US Import Tariffs from India
Applicable Tariff Rates for India-Origin Goods
The following rates apply to goods with India country of origin imported into the United States. All rates are ad valorem (percentage of customs value) unless noted.
| Tariff Type | Rate | Applies To | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| MFN / General Rate | Varies by HTS code | All goods (baseline) | In Effect |
| GSP (suspended) Preferential Rate | 0% (qualifying goods) | Goods meeting rules of origin | In Effect |
| Section 232 (Steel/Aluminum) | 25% / 10% | 25% steel, 10% aluminum Section 232 duties apply | In Effect |
India is a GSP (suspended) partner. Qualifying goods can enter the US at 0% duty — but you must provide a valid Certificate of Origin and meet rules of origin requirements. Verify classification and ROO before claiming preferential treatment.
Top US Imports from India
These product categories represent the highest-volume imports from India into the United States. Each category has specific HTS codes, duty rates, and compliance requirements.
Get the Exact HTS Code + Duty Rate
Enter your product description. Our AI classifier returns the correct HTS code, applicable duty rates, and India Section 301/FTA status.
CBP Compliance for India-Origin Goods
India GSP benefits revoked in 2019. Pharmaceutical imports require FDA registration. Jewelry subject to anti-dumping investigations.
Country of Origin Requirements
All goods imported from India must be marked with their country of origin per CBP regulations (19 CFR 134). Goods must be "substantially transformed" in India to claim India origin — assembly alone is typically insufficient.
GSP suspension increased costs ~$300M/year. Pharmaceutical misclassification risk high. Jewelry antidumping orders active.
Landed Cost from India
Get a complete cost breakdown including duty, MPF, HMF, freight, and insurance for India-origin shipments.
Compare India vs. Other Origins
See side-by-side tariff and cost comparisons for India against other major sourcing countries.
Common Questions About Importing from India
Most pharmaceutical products from India enter at MFN rates of 0%–6.5% under HTS Chapter 30. India's GSP benefits were suspended in 2019, so products previously duty-free under GSP now face full MFN rates. Active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) formulations and finished drug products have different HTS classifications — proper classification is critical to avoid overpaying duty or triggering customs examinations.
India was removed from GSP in June 2019 after the US determined India failed to provide equitable and reasonable market access. This affected approximately $6.3 billion in Indian exports, primarily pharmaceuticals, auto components, and chemicals. No GSP restoration has occurred as of 2026, meaning India-origin goods no longer receive preferential duty treatment and must pay full MFN rates on all products.
Select Indian gold and silver jewelry products have been subject to CBP enforcement actions for valuation accuracy. CBP monitors jewelry imports closely — declared customs value must reflect true transaction value including royalties, assists, and related-party pricing adjustments. Undervaluation is a significant enforcement risk for jewelry importers. Additionally, platinum and diamond jewelry from India may trigger additional documentation requirements.
India-origin steel is subject to the 25% Section 232 tariff and aluminum faces a 10% Section 232 tariff. These stack on top of MFN rates — India has no quota exemption or TRQ arrangement with the US for Section 232. Total effective duty rate for Indian steel mill products can reach 27–30%+ when MFN and Section 232 are combined.
CBP requires goods to be "substantially transformed" in India to claim Indian origin. For manufactured goods, CBP examines whether the manufacturing process results in a new and different article of commerce with a different name, character, and use. Importers should maintain detailed production records, bills of materials, labor certifications, and factory affidavits to defend origin claims during CBP audits and CF-28/29 requests.
Importing from India — Complete 2026 Analysis
US–India Trade Relationship
India is the 9th largest US import source at approximately $87B annually, concentrated in pharmaceuticals (generic APIs), IT services, textiles, jewelry, and agricultural products. India's GSP benefits were terminated in June 2019, adding approximately $190M in annual duties to Indian exports. No restoration has occurred as of 2026. The IEEPA proposed rate for India was 26% before the 90-day pause (currently 10% baseline). India does not have an FTA with the US, and trade talks have stalled over agricultural market access and IP protection disagreements.
Practical Import Guidance for India-Origin Goods
India-origin pharmaceuticals (HTS chapters 29-30) face specific FDA scrutiny — India accounts for 40% of US generic drug supply, making FDA import alerts particularly impactful. Maintain FDA facility registration, cGMP compliance records, and Drug Master Files for API imports. For textiles and apparel, UFLPA is less relevant but CBP still verifies country of origin through production record audits. India jewelry imports face enhanced CBP valuation scrutiny — declare full transaction value including assists, royalties, and related-party pricing.
Key Risks and Compliance Considerations
GSP termination means full MFN rates on all products (previously duty-free items now face 0.5%–5% rates). IEEPA 10% baseline adds to cost. FDA import alerts for pharma/food products from specific Indian manufacturers. AD/CVD orders on select steel products, shrimp, and diamond sawblades from India.
Total Tariff Stack for India-Origin Imports
Understanding the cumulative tariff layers for India is essential for accurate landed cost calculation:
- Base MFN Rate: 5.2% average MFN (GSP suspended) (varies by HTS code)
- GSP (suspended) Preferential Rate: 0% for qualifying goods with proper documentation
- Section 232: 25% steel / 10% aluminum. 25% steel, 10% aluminum Section 232 duties apply
- Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF): 0.3464% of entered value (min $31.67, max $614.35 per entry)
- Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF): 0.125% of cargo value (ocean shipments only)
For a complete breakdown of your specific product's tariff exposure from India, order a $19 Tariff Exposure Report.
Tools for India Importers
India IEEPA Tariff Developments — Latest Status
Data current as of May 2026
The Trump administration's April 2026 IEEPA executive order established a sweeping new tariff regime that initially imposed 26% additional duties on India-origin goods. Following a 90-day pause announced April 9, 2026, India-origin imports currently face a 10% universal IEEPA baseline tariff through at least July 2026. This stacks on top of existing MFN base rates and any applicable Section 232 surcharges.
US-India trade negotiations are ongoing under the bilateral trade agreement framework. Key sectors under discussion include pharmaceuticals (India's largest US export category at ~$8B annually), textiles, and agricultural products. Importers sourcing from India should monitor USTR announcements closely — the 90-day pause expires in mid-July 2026 and duty rates could escalate to the full 26% IEEPA rate absent a negotiated agreement.
India's GSP benefits remain suspended (revoked June 2019) with no restoration timeline announced. Combined with the 10% IEEPA baseline, India-origin goods now face meaningfully higher total effective duty rates than pre-2025. Use the Landed Cost Calculator to model current landed costs with the IEEPA stack included.
Review all India-origin sourcing contracts for IEEPA pass-through clauses. The 10% baseline rate is active now; model full 26% scenario for July+ planning. Consider duty drawback eligibility if re-exporting India-origin goods after US processing.
Other US Trading Partner Tariff Profiles
Tariff rates are sourced from USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule and Federal Register notices as of 2026-05-16. Section 301 rates reflect current USTR actions. Always verify with official sources before importing. AI-assisted analysis provided for informational purposes only — not legal or customs advice.