots and automated equipment (BCD: 7.5%, IGST: 18%)
Always verify current rates on the CBIC website as duty structures change with annual Union Budgets.
Step 3: Secure BIS Certification Before Shipment
For machinery requiring BIS certification, initiate the application process 60-90 days before planned shipment. The process involves:
Application Submission: File application through the BIS online portal with technical documentation
Sample Testing: Submit machinery samples to BIS-recognized labs in India
Factory Audit: BIS officials may inspect Chinese manufacturing facilities for quality systems
License Issuance: Upon compliance, receive BIS registration number valid for two years
Critical: Machinery arriving without valid BIS certification faces 100% inspection risk and potential rejection at Indian ports.
Documentation Requirements for Customs Clearance
Proper documentation ensures seamless customs clearance and compliance verification. Prepare the following documents before your machinery arrives at Indian ports:
Mandatory Shipping Documents
Bill of Lading/Airway Bill: Proof of shipment from Chinese supplier
Commercial Invoice: Detailed machinery specifications, unit price, and total value in USD/INR
Packing List: Itemized breakdown including weight, dimensions, and packaging details
Certificate of Origin: Issued by Chinese Chamber of Commerce to claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements
Regulatory Compliance Documents
BIS Registration Certificate: Valid license copy with product model numbers
Technical Literature: Operation manuals, safety certificates, and specification sheets
Import License: If importing restricted machinery categories
Submit these documents through the ICEGATE portal for electronic filing of the Bill of Entry. Customs authorities physically inspect heavy machinery at Container Freight Stations (CFS) before release.
Quality Control and Pre-Shipment Inspection
Chinese machinery quality varies significantly across manufacturers. Implement these verification steps to ensure compliance with BIS standards and operational safety:
Third-Party Inspection Protocols
Engage Bureau Veritas, SGS, or TÜV SÜD for pre-shipment inspection (PSI) at Chinese factories. PSI reports verify:
Conformance to declared technical specifications
Electrical safety standards (IS 13252 for electronically integrated machinery)
Mechanical stability and load-bearing capacity
Proper labeling and branding per BIS guidelines
Voltage and Frequency Compatibility
Indian power standards (230V/50Hz) differ from Chinese specifications (220V/50Hz in most regions, though industrial equipment may vary). Verify that imported machinery includes:
Compatible voltage stabilizers
ISI-marked electrical components
Adaptable plug configurations meeting Indian standards
Cost Calculation and Financial Planning
Understanding the total landed cost helps accurate pricing and margin calculations. Beyond the FOB (Free on Board) price quoted by Chinese suppliers, budget for:
Direct Import Costs
Basic Customs Duty (BCD): 7.5% to 15% depending on machinery type
Integrated GST (IGST): 18% on (CIF value + BCD + Social Welfare Surcharge)
Social Welfare Surcharge: 10% on BCD amount
BIS Certification Fees: ₹50,000 to ₹2,00,000 depending on machinery complexity and testing requirements
Logistics and Ancillary Expenses
Freight Charges: $800-$3,500 per container (20ft/40ft) depending on Chinese port (Shanghai, Shenzhen, Ningbo) and Indian destination (Mundra, Nhava Sheva, Chennai)
Insurance: 0.15% to 0.25% of CIF value
Demurrage Charges: ₹5,000-₹15,000 per day if machinery detained at port for BIS non-compliance
Common Compliance Pitfalls and Solutions
Misclassification of Machinery
Importers often face disputes regarding HS code classification. Incorrect codes trigger duty reassessment and penalties. Solution: Obtain advance rulings from the Authority for Advance Rulings (Central Excise, Customs, and Service Tax) before importation.
Language Barriers in Technical Documentation
Chinese technical manuals frequently lack proper English translations required for BIS scrutiny. Ensure suppliers provide:
English-language operation manuals
Technical drawings with IS-compliant measurements (metric system)
Safety warning labels in English and Hindi
Used Machinery Restrictions
India prohibits import of second-hand machinery over 10 years old (reduced from 5 years in some earlier regulations) under DGFT regulations. Verify manufacturing dates through:
Original purchase invoices from Chinese owners
Factory commissioning dates
Equipment service history records
Post-Import Compliance and Maintenance
BIS Surveillance Inspections
After clearing customs, BIS conducts periodic market surveillance on imported machinery. Maintain these records for potential audits:
Import documents for 5 years
Service and maintenance logs
Warranty claim records with Chinese suppliers
Spare Parts Import Strategy
Chinese machinery requires specialized spare parts often unavailable in India. When importing replacement components:
Use same IEC and BIS registration numbers
Declare "spare parts for [parent machinery HS code]"
Maintain 10-15% inventory of critical components to avoid production downtime during customs clearance
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is BIS certification mandatory for all machinery imported from China?
A: No, BIS certification applies only to machinery categories listed under compulsory Indian Standards. However, safety-critical equipment including industrial presses, heavy electrical machinery, and medical devices typically require certification. Check the latest "Compulsory BIS Certification Products" list on the official BIS website before importing.
Q2: How long does the BIS certification process take for Chinese machinery?
A: The standard timeline ranges from 60 to 90 days. This includes 30 days for application review, 15-20 days for sample testing in Indian laboratories, and 15-30 days for factory audit and license issuance. Expedited processing is unavailable, so plan procurement schedules accordingly.
Q3: Can I import machinery from China without visiting the manufacturer?
A: While possible, virtual inspections carry significant risks. BIS requires physical verification of manufacturing facilities for certification, and quality inconsistencies are common in Chinese industrial equipment. Always engage third-party inspection agencies like SGS or TÜV Rheinland to audit factories on your behalf if personal visits are impractical.
Q4: What happens if my machinery shipment arrives without BIS certification?
A: Customs will detain the shipment at the port. You have two options: apply for BIS certification while goods remain in bonded warehousing (incurring demurrage charges of ₹5,000+ daily), or re-export to China. Importing without required BIS certification also attracts penalties up to ₹1,00,000 and potential blacklisting of your IEC.
Q5: Do I need separate BIS certification for each machinery model I import from China?
A: BIS issues licenses for "product families" rather than individual units. If importing multiple models of similar machinery (e.g., different capacities of CNC lathes from the same manufacturer), one certification may cover the range if they share technical specifications. However, distinct machinery types (e.g., welding machines vs. cutting tools) require separate applications.
Conclusion
Successfully importing machinery from China to India requires meticulous attention to BIS certification timelines, accurate HS code classification, and comprehensive documentation. By securing BIS approvals before shipment, verifying Chinese supplier credentials through third-party audits, and maintaining strict customs compliance protocols, importers can access cost-effective industrial equipment while avoiding regulatory complications. Always consult licensed customs brokers and BIS certification agencies early in your procurement cycle to ensure seamless importation and operational readiness of your Chinese machinery assets.
TARGET KEYWORD: how to import machinery from China to India BIS requirements
Ready to import? Befach sources directly from verified manufacturers in China and Southeast Asia. Get a quote
