Import from China Handbook

Import from China: The First-Timer's Handbook

By Telezoid · Updated September 2026

Import from China: The First-Timer's Handbook

Your first China import doesn't need to be guesswork. A step-by-step handbook for first-time importers in India.

Product choice • Supplier checks • Safe payments • Shipping • Customs duty • Landed cost • Selling

A cheap supplier price can hide big costs: a wrong HSN code, an unverified supplier, surprise freight charges, or a misunderstood Incoterm. This handbook gives you one clear order to follow, from choosing a product to selling it in India, with Indian examples, checklists and templates.

What you get

  • 36-page handbook: 13 chapters + 2 appendices
  • Landed cost worksheet to know your real cost before ordering
  • Checklists for supplier verification, payment safety, pre-shipment and receiving goods
  • 5 supplier message templates, ready to copy
  • 30-day first-import plan and official portal links

What it helps you avoid

  • Choosing products on price alone
  • Paying a supplier before verifying the business
  • Ignoring HSN code and duty until the goods arrive
  • Underestimating freight, duty and landed cost

How it works

  1. Choose and set upScore product ideas, then get IEC, GST and ICEGATE ready.
  2. Find and verify suppliersAlibaba, 1688, agents, plus a 7-step scam check.
  3. Sample, order and pay safelyMOQ, negotiation, Incoterms, proforma invoices.
  4. Ship, clear customs and sellCourier vs air vs sea, duty, landed cost, selling in India.
See all 13 chapters
  1. Is importing from China right for you?
  2. What to import and what to avoid
  3. Legal setup: IEC, GST, current account, ICEGATE
  4. Where to find suppliers
  5. Verifying suppliers and avoiding scams
  6. Samples, MOQ, negotiation and Incoterms
  7. Paying safely
  8. Shipping: courier, air, LCL and FCL
  9. Customs clearance and duty
  10. Landed cost and pricing
  11. Quality checks and receiving goods
  12. Selling in India
  13. 30-day first-import action plan

Who it's for

  • First-time importers and small businesses testing products
  • Online sellers and retailers who want factory-direct goods
  • Anyone comparing Alibaba, 1688 and sourcing agents

Please note: This is an educational guide, not a done-for-you service or legal, tax or customs advice. Duty rates and rules change, so the guide shows you where to confirm them on official portals (DGFT, ICEGATE, CBIC, BIS, GST).

FAQ

What exactly do I get?

A 36-page digital handbook with checklists, a landed cost worksheet, 5 supplier message templates and a glossary. Instant download after payment.

I've never imported before. Is it for me?

Yes. It's written for first-timers and explains every step in order.

Does it cover customs duty and landed cost?

Yes. Chapter 9 covers customs clearance and duty, and Chapter 10 walks you through landed cost and pricing.

Does it cover Alibaba and 1688?

Yes. Chapter 4 covers Alibaba, Made-in-China, Global Sources, 1688, sourcing agents, Canton Fair and Yiwu.

Is it a done-for-you service?

No. You choose suppliers, arrange shipping and handle compliance. The handbook shows you how.

For education only; not customs, legal or tax advice. Always confirm current rates on official portals. © 2026 Telezoid.

₹999₹399