How to Export to USA from India: Complete 2026 Guide
Tariffs, CBP ISF 10+2, FDA compliance, RoDTEP claims, and shipping routes everything an Indian exporter needs to enter the US market.
1. Executive Overview & India-USA Bilateral Trade Statistics
Direct Answer: Exporting from India to the United States in 2026 offers massive commercial potential, with bilateral merchandise trade reaching $78.5 Billion USD annually. Top Indian exports include Pharmaceuticals ($9.5B), Cut & Polished Diamonds ($9.2B), Refined Petroleum ($6.8B), Electronics ($5.5B), and Apparel ($4.8B). Mandatory compliance requires DGFT IEC, RCMC, GST LUT, ICEGATE AD Code, US CBP ISF 10+2 filings, and US FDA/FSMA registrations for food and pharmaceutical shipments.
The United States remains India’s largest single merchandise export destination, representing approximately 17.5% of total Indian global exports. According to official bilateral trade statistics released by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and the Ministry of Commerce & Industry (TradeStat / NIRYAT portals), commercial trade between India and the US has demonstrated robust resilience despite global economic headwinds.
Top Export Commodities from India to USA (Official DGFT Data)
Indian merchandise exports to the US cross key agricultural, industrial, and consumer sectors classified under Harmonized System (HS) Chapter codes:
| HS Chapter | Commodity Sector | Annual Value (USD) | Key Products & Formulations | Primary US Regulatory Agency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
HS Chapter 30 | Pharmaceutical Products | $9.5 Billion | Generic solid oral dosages, ANDA formulations, APIs, vaccines | US FDA (CDER) |
HS Chapter 71 | Gems & Precious Jewelry | $9.2 Billion | Cut/polished diamonds (Surat hub), gold jewelry, lab-grown diamonds | US CBP / Patriot Act AML |
HS Chapter 27 | Mineral Fuels & Refined Oils | $6.8 Billion | Refined diesel, aviation turbine fuel (ATF), light distillates | US EPA / DOE |
HS Chapter 85 | Electronics & Telecom | $5.5 Billion | Smartphones, telecommunication hardware, printed circuits, transformers | US FCC / CBP |
HS Ch. 61 & 62 | Apparel & Readymade Textiles | $4.8 Billion | Cotton t-shirts, trousers, bed linen, synthetic readymade garments | CPSC (16 CFR Part 1610) |
HS Chapter 29 | Organic Chemicals | $3.1 Billion | Heterocyclic compounds, aromatic hydrocarbons, chemical intermediates | US EPA (TSCA) |
HS Chapter 03 | Marine Products & Shrimp | $2.2 Billion | Frozen Vannamei shrimp, Black Tiger shrimp, frozen fish fillets | US FDA / NOAA |
Maritime & Air Shipping Logistics Corridors
Efficient supply chain planning requires selecting the optimal transport corridor based on origin hub and cargo urgency:
- Ocean Freight (Nhava Sheva JNPT / Mundra to US East Coast): Transit time 22 to 26 days via Suez/Atlantic (or 32 to 36 days via Cape of Good Hope rerouting) to Port of New York / New Jersey, Savannah, or Charleston.
- Ocean Freight (Nhava Sheva / Mundra to US West Coast): Transit time 28 to 32 days Trans-Pacific to Port of Los Angeles / Long Beach or Oakland.
- Air Freight Corridors: Direct and 1-stop express air cargo from Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi (DEL) or Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai (BOM) to JFK (New York), ORD (Chicago), or LAX (Los Angeles) in 18 to 24 hours.
2. Mandatory Indian Compliance & Pre-Export Setup
Prior to loading goods at Indian ports, exporters must complete four foundational registration steps mandated by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI):
1. Import Export Code (IEC)
10-digit PAN-based code issued online via DGFT portal (dgft.gov.in). Must undergo annual online re-validation between April and June.
2. RCMC Registration
Registration-cum-Membership Certificate from respective Export Promotion Council (Pharmexcil for drugs, TEXPROCIL for textiles, EEPC for engineering, APEDA for agri, FIEO for multi-product).
3. GST Letter of Undertaking (LUT)
File Form GST RFD-11 annually on gst.gov.in prior to April 1st to execute zero-rated exports without tying up working capital in upfront 18% IGST payments.
4. AD Code ICEGATE Registration
14-digit Authorized Dealer Bank Code registered electronically on ICEGATE for every port of loading (e.g. INNSA1 for JNPT, INMUN1 for Mundra) to enable automated e-BRC generation.
3. US Tariff Structure & Customs Clearance (CBP)
Direct Answer: Shipments entering the US require electronic Importer Security Filing (ISF 10+2) transmitted to US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at least 24 hours prior to vessel loading in India. Failure results in a $5,000 penalty per late filing. Customs duties are calculated based on HTSUS tariff rates. Exporters must note Section 232 surcharges on steel/aluminum and active Anti-Dumping (AD/CVD) orders.
US Customs & Border Protection (CBP) ISF 10+2 Mandate
For ocean freight exports bound for US ports, CBP enforces the strict Importer Security Filing (ISF 10+2). The ISF must be submitted electronically to CBP by the US importer or authorized CHA at least 24 hours before cargo is loaded onto the vessel at Nhava Sheva, Mundra, or Chennai ports.
CBP Compliance Warning: ISF 24-Hour Rule & Penalties
Failing to transmit ISF 10+2 data at least 24 hours prior to vessel loading triggers an automatic $5,000 penalty per late or inaccurate filing issued by CBP. Containers arriving without valid ISF clearance are subject to hold orders, mandatory non-intrusive inspection (NII), and daily demurrage costs at US terminals.
HTSUS Duty Schedule & Trade Remedy Surcharges
- MFN Duties: Standard Most-Favored-Nation duties under HTSUS average ~3.4% for industrial products, though specialized garments and shoes face duties up to 12-18%. (Note: GSP duty-free privileges for India remain suspended since June 2019).
- Section 232 Tariffs: 25% ad valorem tariff on steel articles (HS Chapters 72 & 73) and 10% tariff on aluminum articles (HS Chapter 76). Exporters must verify mill test certificates.
- Anti-Dumping (AD) & Countervailing Duties (CVD): Active AD/CVD duties apply to Indian stainless steel flanges, wire rods, forged fittings, and frozen warmwater shrimp. Check USITC final determination tables.
4. US FDA, USDA & Non-Tariff Barriers (NTB)
Non-tariff compliance is the single most frequent point of failure for Indian exporters. Products in food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and agricultural categories must satisfy rigorous agency standards before clearing CBP.
1. US FDA Registration & FSMA FSVP Compliance
All facilities in India manufacturing, processing, packing, or holding food, beverages, dietary supplements, APIs, or finished drug products for US consumption must obtain an FDA Facility Registration and a DUNS Number (Data Universal Numbering System from Dun & Bradstreet) / FEI Number (FDA Establishment Identifier).
- FSMA Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP): Under the Food Safety Modernization Act, the US importer is legally required to verify that Indian suppliers maintain documented Hazard Analysis and Risk-Based Preventive Controls (HARPC) compliant with US safety standards.
- FDA Prior Notice (PNSI): Electronic Prior Notice must be submitted via the FDA PNSI portal prior to shipment arrival: 2 hours before road arrival, 4 hours before air arrival, or 8 hours before vessel arrival. The Prior Notice Confirmation Number must accompany shipping documents.
2. USDA-APHIS & ISPM-15 Wood Packaging Rules
- Phytosanitary Certificates: Agricultural exports (spices, rice, fresh produce) require Phytosanitary Certificates issued by the Plant Quarantine Authority of India.
- ISPM-15 Wood Packaging Mandate: All wooden pallets, crates, and dunnage must undergo Heat Treatment (HT) or Methyl Bromide (MB) fumigation at an approved facility and bear the official IPPC stamp. Non-compliant wood is subject to immediate rejection or re-exportation at the exporter’s expense.
3. CPSC & EPA TSCA Regulations
- CPSC Certificates: Apparel shipments require a General Certificate of Conformity (GCC) verifying flammability testing under 16 CFR Part 1610. Children’s items require a Children’s Product Certificate (CPC) from a CPSC-accredited laboratory.
- EPA TSCA Certification: Chemical shipments under HS 28/29 must include EPA TSCA Form 7701-5 (Positive or Negative Certification) certifying compliance with the Toxic Substances Control Act.
5. Indian Export Incentives & Financial Claims (FTP 2023-28)
Direct Answer: Indian exporters to the US can maximize profitability by claiming RoDTEP scrips (0.5% to 4.3% rebate on FOB value under Appendix 4R), Duty Drawback (DBK) refunds (1.5% to 8.0%), and upfront 100% IGST exemption via GST LUT. All claims require bank generation of e-BRC / IRM via the RBI EDPMS system.
| Incentive Scheme | Governing Authority | Benefit Quantum for USA Exports | Claim Mechanism & Ledger |
|---|---|---|---|
| RoDTEP (Remission of Duties/Taxes) | DGFT / CBIC Customs | 0.5% to 4.3% of FOB Value (Apparel ~2.5%, Pharma ~1.0%, Engineering ~1.5%-2.2%) | Declared on ICEGATE Shipping Bill; issued as electronic transferable duty credit scrips on DGFT portal. |
| Duty Drawback (DBK) | CBIC Customs (Sec 75) | 1.5% to 8.0% of FOB Value (All Industry Rates schedule) | Processed automatically by Customs RMS; deposited directly into exporter’s AD-linked bank account. |
| GST LUT Scheme | GSTN Portal | 100% Tax Exemption (Zero-rated export supply without upfront IGST) | Annual online filing of Form GST RFD-11 on gst.gov.in. |
| e-BRC / IRM Realization | RBI EDPMS / DGFT | Mandatory proof of foreign exchange inward remittance | Generated electronically by Authorized Dealer bank upon foreign currency receipt. |
6. Step-by-Step Export Execution Checklist & Documentation
Follow this verified 6-step operational sequence to execute shipments from Indian factories to US buyer delivery seamlessly:
- Step 1: Entity Setup & AD Code Linkage: Verify active IEC, valid RCMC, LUT approval, and AD Code registration on ICEGATE for your port of export.
- Step 2: Regulatory Compliance & Facility Registration: Complete FDA Facility Registration, DUNS/FEI setup, FSVP verification, and CPSC/TSCA certifications.
- Step 3: Commercial Invoice & Packing List Generation: Issue commercial invoice with 8-digit HTSUS code, Incoterms 2020 (FOB/CIF/DDP), and packaging compliant with ISPM-15 heat treatment.
- Step 4: CBP ISF 10+2 Submission & ICEGATE Shipping Bill: Ensure CHA files ISF 10+2 at least 24 hours before vessel loading. File electronic shipping bill on ICEGATE under RoDTEP/DBK claim.
- Step 5: Port Stuffing, LEO & FDA Prior Notice: Submit FDA Prior Notice (PNSI) confirmation. Secure Let Export Order (LEO) from customs inspector and receive Master Bill of Lading (MBL).
- Step 6: Payment Realization & e-BRC Scrip Generation: Monitor inward remittance via bank, ensure e-BRC generation on RBI EDPMS, and claim RoDTEP scrips on the DGFT portal.
7. Rasp International Expert Insights & Case Scenarios
“Exporters shipping to the US often focus solely on tariffs, but 80% of customs holds stem from non-tariff errors, specifically ISF 10+2 timing mismatches, missing DUNS numbers in FSVP filings, or un-stamped wooden dunnage. Aligning your documentation 72 hours prior to port dispatch eliminates demurrage risks entirely.”
Real-World Export Scenario A: Generic Pharma Export to Newark Port
Challenge: A Gujarat-based pharmaceutical manufacturer faced an FDA Import Detention at Port of Newark due to a discrepancies between the DUNS registration name and the facility address declared on the e-Sanchit Shipping Bill.
Rasp International Solution: Our advisory team re-aligned the FEI facility record with the FDA CDER database, executed an expedited Section 149 Shipping Bill amendment on ICEGATE, and secured release from CBP within 48 hours, avoiding $14,000 in terminal demurrage fees.
Real-World Export Scenario B: Processed Spices & FSMA Compliance
Challenge: A spice exporter from Andhra Pradesh had a container of ground chilli detained due to missing FSVP preventive control documentation and late FDA Prior Notice filing.
Rasp International Solution: Rasp International established a certified HARPC Preventive Control Plan, re-submitted PNSI confirmation prior to vessel docking, and instituted automated pre-shipment checklist protocols for future consignments.
8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Exporting to USA
What is the minimum documentation required to export from India to USA?
The mandatory documentation includes an Importer Exporter Code (IEC), Registration Cum Membership Certificate (RCMC), Commercial Invoice, Packing List, ICEGATE Shipping Bill, Bill of Lading (BL) or Air Waybill (AWB), and GST LUT acknowledgement. Shipments of food, drugs, or medical devices require US FDA facility registration, DUNS number, and Prior Notice filing.
When must the CBP ISF 10+2 be filed for US ocean shipments?
The Importer Security Filing (ISF 10+2) must be submitted electronically to US Customs and Border Protection at least 24 hours prior to loading the cargo onto the vessel at the Indian port of departure. Late filings incur a minimum $5,000 fine per shipment.
How can Indian exporters claim RoDTEP benefits on US exports?
Exporters claim RoDTEP by declaring their intention on the Electronic Shipping Bill filed on ICEGATE. Once the inward remittance is received and the bank issues an e-BRC, DGFT credits electronic scrips directly into the exporter’s portal ledger, which can be transferred or used to pay import duties.
Is GSP duty-free status currently available for Indian exports to the US?
No, US Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) duty-free benefits for India were suspended in June 2019. All Indian goods enter the US under standard Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS) rates unless specific trade remedies apply.
What are the transit times for sea freight from Nhava Sheva to US ports?
Average transit times from Nhava Sheva (JNPT) or Mundra to US East Coast ports (New York/NJ, Savannah) range from 22 to 26 days via direct routes, while transit to US West Coast ports (Los Angeles/Long Beach) ranges from 28 to 32 days.
Rasp International Can Help
Whether you are preparing for your first shipment or scaling an existing export channel, our team provides end-to-end EXIM compliance and growth support.
📄 Sources & Official References
All data, tariff rates, and regulatory requirements cited in this guide are sourced from official government and intergovernmental bodies. Last reviewed: August 2026.
| [1] | DGFT Trade Statistics / NIRYAT Portal Official India-US bilateral export data, commodity-wise breakdowns |
| [2] | US CBP Importer Security Filing (ISF 10+2) Mandatory ISF 10+2 filing requirements and penalty structure |
| [3] | US Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS) Complete HTSUS tariff schedule for all HS codes, updated 2026 |
| [4] | US FDA Facility Registration DUNS/FEI facility registration for food and pharmaceutical exporters |
| [5] | FSMA Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) FSVP legal requirements under the Food Safety Modernization Act |
| [6] | ICEGATE AD Code Registration Official ICEGATE AD Code and bank account registration advisory |
| [7] | DGFT RoDTEP Schedule (Appendix 4R) Notified RoDTEP rates by HS code for eligible export categories |
| [8] | CBIC Duty Drawback Schedule All Industry Rates for Duty Drawback under Section 75, Customs Act 1962 |
| [9] | USITC Section 232 / Anti-Dumping Orders Active anti-dumping and countervailing duty orders against Indian products |
| [10] | Ministry of Commerce & Industry FTP 2023-28 Foreign Trade Policy 2023-28: scheme eligibility and export benefit framework |
This guide is published by Rasp International | EXIM Compliance & Export Growth Advisory | All Country Guides | Book a Consultation