Introduction
The United States is the world's largest import market — absorbing USD 3+ trillion in goods annually from every corner of the globe. For Indian exporters, it is the single most valuable destination: the highest income market, the most volume-hungry buyers, and for many product categories, the best prices. India exported over USD 80 billion in goods to the US in FY2024-25, making America our single largest export destination by a significant margin.
But the US market is also the most compliance-demanding export destination in the world. The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the Department of Agriculture (USDA), and several other agencies each have jurisdiction over specific product categories — and each can detain, refuse, or destroy your goods if compliance requirements are not met. Understanding which agency governs your product and what they require is not optional background reading. It is the foundation of your US market entry strategy.
This guide walks you through everything an Indian exporter needs to export to the USA successfully in 2026: tariff structure, compliance agencies by product type, documentation requirements, CBP clearance process, how to work with US customs brokers, and how to find American buyers.
The US Tariff Structure for Indian Goods
The US applies tariffs under its Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), administered by the US International Trade Commission (USITC). Unlike India, which applies tariffs at the 8-digit level, the US uses 10-digit HTS codes. The first 6 digits are the same as India's ITC-HS code (the international HS) — the last 4 digits are US-specific.
MFN (Most Favoured Nation) Rates
India is a WTO member and receives US MFN tariff treatment. Most Indian manufactured goods face MFN rates between 0% and 7.5%. Textiles and apparel face higher rates — 12–32% depending on fibre and construction. Agricultural products face 0–20%+ depending on category.
The US does NOT have a Free Trade Agreement with India. This means Indian goods do not benefit from zero-duty preferential access that some other countries enjoy (e.g., Mexico under USMCA, Australia under US-Australia FTA). India's GSP (Generalised System of Preferences) status was revoked in 2019 and has not been restored as of 2026.
Section 301 Tariffs on Chinese Goods — India's Opportunity
Since 2018, the US has imposed Section 301 additional tariffs of 25–100% on thousands of Chinese goods. These tariffs are in addition to MFN rates. For Indian exporters, this creates a meaningful price advantage over Chinese competitors in affected categories. See our detailed analysis in the article on US Tariffs on Indian Goods.
Section 232 Tariffs on Steel and Aluminium
India has not secured an exemption from Section 232 tariffs — 25% on steel imports and 10% on aluminium imports — which have been in place since 2018. Indian steel and aluminium exporters face these additional tariffs that exempt countries (South Korea, Australia, EU) do not pay.
How to Find the Correct US Tariff Rate for Your Product
- Use Eximigo's Tariff Checker — enter your 6-digit HS code and select USA as the destination
- Or go directly to the USITC HTS database at hts.usitc.gov — search by your product's 6-digit HS code to find the 10-digit US HTS code and the applicable MFN rate
- Check for additional Section 301 tariffs at USTR.gov — the list of Chinese goods subject to Section 301 tariffs does not apply to Indian goods, but knowing the 301 tariff rate on Chinese equivalents helps you quantify your competitive advantage
US Compliance Agencies by Product Category
This is the section most critical for first-time US exporters. Your product determines which US agency has jurisdiction — and what that agency requires before your goods can enter commerce in the US.
Food, Dietary Supplements, and Cosmetics — FDA (CFSAN)
The FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) regulates all food, beverage, dietary supplement, and cosmetic products imported into the US.
Requirements:
- FDA Facility Registration: Every food manufacturing facility exporting to the US must register with FDA through the FURLS (Unified Registration and Listing System) at access.fda.gov. Registration must be renewed biennially (every 2 years). Without valid registration, your food cannot enter the US.
- Prior Notice: For every food shipment entering the US, you must file a Prior Notice with FDA at least 2 hours before the carrier arrives at the US border (4–8 hours for flights from distant locations). File through FDA's Prior Notice System Interface (PNSI). Your US customs broker typically handles this for you.
- FSMA Compliance: The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) requires foreign food facilities to have a food safety plan (HARPC — Hazard Analysis and Risk-Based Preventive Controls) and to verify their suppliers meet FDA standards. FDA can inspect foreign food facilities and has done so increasingly.
- US Food Labelling: Labels must be in English, declare ingredients in descending order by weight, include allergen declarations (the Big-9: milk, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish, sesame), show nutrition facts panel in US format, state net quantity in US units (oz/fl oz or g/ml), list manufacturer name and US address, and include best-by or use-by dates.
- Import Alerts: FDA maintains import alerts for specific foreign facilities or product categories that have historically had compliance issues. An import alert means your shipments are automatically detained for examination. Avoid importing from facilities on import alert — and if your product category has a general alert, be prepared for enhanced scrutiny.
Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices — FDA (CDER/CDRH)
FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) and Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) regulate pharmaceuticals and medical devices. Requirements are covered in depth in our pharmaceutical export guide.
Key points for this overview: All pharmaceutical establishments exporting to the US must register annually with FDA. Drug products must be listed with FDA. Generic drugs require ANDA approval. Medical devices require either 510(k) clearance (for Class II devices) or PMA approval (for Class III devices) — or a Declaration of Conformity if the device meets an applicable standard.
Electronics and Electrical Products — FCC
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates any device that intentionally or unintentionally emits radio frequencies or connects to the US telecommunications network.
What requires FCC authorisation:
- Any wireless device — Wi-Fi routers, Bluetooth devices, 5G phones, IoT devices
- Electronic devices that may cause radio frequency interference — computers, monitors, peripherals
- Telephones and communication equipment
FCC authorisation types:
- FCC Certification: Required for intentional radiators (devices that intentionally transmit radio signals). Must be tested at an FCC-recognised test laboratory. FCC ID issued. The FCC ID must appear on the device label.
- Supplier's Declaration of Conformity (SDoC): For certain unintentional radiators — can be self-declared based on testing at an accredited laboratory. No FCC ID required but test results and documentation must be maintained.
Electronic products without required FCC authorisation will be detained at US customs and refused entry. This is a very common issue for first-time Indian electronics exporters.
Consumer Products — CPSC
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) regulates all consumer products sold in the US — toys, children's clothing, furniture, household goods, sports equipment, and dozens of other categories.
Key requirements:
- Children's products: Must be tested by a CPSC-accepted third-party laboratory and carry a Children's Product Certificate (CPC). Lead content in children's products is strictly limited (100 ppm). Phthalate limits apply to children's toys and child care articles.
- General consumer products: Require a General Conformity Certificate (GCC) for many categories. Flammability standards apply to mattresses, clothing, and household furnishings.
- ASTM F963 for toys: Toys sold in the US must meet ASTM F963 safety standard. Testing at CPSC-accepted laboratory required.
Agricultural Products — USDA APHIS and FSIS
- USDA APHIS (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service): Regulates plant material imports — fresh fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts, wood products. APHIS import permits required for many agricultural categories. Phytosanitary certificates from India's NPPO are required. Some products (fresh mangoes) require specific treatments (vapour heat treatment at an USDA-approved facility).
- USDA FSIS (Food Safety and Inspection Service): Regulates meat, poultry, and egg products. India is not currently on the approved country list for exporting processed poultry to the USA — a significant market access gap for Indian poultry processors.
Apparel and Textiles — CPSC and FTC
- Textile fiber content labelling: Required under the Textile Fiber Products Identification Act. Every textile product must declare its fibre composition by percentage.
- Care labelling: Permanent care labels required on all clothing and textiles.
- Country of origin: Must be clearly marked — "Made in India" required on the label.
- Flammability: Children's sleepwear and certain other categories must meet CPSC flammability standards (16 CFR Part 1615/1616).
US Customs Documentation Requirements
Every commercial shipment entering the US must be declared to US Customs and Border Protection (CBP). For shipments valued above USD 800 (the "de minimis" threshold), a formal entry is required through CBP's Automated Broker Interface (ABI). For commercial shipments, this is handled by a licensed US customs broker on your buyer's behalf.
Documents Your US Buyer's Customs Broker Needs From You
- ☐ Commercial Invoice — Must include: seller and buyer names and addresses, detailed description of goods (sufficient for classification), HS code, country of origin, quantity, unit price, total value in USD, Incoterms, port of loading, port of arrival
- ☐ Packing List
- ☐ Bill of Lading / Airway Bill
- ☐ Certificate of Origin — For standard MFN entry, a non-preferential COO is standard. For any future FTA entry, a preferential COO would be required.
- ☐ FDA Prior Notice confirmation — For food shipments. Your broker typically files this.
- ☐ FCC authorisation documentation — For electronics.
- ☐ CPSC compliance documentation — For consumer products. Your buyer's broker may request test reports and conformity certificates.
- ☐ Phytosanitary certificate — For agricultural products.
- ☐ USDA import permit — If applicable for your specific agricultural product.
US Customs Entry Process
CBP processes most commercial entries through the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) system. The process:
- Your US buyer's customs broker files an entry with CBP through ACE
- CBP reviews the entry — most shipments are released "on line" (electronically) without physical examination
- For selected shipments: CBP may request documentary examination (document review only) or intensive examination (physical inspection of cargo)
- Once released, your buyer's freight forwarder delivers to the buyer's warehouse
CBP Examination Rates: Less than 5% of commercial shipments are physically examined. Risk-based targeting selects shipments for examination based on intelligence, country of origin, commodity type, and importer history. Indian goods in standard categories face examination rates similar to other countries — new importers, unusual commodity descriptions, and high-risk categories face higher examination probability.
How to Work With US Customs Brokers
Your US buyer typically appoints and pays for their own customs broker. As the Indian exporter, you are not directly engaging the US customs broker — but your documentation quality directly determines how smoothly their work proceeds.
Your responsibilities to make the US customs broker's job easy:
- Provide accurate, detailed commercial invoices with correct HS codes and country of origin
- Ensure all regulatory documentation (FDA registration, FCC certificate, CPSC test reports) is organised and readily available when the broker requests it
- Respond immediately if the broker (through your buyer) requests additional documentation — CBP has tight response windows and delays cause formal entries and demurrage costs
- Ensure product marks and labels comply with US requirements before shipment — do not rely on the broker to fix non-compliant labelling after arrival
The De Minimis Threshold: Courier Exports Under USD 800
Goods valued at USD 800 or less can enter the US duty-free and without formal CBP entry under the de minimis provision. This is the foundation of the booming India-to-US e-commerce export business — small direct-to-consumer (DTC) shipments sent via DHL, FedEx, or UPS enter without duty and with minimal customs formality.
The de minimis provision is politically contested — there have been proposals to reduce or eliminate it. Monitor developments, as a change would significantly affect e-commerce export economics.
Finding American Buyers
ImportYeti.com — The Most Powerful Free Tool
ImportYeti aggregates US CBP shipment data — every commercial import into the USA is recorded by CBP and this data is publicly available. Search for your product category (by description or HS code) to see: which US companies are importing it, from which countries, at what frequency, and from which specific foreign suppliers. This data gives you an unparalleled view of the US import market for your product and identifies active buyers you can approach directly.
US Trade Shows
Major US trade shows for Indian exporters by category:
- MAGIC / Project (Las Vegas, February/August): Apparel and fashion
- ProMat / MODEX (Chicago, alternating years): Industrial and logistics
- AAPEX / SEMA (Las Vegas, November): Auto components
- Fancy Food Show (New York, June; San Francisco, January): Specialty food and beverages
- Natural Products Expo (Anaheim, March): Organic and natural foods
- JCK (Las Vegas, June): Jewellery
- IFT (Chicago, July): Food technology and ingredients
LinkedIn and Cold Email
US procurement managers, importers, and sourcing directors are active on LinkedIn. Target by company type (importers, distributors, manufacturers) and product category. For industrial and B2B categories, combine ImportYeti data (to identify who is buying from where) with LinkedIn (to find the specific procurement contacts at those companies).
FIEO and EEPC USA Connections
FIEO maintains relationships with US Chambers of Commerce and Indian business organisations in the US. EEPC India has a US presence with buyer connect activities. India's Commerce Ministry maintains commercial wings at the Indian Embassy in Washington DC and Consulates in New York, Chicago, Houston, Atlanta, and San Francisco — each maintaining US importer databases relevant to Indian exporters.
Frequently Asked Questions
My goods were detained by CBP. What should I do?
Contact your US buyer immediately — they and their customs broker are the primary parties to engage with CBP on a detained shipment. CBP typically issues a "Notice of Action" specifying why goods are detained. Common reasons: missing documentation, apparent labelling non-compliance, FDA prior notice not filed, examination flagged. Your role is to provide any requested documentation immediately. If goods are refused entry, you have options: re-export (return to India), abandon (forfeit goods), or petition for reconsideration if you believe the refusal is incorrect. Engage a US-based trade attorney for significant refusal cases.
Does India have an FTA with the USA?
No. As of 2026, India and the USA do not have a Free Trade Agreement. Both sides have expressed interest in limited trade deal discussions, but no formal FTA has been concluded. India's GSP (Generalised System of Preferences) — which gave certain Indian goods zero-duty access to the US — was revoked in 2019 and has not been reinstated. Indian goods pay US MFN rates.
What is the ISF (Importer Security Filing) and does it affect me?
The ISF (also called "10+2") is a security filing required by CBP for all goods arriving by sea freight in the US. It must be filed at least 24 hours before goods are loaded onto the vessel at the origin port. The ISF is filed by your US buyer's customs broker using information from your shipping documents — particularly the manufacturer name and address, seller name, buyer name, and commodity description. As the Indian exporter, you must provide the manufacturer/factory information on your commercial invoice promptly so the broker can file ISF in time. ISF non-filing or inaccurate ISF can result in CBP penalties on your buyer.
How do I handle US import tariffs in my pricing?
Under most Incoterms (FOB, CIF, CPT), import duties are the buyer's responsibility. Your quoted FOB or CIF price does not include US import tariffs. However, the tariff affects your buyer's landed cost and therefore their willingness to pay your quoted price. Use Eximigo's Landed Cost Calculator to model your buyer's total cost including US tariffs — this helps you understand how competitive your product is at the buyer's end and gives you a basis for price negotiation that acknowledges the buyer's real economics.
Conclusion
The USA is the most rewarding and the most demanding export market in the world. The rewards — highest prices, most sophisticated buyers, largest single-country import volume — are real and available to Indian exporters who enter correctly. The demands — multi-agency compliance, rigorous product standards, documentation precision — are equally real and must be treated as non-negotiable entry requirements, not as bureaucratic obstacles to work around.
The framework is straightforward: identify which US regulatory agency governs your product, understand their specific requirements before your first shipment, ensure full compliance before loading goods onto the vessel, provide accurate and complete documentation, and work with a US customs broker (your buyer's) who knows how to handle Indian-origin goods in your category.
For most product categories, the China+1 supply chain realignment is creating active, urgent buyer demand for qualified Indian suppliers right now. The US market window is open — enter it correctly, with full compliance, and build the kind of long-term supply relationship that makes the effort worthwhile.
