Importing PCBA, routers, adapters, and electronics into India

India’s demand for electronics is skyrocketing — from smartphones to smart factories, the country is undergoing rapid digital transformation. However, this also entails a complex web of regulatory, documentation, and customs compliance requirements that importers must navigate.

For businesses looking to import electronic products such as PCBA (Printed Circuit Board Assemblies), routers, adapters, and networking devices, the right logistics partner can make all the difference. In this guide, we break down the key regulations, common challenges, and why working with a express logistics provider like DHL Express can help streamline your import journey.

The booming electronics import market in India

India is one of the fastest-growing markets for electronics imports globally.

Driven by a growing consumer base, rising smartphone penetration, digital infrastructure development, and strategic initiatives like Digital India and Make in India, India’s electronics industry is forecast to reach US$300 billion by 2026.1 India is pushing to increase domestic manufacturing, but local assembly still heavily depends on imported components.

Printed circuit boards, semiconductors, and high-end electronics continue to be sourced from countries like China, Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan to fuel production across sectors — from telecom and automotive to medical devices and industrial machinery.

Imports remain vital even as India pushes for self-reliance. Smart businesses must stay agile, compliant, and connected with trusted international logistics partners to meet demand efficiently.

What products are most imported?

India’s electronics import portfolio includes a wide range of high-demand components and finished goods:

• PCBA (Printed Circuit Board Assemblies): A core component in almost every modern device, especially smartphones, EVs, and IoT systems. According to Volza, India imported over 45,000 PCBA shipments in the past year alone, mostly from China and Vietnam.2
  
  
• Routers, adapters, and network equipment: With India rolling out 5G, expanding rural internet access, and building smart cities, the demand for networking infrastructure is soaring. Routers, Wi-Fi adapters, and modems are essential to this transformation.
  
  
• Other electronics: These include semiconductors, displays, power supplies, batteries, sensors, and more — all critical for local assembly plants, telecom infrastructure, and R&D labs.

Key regulations and customs compliance for electronics imports in India

Importing electronics into India isn’t just about shipping — it requires navigation of a highly regulated environment. Here are the key compliance requirements businesses must meet:

• BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards): Many electronic goods require BIS registration under India’s Compulsory Registration Scheme. PCBA, adapters, and routers often fall under this.
  
  
• WPC (Wireless Planning and Coordination): Wireless devices (e.g. routers, Bluetooth modules) need WPC approval to ensure they meet India’s radio frequency standards.
  
  
• E-Waste Management & Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): Importers must comply with India’s e-waste rules, including registering as a ‘producer’ and managing recycling obligations.
  
  
• HS codes and customs classification: Accurate Harmonised System (HS) code usage is essential to avoid penalties or misclassification delays. These classifications directly affect how customs duties are applied, and understanding how charges on imported electronic items are calculated in India can prevent costly surprises during clearance.
  
  
• Import licensing & documentation: Depending on the product, you may need an import license. Key documents include:
  
  
  • Commercial invoice
    
    
  • Packing list
    
    
  • Bill of entry
    
    
  • Importer Exporter Code (IEC)
    
    
  • Product-specific certifications (e.g. BIS/WPC)
    
    
• Role of DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade): Sets policies and licensing norms for imports, and publishes frequent updates on restricted items or certification mandates.
  
  

Common challenges faced by businesses

Even with the right paperwork, businesses often encounter hurdles when importing electronics into India. Some of the most common include:

• Lengthy customs clearance times: Incomplete documents or unclear product classification can result in delays of several days or even weeks.
  
  
• Frequent regulation changes: For example, in March 2025, India tightened controls on low-cost electronics imports to boost safety and local production, affecting several common SKUs.
  
  
• Documentation errors: Minor discrepancies in invoices or HS codes can trigger rejections or fines.
  
  
• High import duties: Some electronic components attract customs duty rates of up to 20–25% in India, especially if they’re not on the exempt or concessional lists.
  
  
• Warehousing and distribution issues: Delays in customs can disrupt downstream inventory and last-mile delivery planning.
  
  
• Risk of non-compliance penalties: Missing BIS or WPC certifications can lead to seizure, re-export orders, or blacklisting.

How to overcome these challenges

The good news is that most challenges can be avoided or minimized with proactive planning and the right partners.

Here’s how:

• Stay updated with regulations: Subscribe to updates from DGFT and BIS to stay informed on international shipping requirements. Consider hiring compliance consultants for high-risk categories.
  
  
• Use experienced customs brokers: They help interpret rule changes, avoid classification errors, and speed up customs clearance.
  
  
• Invest in documentation accuracy: Double-check all shipping, commercial, and regulatory paperwork before dispatching goods.
  
  
• Adopt compliance software/tools: Automation reduces manual errors, flags missing documents, and ensures audit-readiness.
  
  
• Partner with reliable express logistics providers: A knowledgeable logistics partner will guide you through customs, assist with certifications, and streamline the entire shipping process.
  
  

The critical role of an express logistics provider, like DHL Express

An experienced express logistics partner isn’t just a courier — they’re your compliance ally and supply chain advisor. Here’s how DHL Express’s proven international delivery service network helps support electronics importers in India:

• Deep regulatory knowledge: DHL Express has extensive experience with India’s customs regulations, BIS/WPC processes, and import classifications.
  
  
• Pre-arrival clearance: Customs documentation can be processed while your shipment is still in transit, saving time at the border.
  
  
• Certifications support: DHL Express can advise or assist with BIS and WPC applications for eligible businesses.
  
  
• End-to-end visibility: Real-time tracking, milestone alerts, and proactive exception handling keep you informed from origin to final delivery.
  
  
• Warehousing and fulfilment support: With bonded facilities and inventory management, DHL Express helps bridge the gap between import and local dispatch.
  
  
• Time and cost efficiency: Faster clearance and optimized routing mean lower overhead and fewer disruptions.

In short, a reliable express delivery partner removes friction from your import process, so you can focus on growth.

India’s electronics landscape is full of opportunity, but also layered with complexity. By understanding the rules, preparing your documentation, and choosing the right logistics support, you can avoid delays, reduce compliance risk, and meet customer demand without disruption.

Open a business account with DHL Express today and enjoy reliable worldwide shipping and fast delivery service with transparent shipping charges for your electronics imports into India.