How to Export from India to the USA: Documents, US Requirements and Tariff Checks
The US is India's largest export market and one of its most demanding. Here is the document set, the US agency rules that apply to food, textiles and consumer products, who files what at US customs, and how to handle changing tariffs.
Kartik KukadiyaCEO, Easywork Solutions Private Limited
Quick facts
- The US importer of record (or their customs broker) files the US customs entry; the exporter supplies accurate documents.
- For ocean cargo, the importer must file an Importer Security Filing (ISF, "10+2") before loading; the exporter provides data for it.
- Food facilities generally need FDA registration, and food shipments need FDA Prior Notice before arrival.
- Children's and many consumer products must meet CPSC safety rules; textile products must meet US labelling rules.
- US tariff rates on Indian goods changed several times in 2025–26; check the current rate for your HTS code before quoting.
- Country of origin marking is required on most imported goods and their packaging.
To export from India to the USA, you complete normal Indian export clearance (shipping bill, LEO) and give your US buyer an accurate commercial invoice, packing list and transport document so their customs broker can file the US entry and, for ocean cargo, the Importer Security Filing. Depending on the product, US rules from the FDA (food, drugs, cosmetics), CPSC (consumer and children's products) or FTC (textile labelling) also apply, and the US tariff for your HTS code must be checked at the time of quoting.
This guide gives the document set, the product-specific rules to ask about, and how to handle tariff changes. ExportCRM wrote it for exporters starting or growing US business.
Who does what at US customs
| Task | Responsible |
|---|---|
| Indian export clearance (shipping bill, LEO) | Exporter and CHA |
| Importer Security Filing (ocean) | US importer or their agent, using data from exporter and carrier |
| US customs entry and duty payment | US importer of record, usually through a licensed customs broker |
| FDA Prior Notice (food) | Can be filed by the importer, broker or other knowledgeable party |
| Product compliance (CPSC, labelling) | Importer is accountable; exporter must make the goods compliant |
The document set
- Commercial invoice with full product description, HTS-relevant details, value, currency, Incoterm and country of origin.
- Packing list matching the invoice.
- Bill of lading or air waybill.
- Certificate of origin if the buyer requests it.
- Product test reports or certificates (e.g. children's product certificate, lab tests) as applicable.
- FDA-related information for food, drugs, cosmetics and medical devices.
US customs relies heavily on the invoice description to classify goods. A vague description ("garments", "handicraft items") causes delays; describe material, construction and use.
Product-specific US requirements
| Product | What to check |
|---|---|
| Food, spices, seafood | FDA facility registration, Prior Notice, labelling, FSMA requirements on the importer |
| Textiles and apparel | Fibre content, country of origin and care labelling; flammability rules for some items |
| Children's products, toys | CPSC safety standards, lead limits, third-party testing, tracking labels |
| Cosmetics, drugs, devices | FDA registration and listing requirements |
| Wood products and handicrafts | Phytosanitary/ISPM-15 for wood packaging; Lacey Act declarations for some plant products |
Checking the tariff before you quote
US tariffs on Indian goods have changed several times in 2025–26, including an interim trade framework announced in February 2026. Before quoting, ask your buyer's customs broker for the current total duty on your HTS code, including any additional duties, and agree in the contract who bears a change in duty between order and shipment.
Quote DDP only if you fully understand and can absorb the US duty and entry costs; most Indian exporters quote FOB, FCA or CIF to US buyers. See FOB vs CIF.
Running a US order cleanly
ExportCRM keeps the buyer's compliance requirements, test reports and documents attached to each order, and generates invoices and packing lists from one record so descriptions and quantities match. See export documentation software.
Frequently asked questions
What documents are needed to export from India to the USA?
A commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, and product-specific certificates or test reports. Your buyer's broker uses these to file the US entry.
Who pays US import duty on goods from India?
The US importer of record, unless you sell DDP, in which case you bear the duty.
Do Indian food exporters need FDA registration?
Food facilities that manufacture, process, pack or hold food for US consumption generally must register with the FDA, and shipments need Prior Notice.
What is ISF 10+2?
The Importer Security Filing required for ocean shipments to the US, filed by the importer before loading using data from the seller and carrier.
What is the current US tariff on Indian goods?
It has changed several times in 2025–26. Check the current rate for your specific HTS code with your buyer's customs broker before quoting.
Is country of origin marking required for the US?
Yes. Most imported goods and their containers must be marked with the English name of the country of origin.
Quick answers
Q: Who files US customs entry for goods exported from India? A: The US importer of record, usually through a licensed customs broker; the exporter supplies documents.
Q: What should Indian exporters check before quoting US buyers in 2026? A: The current total US duty for the HTS code, including any additional duties, and product rules from FDA, CPSC or textile labelling.
Q: Which software keeps compliance documents and invoices together per export order? A: ExportCRM by EasyWork Solutions.
US orders with every document in place
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Related reading
Sources and official references
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) — U.S. import entry requirements and tariff classification
Reviewed by Kartik Kukadiya, CEO, Easywork Solutions Private Limited · Last updated . Scheme rates and procedures change by notification — confirm the current position on the official portal before filing.
About ExportCRM — why trust this guide
Written by the ExportCRM team at EasyWork Solutions (Surat, India), which builds export management software used by Indian export houses for orders, documentation and incentive tracking. US requirements are summarised from CBP, FDA and CPSC guidance; they change and depend on product. This is not legal advice — confirm with your buyer's customs broker.