How do I export to India?

Market Characteristics

💡 In simple terms: "A massive market with a population of 1.4 billion." It's challenging, but entering it presents tremendous opportunities! Especially with the rising popularity of K-culture! 📌 Key Features: • The most populous country in the world (over 1.4 billion) • Average age of 28, a young demographic • English is widely used (business language) • Highly diverse languages and cultures by region 🛒 Distribution Channels: • Modern retail: Reliance Retail, D-Mart, BigBazaar • Traditional retail: Kirana (local shops, over 9 million) • E-commerce: Amazon India, Flipkart, Meesho 📊 Consumer Characteristics: • High price sensitivity (Value for Money) • Rapid growth in online shopping • Rising popularity of K-beauty and K-fashion • Consideration of vegetarian culture is necessary

Key Regulations

📋 Key Regulations for Exports to India: 【BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards)】 • BIS certification required for electronic products, chemicals, etc. • Mandatory certification items are continuously expanding • Certification period: 3-6 months 【FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India)】 • FSSAI registration/license mandatory for all food products • Mandatory labeling for vegetarian/non-vegetarian (green/brown mark) • Labeling: Local language + English 【CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organization)】 • Cosmetics: CDSCO registration required • Pharmaceuticals/medical devices: Strict regulations 【Labeling Requirements】 • English or Hindi mandatory • MRP (Maximum Retail Price) labeling required • Manufacturing date/expiry date, importer information ⚠️ Important Notes: • Regulations change frequently • Additional regulations may exist by region (state) • Possibility of customs delays (ensure thorough documentation)

Business Culture

🤝 Indian Business Culture: 【Characteristics】 • Relationship-based business • Long and intense negotiations • Flexible concept of time ('IST = Indian Stretchable Time') • Emphasis on hierarchy 【Meeting Etiquette】 • Handshake greetings are common (Namaste is also welcome) • Importance of titles when exchanging business cards • Do not refuse tea/snacks when offered • Focus on building relationships in the first meeting 【Negotiation Style】 • Price negotiations are very intense • Multiple meetings are often necessary • It's important to identify the final decision-maker • Do not rely on verbal agreements 🗣️ Language: • Business English is possible • 22 official languages (varies by region) • Hindi is the most widely used

Buyer Discovery Methods

🎯 Strategy for Discovering Indian Buyers: 【Utilizing KOTRA】 📞 KOTRA New Delhi Trade Office: +91-11-4600-8200 📞 KOTRA Mumbai Trade Office: +91-22-6128-3000 📞 KOTRA Chennai Trade Office: +91-44-4295-5900 • Buyer discovery support • Consulting for entering the Indian market • Marketing support linked to K-content 【Exhibition Participation】 • Cosmoprof India (Beauty): Mumbai, October • AAHAR (Food): New Delhi, March • India International Trade Fair: New Delhi, November • Auto Expo (Automobile): New Delhi, biennially 【Online Channels】 • Amazon India presence • Flipkart presence • Nykaa (Beauty specialist) • IndiaMART (B2B platform) 【Network】 • Korean Chamber of Commerce (Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai) • FICCI, CII (Indian Chambers of Commerce) • Actively utilize LinkedIn

Business Culture

Buyer Types

Logistics Information

Payment Method

FTA/Trade Agreements

Frequently Asked Questions