DHL Express: Best door-to-door pickup and delivery for import into India

As India continues to solidify its position in global trade, its import market is growing at an incredible pace. In 2024, India’s import market was valued at US$697.75 billion¹. But while a growing import market presents plenty of opportunities for businesses in India, import logistics is an ever-present challenge all importers must overcome.

That’s why a reliable import shipping services partner like DHL Express can be game-changing for businesses looking to import products to India. Whether you’re a large corporation bringing in bulk machinery or a growing enterprise with major import items like electronics or Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs), DHL Express’ door-to-door pickup and delivery services can help streamline your supply chain and operations. 

Find out more about DHL Express’ import shipping services in this article and why DHL Express is widely regarded as the best international courier in India.

The DHL Express advantage: A network built for India’s import needs

For businesses looking to import products into India, the journey from a product's origin to its final destination is fraught with potential challenges. Whether it’s navigating a maze of customs regulations or managing local logistics and unexpected delays, DHL Express’ strengths are designed to solve these exact import challenges.

Global network with local logistics expertise

Problem for importers: Relying on different partners for each leg of the product journey, from pickup in the origin country to customs clearance and final delivery, can lead to communication gaps, a lack of visibility, and costly delays. 

How DHL Express helps: With a presence in over 220 countries and territories, DHL Express provides a single, integrated global network. This means your shipment remains within the DHL ecosystem from the moment of door to door pickup service to its doorstep delivery in India. With a single logistics partner for the entire leg, you can streamline your supply chain by eliminating handovers and enjoy real-time tracking visibility on your shipment.

Comprehensive import infrastructure in India

Problem for importers: Navigating India's vast and complex logistics landscape can be a challenge, with a lack of dedicated infrastructure causing delays at key points of entry.

How DHL Express helps: DHL Express has a robust infrastructure in place to support import shipping services in India. This includes strategically located gateways for customs clearance, a dedicated fleet of vehicles, and a network of conveniently located service centers throughout the country. Strong local presence ensures your imports are handled efficiently from the moment they land, minimizing transit time and ensuring a smooth journey to their final destination.

In-house customs clearing capabilities and TAPA-certified facilities in India

Problem for importers: Customs clearance is often the biggest bottleneck in the import process, with complex paperwork and unpredictable duties creating uncertainty and financial risk. 

How DHL Express helps: DHL Express offers in-house customs clearance capabilities in India, a critical advantage that simplifies the process. Work with a local team of experts familiar with India’s customs regulations, ensuring all documentation is accurate and compliant. 

DHL Express also mitigates risk with TAPA-certified facilities, ensuring the highest security standards for your valuable imports throughout the customs process and beyond.

Flexible clearance for courier and cargo shipments

Problem for importers: Businesses that import both small parcels and large freight often need to manage multiple logistics providers, leading to disjointed processes and increased administrative burden.

How DHL Express helps: A key differentiator for DHL Express is the unique capability to clear shipments as both courier and cargo. DHL Express can handle a wide range of import volumes and types, from a small, urgent express delivery of a machine part to large-scale commercial consignments. By managing all your import needs under one roof, you can enjoy a consistent and streamlined experience when you import products to India, regardless of shipment size.

Easy shipment planning with MyGTS

Problem for importers: Due to everchanging customs regulations, it is not uncommon for import businesses to face unexpected costs and documentation requirements, which can derail budgets and cause last-minute delays, creating financial uncertainty and operational setbacks.

How DHL Express helps: To combat this uncertainty, businesses that want to import products to India can look at the DHL Express MyGTS tool, which allows you to check landed costs, customs duties, and document requirements upfront before you book your shipment. This way, you can make an informed decision and budget accurately to avoid costly surprises. 

Express delivery to enable Just-in-Time manufacturing

Problem for importers: Delays in your supply chain can lead to increased warehousing costs, tied-up capital, and missed deadlines, impacting your bottom line and customer satisfaction.

How DHL Express helps: DHL Express’ door-to-door pickup and delivery speed enables businesses to use the Just-in-Time (JIT) product and inventory management strategy. When your shipments arrive precisely when you need them, you can operate a leaner supply chain to reduce costs and improve cash flow. Not to mention the benefits of having express delivery for time-sensitive imports essential for production to keep your business agile and responsive.

List of DHL Express import shipping services in India

DHL Import Express Worldwide 

DHL Import Express Worldwide is the ideal solution for businesses requiring fast and reliable international import shipping services. This service guarantees delivery to your doorstep by the end of the next possible business day.

Third-country movements

Third-country movement allows you to manage shipments moving between two countries, neither of which is your own. 

For instance, a business in India can arrange for a shipment to move directly from a supplier in China to a client in Germany, bypassing the need for the goods to physically enter and exit India to eliminate extra steps in your supply chain.

DHL Express service and rate guide

For more information about shipping charges and DHL Express’ extensive list of capabilities, download the DHL Express Service and Rate Guide.

Certain restrictions apply. All DHL Express import shipping services are subject to Terms and Conditions. 

Things to know about importing into India

What are the requirements for importing into India?

For your goods to clear Indian customs smoothly, you must have the correct documents required for customs clearance in India. This essential paperwork includes:

• Bill of Lading/Airway Bill: A contract of carriage and receipt of goods for ocean and air freight, respectively.
• Commercial Invoice-cum-packing list: Details the value of the goods, a full description of the items, and the contents of each package.
• Bill of Entry: A legal document filed by the importer or customs agent with Indian Customs upon the arrival of goods.
• Import Export Code (IEC): A 10-digit code issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), mandatory for all businesses involved in imports or exports.

You should also be aware of what items can be couriered, and that they are not in the India customs list of prohibited items.

How much import duty will I pay in India?

All goods imported into India are subject to duty, but the rate varies widely. To find out what your custom duty rates are, you must determine the HS code for your products, also known as the HSN code in India. This is the code used in the Harmonised Commodity Description and Coding System, a globally recognised technique of identifying product types. 

The first six digits are standard worldwide, while the subsequent digits are specific to India, helping to pinpoint the exact duty and tax you will be charged. You can easily find the correct HS code for your product using DHL Express’ MyGTS tool.

What are anti-dumping duties?

If you are looking to import products into India, you must be aware of anti-dumping duties on the items you plan to bring in. An anti-dumping duty is a protectionist tariff imposed by a domestic government on foreign imports it believes are priced below fair market value. These duties are intended to protect local industries from unfair competition.

India has recently imposed anti-dumping duties on certain products from China, such as vacuum flasks and aluminum foil². 

Start importing into India today with DHL Express

In a complex global market, partnering with a reliable logistics provider is the key to business success. For small businesses in India relying on import, DHL Express offers the unparalleled expertise, seamless door to door pickup and delivery, and dedicated import shipping services required to streamline your supply chain.

Ready to simplify your global operations? Open a DHL Express business account today and get express delivery for your import operations and focus on what you do best: growing your business.