Buyer note
JAN 22, 2026
Documentation · 5 min read
Documents Required to Import from India
A complete checklist of commercial and regulatory documents needed for smooth customs clearance of Indian-origin shipments.
Smooth customs clearance starts with complete, accurate documentation. Here's the typical set of documents your Indian supplier should provide.
Commercial documents
- →Commercial invoice — itemised value of goods.
- →Packing list — carton-wise breakdown with weights and dimensions.
- →Bill of lading (B/L) or Airway bill (AWB) — title document for the shipment.
Regulatory documents
- →Certificate of Origin — issued by Indian chambers of commerce; required to claim preferential duty under FTAs. See FIEO's COO portal and ICC WCF's COO framework.
- →Phytosanitary certificate — mandatory for agricultural and food shipments. Issued by India's Plant Quarantine Directorate under DPPQS.
- →Fumigation certificate — required for wooden packing (per ISPM-15 / IPPC) and certain agri shipments.
- →Inspection certificate — from SGS, Bureau Veritas, or other agencies, if specified in the contract.
Product-specific documents
- →FSSAI export certificate for food products.
- →APEDA RCMC for agri exports.
- →Spices Board certificate for spice exports.
- →Halal / Kosher / Organic certificates depending on market.
Confirm the full document checklist with your supplier before the proforma invoice is issued — adding documents later often delays shipment.
Further reading
- →The Complete Guide to Indian Export Certifications — the full stack of registrations and certificates.
- →FSSAI Explained — verifying a food exporter's licence.
- →Geographical Indication (GI) Tags — verifying origin claims.
- →Organic Certifications for Indian Exports — NPOP, USDA NOP, EU Organic.
- →ICEGATE — Indian Customs' e-Commerce Gateway for shipment tracking and filings.