Guidance on Preparing Documentation for Importing Used Machinery and Equipment into India

Documentation Checklist for Importing Used Machinery and Equipment Basic Trade and Logistics Documents 1. Import Contract: Must explicitly state "USED" equipment; specify brand, model, serial number, year of manufacture, agreed price, and operational hours. 2. Commercial Invoice: Indicate original equipment value, second-hand transaction price, serial number, and year of manufacture. 3. Packing List: Itemize each unit by model, serial number (SN), gross weight/dimensions, and packaging material. 4. Ocean or Air Waybill/Bill of Lading. 5. Wooden Packaging: Must bear the IPPC fumigation mark; if non-wooden packaging is used, provide a formal declaration confirming this. 6. Certificate of Origin (if required to claim tariff preferences). Regulatory Licenses and Permits for Importing Used Machinery and Equipment (selected based on regulatory requirements) 1. Automatic Import License (License Type "O"): Required for goods under regulatory control code "O"; serial numbers must be listed individually for multiple units, and the consignee name must match exactly on the customs declaration. 2. Import License for Key Categories of Used Electro-Mechanical Equipment: Required when equipment appears on the official "Catalogue of Key Used Electro-Mechanical Products"; issued upon approval by competent authorities. 3. Pre-Shipment Inspection Documentation + CCIC Inspection Report: Mandatory for equipment listed in Table 2 of the "Inspection and Supervision Measures List for Imported Used Electro-Mechanical Products"; inspection must be completed prior to shipment overseas—no retroactive processing allowed upon arrival at port.

What is the customs clearance process for exporting used machinery and equipment from Dongguan Port to India?

Full Customs Clearance Process for Exporting Used Equipment to India Important Note: Domestic pre-shipment inspection by CCIC is not mandatory for exporting used equipment from China; however, CEC (Certified Engineer Certificate) and PSI (Pre-Shipment Inspection) certificates are mandatory Indian import clearance documents. These inspections must be conducted at the Chinese factory prior to shipment—no retroactive issuance is permitted once cargo arrives at Indian ports. Phase I: Pre-Shipment Preparation (15–30 Days Prior to Shipment) 1. HS Code Classification and Domestic Regulatory Review: Verify whether export permits or mandatory inspection (Code B) apply; simultaneously share the HS code with the Indian buyer to confirm compliance with DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade) regulations—including whether DGFT import authorization or BIS certification is required. 2. Actions Required by the Indian Buyer (to be completed before shipment): – Obtain IEC (Import-Export Code); – For equipment over 10 years old or falling under restricted HS codes, secure DGFT import authorization in advance; – For electrical products within mandatory BIS scope, obtain valid BIS certification; – Arrange SGS/BV to conduct on-site CEC assessment by certified engineers at the Chinese factory; arrange PSI/PSIC pre-shipment inspection as needed. 3. Equipment Preparation: – Drain engine oil and hydraulic oil; – Remove oil stains and contaminants; – Ensure wooden packaging bears the IPPC fumigation mark; – Apply rust prevention and reinforce structural integrity; – Document photographically: nameplate (showing model, serial number, year of manufacture), full-unit view, pre-loading, mid-loading, and container-sealing shots; – Compile supporting documents: original manufacturer’s invoice, depreciation ledger, maintenance records, and English-language operation manuals.

India Yet to Decide on Dropping Pre-Shipment Inspections for Scrap Metal Imports

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India's Directorate General of Foreign Trade stated no decision has been taken to discontinue pre-shipment inspections for scrap metal imports, maintaining current screening protocols alongside domestic port checks. The nation imports roughly 13 million metric tons of recyclable metal annually.

reuters

2026-09-30

India Yet to Decide on Dropping Pre-Shipment Inspections for Scrap Metal Imports

India Yet to Decide on Dropping Pre-Shipment Inspections for Scrap Metal Imports

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