🇮🇳 Everything you need to sell in India
India is one of the world's fastest-growing ecommerce markets with over 800 million internet users. Amazon.in and Flipkart (Walmart-owned) dominate the marketplace landscape. India has a GST (Goods and Services Tax) system and strict import regulations. BIS certification and FSSAI registration are required for many product categories. Hindi and English are the primary languages.
🛃 Customs Notes
High import duties (BCD 0-150%). BIS certification required for many products. FSSAI registration for food products. English/Hindi labeling mandatory. FDI e-commerce rules restrict foreign marketplace operations.
Compliance Topics
📊 GST (Goods and Services Tax)
Indian GST has multiple rates: 5%, 12%, 18%, and 28% depending on the product/service. Foreign e-commerce operators must register for GST and collect TCS (Tax Collected at Source) at 1% on net taxable value. The GSTN (Goods and Services Tax Network) manages the GST portal. Monthly/quarterly filing required.
- •GST rates: 5%, 12%, 18%, 28% depending on product category
- •Foreign e-commerce operators must register for GST
- •TCS (Tax Collected at Source): 1% on net taxable value by platforms
- •GSTN portal for registration and filing
- •E-way bill required for movement of goods above INR 50,000
- •GST returns filed monthly or quarterly (QRMP scheme)
Sources:
🚢 Customs & Import Duties
India has high import duties, with basic customs duty (BCD) ranging from 0-150% depending on the product. Additional duties include Social Welfare Surcharge (10% of BCD) and IGST (integrated GST) on imports. India has restricted e-commerce imports under the Foreign Trade Policy. Indian customs (CBIC) manages import procedures.
- •Basic Customs Duty (BCD): 0-150% depending on product
- •Social Welfare Surcharge: 10% of BCD
- •IGST (Integrated GST) on imports: 5-28% depending on product
- •Foreign Trade Policy restricts certain e-commerce imports
- •CBIC (Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs) manages customs
- •India has FTAs with ASEAN, Japan, Korea, and others
Sources:
🛡️ Product Safety & Labeling
India requires BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) certification for many product categories under compulsory registration. FSSAI registration is mandatory for food products. English/Hindi labeling required. The Legal Metrology Act requires specific packaging and labeling compliance. Consumer Protection Act 2019 strengthened product liability rules.
- •BIS certification required for electronics, IT equipment, and many products
- •FSSAI registration mandatory for all food products
- •English/Hindi labeling mandatory
- •Legal Metrology Act: packaging and labeling compliance
- •Consumer Protection Act 2019: enhanced product liability
- •E-commerce rules under Consumer Protection Act apply to all platforms
🔒 Data Privacy
India's Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA) was enacted in 2023. The Data Protection Board of India will oversee compliance. The DPDPA has consent requirements, data localization provisions, and cross-border transfer rules. The IT Act 2000 and SPDI Rules also apply to data handling.
- •DPDPA (Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023): primary privacy law
- •Data Protection Board of India: enforcement authority
- •Consent required for personal data processing
- •Data localization: certain categories must be stored in India
- •Cross-border transfers allowed except to restricted countries
- •IT Act 2000 and SPDI Rules also apply to data handling
🛒 Marketplace Rules
Amazon.in and Flipkart (Walmart) dominate the Indian marketplace. India has strict FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) rules for e-commerce: foreign-owned marketplaces must operate as pure marketplaces (no inventory model). Meesho, JioMart, and Myntra are other significant platforms. Cash on delivery (COD) remains popular.
- •Amazon.in: major marketplace, subject to FDI e-commerce rules
- •Flipkart (Walmart): largest Indian marketplace
- •FDI rules: foreign marketplaces must operate as pure marketplace model
- •No single seller can exceed 25% of marketplace sales
- •Cash on delivery (COD) still popular (30-40% of transactions)
- •Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules 2020 apply
Top Product Categories
Official Sources
This information is for general reference only and does not constitute legal, tax, or compliance advice. Consult a qualified professional and check official sources before making decisions.