Export to United States
अमेरिका को निर्यात
India's largest single export market. Buyers pay well and reorder, but US agencies are strict about product safety, labelling and importer-of-record paperwork.
Market snapshot
Trade agreementNo FTA — duty depends on the HS line and any trade remedy in force.
Duty treatmentMost tariff lines are low, but product-specific duties and anti-dumping orders apply.
Transit timeSea 22–35 days (Nhava Sheva → NY/LA) · Air 2–4 days
What India sells mostGarments & home textiles · Engineering goods · Gems & jewellery · Spices & processed food · Pharma & generics
Documents your shipment needs
Commercial invoice & packing listValue, HS code and country of origin must match the entry filing.
Bill of lading / airway billConsignee and notify party exactly as the buyer instructs.
FDA prior noticeRequired for food, beverages and supplements before arrival.
Shipping bill & e-BRC trailYour Indian side of the file — needed for incentives and RBI closure.
ISF / entry data for the buyerYour buyer's broker files it from your documents 24 hours before loading.
Certificates you must arrange
Certificate of origin (non-preferential)Chamber-issued; used for marking claims and buyer records.
FDA facility registration & FSVP papersFood, supplements and cosmetics: registration plus your buyer's supplier-verification file.
Lab test reports (CPSC / Prop 65)Children's products, toys and anything with chemicals or heavy metals.
ISPM-15 fumigation stampAll wooden pallets and crates must be treated and marked.
Social / quality auditsLarge retail buyers ask for factory, WRAP, SEDEX or ISO evidence.
Compliance and labelling rules in United States
Country-of-origin markingPermanent, legible "Made in India" on the article, not only on the carton.
Textile care & fibre labelling (FTC)Fibre content, care symbols and RN/importer details on every garment.
FCC / UL for electricalsRadio and electrical goods need conformity marks and test files.
Nutrition & allergen labellingUS-format nutrition panel and allergen statement for packaged food.
Forced-labour due diligenceCotton and inputs need a traceable supply-chain record.
Legal and contract points before you ship
Sale contract & IncotermsFix FOB or CIF, inspection rights and who is importer of record.
Payment securityPrefer LC or advance for first orders; credit insurance for open account.
Product liability exposureUS buyers expect indemnity and often insurance naming them.
IP and brand clearanceCheck the mark and design before you private-label for a US buyer.
Anti-dumping / countervailing riskConfirm your HS line is not under an existing order.
Where shipments to United States usually get stuck
- Country-of-origin marking must be permanent and visible.
- Food and cosmetics need US agent registration and prior notice.
- Wooden packaging must be ISPM-15 heat treated and stamped.
- One HS-code error can trigger penalty duty on the whole entry.
Our retired customs officers check every one of these before your file is submitted.
Other markets
Shipping to United States soon?
Send us the order and your documents — an ex-customs officer reviews the file before it is filed.
Start the export check →