Question 1

What is the import duty on LED TVs in India?

Accepted Answer

LED TVs in India attract 20% Basic Customs Duty (BCD) + 2% Social Welfare Surcharge (SWS) + 28% IGST under HSN code 8528. Total landed duty is approximately 54%. BIS certification under IS 616 is mandatory before customs clearance.

Question 2

Is BIS certificate mandatory for importing mobile phones into India?

Accepted Answer

Yes, BIS CRS certification under IS 13252 is mandatory for importing mobile phones into India. Without a valid BIS certificate, customs will not clear the shipment. The importer or their authorised representative must obtain the certificate before the shipment arrives.

Question 3

What is the HSN code for Bluetooth earphones and headphones?

Accepted Answer

Bluetooth earphones and wireless headphones fall under HSN code 8518.30.00. Import duty is 20% BCD + 2% SWS + 18% IGST, totalling approximately 41%. BIS certification under IS 616 is mandatory.

Question 4

Can beef be imported into India?

Accepted Answer

No. Beef is a prohibited import in India. It cannot be imported under any circumstances, regardless of the purpose or origin country.

Question 5

What is the import duty on laptops in India 2024-25?

Accepted Answer

Laptops and notebooks under HSN 8471 attract 0% Basic Customs Duty + 0% SWS + 18% IGST, making total import duty approximately 18%. BIS certification under IS 13252 is mandatory for all laptops imported into India.

Question 6

What documents are needed to import goods into India?

Accepted Answer

Standard documents required to import into India include: Bill of Lading or Airway Bill, Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Certificate of Origin, Import Export Code (IEC), and product-specific certificates such as BIS for electronics, FSSAI for food products, or CDSCO for pharmaceuticals. An IEC from DGFT is mandatory for all importers.

Question 7

What is the import duty on gold in India?

Accepted Answer

Gold imports into India attract 15% Basic Customs Duty + 3% IGST, totalling approximately 18-19%. Gold is a canalised item — it can only be imported through nominated agencies such as banks authorised by RBI and certain trading houses. Individuals cannot import gold commercially.

Question 8

What is IEC code and how to get it?

Accepted Answer

IEC (Import Export Code) is a 10-digit code issued by DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade) that is mandatory for any business or individual importing or exporting goods from India. You can apply online at dgft.gov.in. The fee is ₹500 and the code is issued within 2-3 working days. No IEC is needed for personal use imports below a certain threshold.

Question 9

What is the import duty on air conditioners in India?

Accepted Answer

Air conditioners (HSN 8415) attract 20% Basic Customs Duty + 2% SWS + 28% IGST, totalling approximately 54% total landed duty. BIS certification under IS 1391 is mandatory. Inverter ACs and non-inverter ACs are both covered under the same BIS requirement.

Question 10

Can I export onions from India?

Accepted Answer

Onion exports from India are restricted and subject to Minimum Export Price (MEP) set by the government. The MEP changes frequently based on domestic supply conditions. At times, onion exports have been completely banned. Check the latest DGFT notification before exporting onions.

Question 11

What is the import duty on electric vehicles (EVs) in India?

Accepted Answer

Electric vehicles face 100% Basic Customs Duty + 5% IGST, making total import duty approximately 110-115%. This makes EVs one of the most heavily taxed import categories in India. Under a special government scheme, companies committing to local manufacturing may get a reduced 15% duty for a limited period.

Question 12

What is DGFT and what does it regulate?

Accepted Answer

DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade) is a government body under India's Ministry of Commerce that regulates India's foreign trade policy. It issues IEC codes, sets import and export restrictions, manages quotas, and publishes the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP). The current FTP 2023 is in effect until 2028.

Question 13

What is a restricted import in India?

Accepted Answer

A restricted import in India is a product that can be imported but requires a special licence, certificate, or permission from a government authority before import is allowed. Examples include pharmaceuticals (require CDSCO approval), aircraft (require DGCA certificate), tobacco (only through STE), and scrap metals (require radiation certificate). Restricted items cannot be imported freely without the required permissions.

Question 14

What is the import duty on smartphones in India?

Accepted Answer

Smartphones imported into India attract 20% Basic Customs Duty + 2% SWS + 18% IGST, totalling approximately 41% total landed duty under HSN 8517.12. BIS CRS certification under IS 13252 is mandatory. Most global brands manufacture or assemble in India to avoid this duty.

Question 15

What is the import duty on toys in India?

Accepted Answer

Toys imported into India face 60% Basic Customs Duty + 18% IGST, making total import duty approximately 91%. BIS certification under IS 9873 is mandatory for most toys. India has intentionally set high toy duties to promote domestic manufacturing.

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