How to import servers to India: BIS, GST and customs
India is a large, fast-growing market with a clear rulebook: an IEC code to import at all, BIS registration for the hardware, and GST plus customs duty at the border. Here is what each step means and the route from Hangzhou to Mumbai, Chennai or Bengaluru.
IEC, BIS and the tax picture
Two registrations come first. An Importer Exporter Code (IEC) from the DGFT is mandatory to import into India at all. Servers and IT equipment also fall under the BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS), so the product needs a BIS registration before import, which the manufacturer or importer arranges.
At the border you pay Basic Customs Duty (varies by HTS line; some ITA-1 items are 0%), a Social Welfare Surcharge on the duty, and 18% IGST on the assessable value. We quote the equipment cost and your customs house agent confirms the exact duty at the Bill of Entry.
- IEC (DGFT): required to import at all.
- BIS CRS: server/IT product registration before import.
- IGST 18% + Basic Customs Duty + Social Welfare Surcharge.
Delivery and clearance
We ship every server by air. Your forwarder flies the shipment to India and delivers it to your site, and door-to-door delivery takes 1–2 weeks.
Clearance runs through ICEGATE on a Bill of Entry, usually via a Customs House Agent. Your forwarder or CHA files the entry, presents the BIS registration, and settles duty and IGST on DAP/DDP terms.
The import flow, step by step
We sell EXW Hangzhou. For first-time importers we help appoint a forwarder and CHA who book the air freight, export from China, clear customs, and deliver to Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru or Hyderabad.
Because BIS registration must be in place before import, we align the product documentation early. You see the landed cost, including IGST and duty, before anything ships.
- Send your spec. We reply within 1 hour during business hours (Mon–Fri 09:00–19:00 Beijing time, UTC+8) with an EXW Hangzhou quote.
- We assemble, burn-in 24–72 h, and provide product documents for BIS.
- Forwarder flies the shipment to India, clears customs, delivers DAP/DDP.
- 1-year warranty with advance-replacement RMA.
Frequently asked questions
Do servers need BIS registration in India?
Yes. Servers and IT equipment fall under the BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme, so the product must be BIS-registered before import. We provide the product and technical documentation the registration needs.
What taxes apply to a server import in India?
Expect Basic Customs Duty (varies by classification, some ITA-1 items 0%), a Social Welfare Surcharge on the duty, and 18% IGST on the assessable value. We quote the full landed cost before you commit.
Do I need an IEC code?
Yes. An Importer Exporter Code from the DGFT is mandatory to import into India. It is a one-time registration tied to your business.
Related
Specs and ships enterprise and GPU servers from our Hangzhou warehouse. These guides come from real orders and burn-in benches, not spec sheets.
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