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Compare Country Trade Regulations

Pick up to 4 economies and see customs authorities, licensing regimes, prohibited & restricted lists, sanctions overlays and dispute forums side by side. Decision-support only - always confirm with local counsel.

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Dimension
India
IN →
IntroIndia's trade regime runs on the Foreign Trade Policy 2023 (indefinite validity) administered by DGFT. Import entry via ICEGATE under the Customs Act 1962; classification uses ITC(HS) 8-digit codes. Payment terms are constrained by RBI FEMA - advance remittances >USD 500,000 need bank guarantees; export receivables must repatriate within 9 months.
Primary authorities
  • DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade)FTP administration, IEC, licences, RoDTEP scheme.
  • CBIC (Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs)Customs, GST, ICEGATE.
  • RBI (Reserve Bank of India)FEMA, remittances, ECB & buyer's credit.
  • BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards)Mandatory Certification (CRS/ISI/Hallmark).
Licensing regimes
  • Importer Exporter Code (IEC)Mandatory 10-digit code for any commercial trade. · DGFT
  • SCOMET licenceSpecial Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipment & Technologies - dual-use. · DGFT
  • BIS CRS registrationElectronics (Sch 1 & 2 CRS Order), mandatory before import. · BIS
  • Advance AuthorisationDuty-free import of inputs against export obligation. · DGFT
  • EPCG (Export Promotion Capital Goods)Concessional 0% BCD on capital goods against 6x export obligation. · DGFT
Prohibited goods
  • · Beef & beef products (state-level cattle-slaughter laws).
  • · Tallow, animal rennet & pig fat (BIS).
  • · Ivory & tiger products (Wildlife Protection Act 1972 + CITES).
  • · Poppy seeds from certain origins (NDPS Act).
  • · Consumer imports from Pakistan post-Feb 2019 (200% BCD).
Restricted goods
  • · India-New Zealand FTA: first tranche of tariff concessions, Notification 32/2026-Customs (G.S.R. 899(E), 16 Oct 2026), in force from 20 Oct 2026; New Zealand origin must be proved; TRQ lines need a DGFT TRQ allotment under the Handbook of Procedures 2023. Source: https://egazette.gov.in/WriteReadData/2026/277238.pdf
  • · Gold - only via Nominated Agencies (MMTC, STC, PEC) or authorised banks; 10% BCD + 5% AIDC.
  • · IT hardware (laptops, tablets, servers) - import authorisation regime notified Nov 2023.
  • · Solar cells & modules - BCD 40%/25% + ALMM (Approved List of Models & Manufacturers) required.
  • · Second-hand goods - most require DGFT authorisation.
  • · Toys - BIS Toys (Quality Control) Order 2020 mandatory for all imports.
Labelling requirements
  • · Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules 2011 - MRP, importer name & address, country of origin, net qty in metric units.
  • · FSSAI licence number on packaged food; nutritional information per FSS (Labelling & Display) Regs 2020.
  • · BIS mark on covered products (steel, cement, cables, appliances, cookware).
  • · Language: English + one Indian language (state-dependent).
Sanctions overlay
  • · UN Security Council sanctions (auto-applied under UAPA Section 51A).
  • · No comprehensive autonomous programs, but SCOMET denial list mirrors NSG/MTCR/Wassenaar/AG restrictions.
  • · Restricted counterparts in Iran/Pakistan/DPRK for sensitive goods.
Dispute resolutionCustoms disputes - Commissioner (Appeals) → CESTAT → HC → SC. GST via GST Appellate Tribunal (operational from 2024). FEMA violations - RBI compounding or Enforcement Directorate. FTA disputes at bilateral joint committees (India-UAE CEPA, India-Australia ECTA). ICC arbitration common in commercial contracts; India acceded to NY Convention with reciprocity & commercial reservations.
Official sources

Frequently asked questions

How do I compare import regulations between two countries?

Pick two to four countries above. The table lines up the customs authority, import licensing, VAT/GST rate, prohibited and restricted goods, sanctions overlays and dispute forums, with links to each official source.

Is this comparison legal advice?

No. It is decision support built from published government sources. Regulatory positions change often, so confirm every action with the named authority or licensed local counsel before you ship.

Where do I calculate the duty once I know the rules?

Use the Import Duty & VAT Calculator for a quick CIF-based estimate, or the Landed Cost Calculator for the full cost stack including freight, insurance and destination charges.

Next step: Import Duty & VAT Calculator or Landed Cost Calculator. Last reviewed 14 October 2026.

Comparison is decision-support only. Regulatory positions change frequently - confirm every action with the named authorities or licensed local counsel.