How to Import Medical Devices from India: A Complete Buyer's Guide (2026)
From certification to customs — the essentials every importer should verify before placing an order with an Indian medical supplier.
In short
Invoice, packing list, COO and certificates — what each document does and why it matters.
For a first-time importer, export documentation can feel opaque. In practice it is a small, predictable set of documents — and a competent exporter prepares all of them for you. Understanding what each one does helps you spot problems before your goods are stuck at a port.
The core documents
- Commercial invoice — the legal record of the sale: goods, quantities, values, terms and parties. Customs uses it to assess duty.
- Packing list — details how the goods are packed: cartons, weights, dimensions. Used for handling and inspection.
- Bill of Lading (sea) / Airway Bill (air) — the transport contract and title document from the carrier.
- Certificate of Origin (COO) — states where the goods were manufactured; often needed for duty treatment and import clearance.
Product & regulatory documents
- Product certificates — CE, FDA, ISO or free-sale certificates as required by your market.
- Certificate of Analysis / conformity — for applicable products, confirming batch specification.
- Import license or device registration — where your national regulator requires it before clearance.
Confirm destination-specific needs early
Some countries require legalization/attestation of documents, specific language versions, or pre-shipment inspection certificates. Confirm your import requirements with your customs broker before the goods ship — not after.
Incoterms: who is responsible for what
Incoterms define where the seller's responsibility ends and yours begins. The most common in medical trade are:
| Incoterm | Seller covers | Buyer covers |
|---|---|---|
| EXW (Ex Works) | Goods at factory | All freight, export & import |
| FOB (Free On Board) | Goods loaded at origin port | Sea freight + import |
| CFR (Cost and Freight) | Freight to destination port | Insurance, import duties & inland |
| CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) | Freight + insurance to destination port | Import duties & inland |
| DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) | Everything to your door | Receiving only |
Avoiding customs delays
- Ensure invoice values, quantities and descriptions exactly match the packing list.
- Confirm HS codes are correct for each product.
- Verify all certificates are valid and name the correct product.
- Agree the Incoterm in writing before production.
- Share documents with your customs broker in advance for review.
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Frequently asked questions
What documents do I need to import medical products?
At minimum: a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or airway bill, certificate of origin, and the relevant product certificates (CE/FDA/ISO). Some countries also require an import license or device registration.
What is a Certificate of Origin used for?
A Certificate of Origin states where goods were manufactured. Customs authorities use it for import clearance and to determine any preferential duty treatment under trade agreements.
Who issues the Certificate of Origin for goods exported from India?
A non-preferential Certificate of Origin is issued by an authorised body such as a chamber of commerce. A preferential one, used to claim a lower duty under a trade agreement, is applied for online through the DGFT's certificate of origin platform. Tell the exporter before shipment which one your customs needs.
What is the difference between a proforma invoice and a commercial invoice?
A proforma invoice is the offer sent before the order: it confirms the goods, price and terms, and is often used to arrange payment or an import permit. The commercial invoice is issued at shipment and is the document customs uses to value the goods, so its figures must match the packing list and bill of lading.
What does CIF mean?
CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) means the seller covers freight and insurance to your destination port; you cover import duties and inland transport from there. It is one of several Incoterms that define who is responsible for each stage.
