How to Import from India — Complete Buyer's Guide 2026
India is one of the world's top exporters across 200+ categories. This guide covers how to find verified Indian suppliers, negotiate prices, handle documentation, and avoid common pitfalls.
India is one of the world's most important export hubs, with competitive advantages across pharmaceuticals, textiles, agro commodities, engineering goods, and chemicals. Total Indian exports exceed $450 billion annually, with a rapidly growing supplier base of SMEs.
Key Export Categories
India's top B2B export categories include: Pharmaceuticals & APIs, Textiles & Apparel, Engineering & Machinery, Agro Commodities (rice, spices, tea, sugar), Diamonds & Gemstones, Chemicals & Dyes, and IT Services.
How to Verify Indian Suppliers
Always verify before ordering: 1. Check GSTIN (GST number) on the GST portal — confirms the business is registered 2. Check IEC (Import Export Code) with DGFT — mandatory for all exporters 3. Verify company registration on Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) portal 4. Request bank reference letters for first orders 5. Use EximNext's verified badge system — all verified suppliers have completed KYC
Payment Terms Common in India
Most Indian exporters accept: T/T (Wire Transfer) in advance for first orders, L/C for large orders, and D/P (Documents against Payment) for established buyers. Open Account is possible only with long-term trusted relationships.
Key Certifications to Look For
•FSSAI: Mandatory for food products - APEDA: For agricultural exports - BIS: For electronics and engineering goods - ISO 9001: Quality management standard - HALAL/KOSHER: For food exports to Muslim/Jewish markets
Common Pitfalls
Quality variation between samples and bulk orders is a known issue with some Indian suppliers — always specify quality parameters in the contract and request pre-shipment inspection. Payment in advance (100% T/T) for first orders from unverified suppliers carries significant risk.