Freight shipping from India to United States

Trade links between India and the US have become significantly more important in recent years – at the same time, access to the US market places high demands on documentation, compliance and customs formalities. This makes it all the more important to have a logistics partner who knows the regulatory framework inside out and can navigate it reliably.

The Röhlig Logistics advantage: with a close-knit network in India and experienced local teams, we are at your side with expert support for exports to the USA. We know which products are subject to special labelling requirements, which documents are required for electronic or pharmaceutical goods – and how to efficiently manage approval procedures such as those for the FDA or for importing technology items.

Our in-depth market knowledge helps you to ensure smooth supply chains even in a regulatory-challenging target market such as the USA – legally compliant, predictable and efficient.

Sea freight from India to the USA

For larger shipments, sea freight from India to the USA is the preferred and most cost-effective transport option. Well-developed port infrastructures on both sides ensure reliable and predictable handling – even for more complex freight requirements.

The most important routes run via the Suez Canal or – depending on the port of departure – via transhipment hubs such as Colombo or Jebel Ali. Popular export ports include Nhava Sheva (Mumbai), Mundra and Chennai; on the US side, Los Angeles, Houston and New York are among the busiest destination ports . Classic routes include Nhava Sheva – Los Angeles and Mundra – Houston. Depending on the route and transhipment, transit times range from 25 to 40 days.

As an experienced partner for sea freight on the India–US route, we offer you individual and economical transport solutions – from FCL and LCL shipments to expedited LCL and tailor-made concepts for project shipments, Ro/Ro or temperature-controlled goods. We always take into account the requirements of the US customs environment and ensure smooth processing along the entire supply chain.

Important seaports in India

• Nhava Sheva (Mumbai) – largest export port
• Mundra – important for industrial goods
• Chennai – export centre for machinery and textiles

Examples of different sea freight transit times

FCL (full container load) shipments India-USA

Example: 20-foot container from Nhava Sheva (Mumbai) to New York

• Transit time: approx. 30–35 days port to port
• Suitable for approx. 13 m³ or more, cost- and time-efficient for larger quantities

LCL (Less than Container Load)

Example: 2 pallets from Chennai to Los Angeles

• Transit time: approx. 35–40 days port to port
• Door to door: approx. 50–55 days
• Advantage: Consolidation for small shipments without the need for a full container

Air freight USA India

Smaller, time-sensitive or particularly valuable shipments – for example, from the pharmaceutical, electronics or textile industries – are preferably transported by air freight in trade between India and the USA. Despite higher transport costs compared to sea freight, this solution scores points with significantly shorter transit times: as a rule, the transit time is between 5 and 8 days, depending on the route and customs clearance.

The most important departure airports in India include Mumbai (BOM), Delhi (DEL) and Chennai (MAA), which have modern cargo handling facilities, high frequencies and good regional connections. On the US side, New York (JFK/EWR), Chicago O'Hare (ORD) and Los Angeles (LAX) are key hubs for the import of international air freight, with a wide distribution network and fast processing.

As a proven logistics partner, Röhlig offers you tailor-made air freight solutions for your exports from India to the US. Our range of services includes direct and charter connections, temperature-controlled transport, onboard courier services and comprehensive door-to-door concepts – always tailored to your requirements and taking into account all relevant US import regulations.

Important airports

• Mumbai (BOM) – pharmaceuticals, mechanical engineering & textiles
• Delhi (DEL) – Electronics, healthcare & airmail
• Chennai (MAA) – Automotive parts & industrial goods

Example of air freight India–US

• 150 kg of pharmaceutical products from Mumbai (BOM) to Chicago O'Hare (ORD)
• Transit time: 5–8 days door-to-door
• Frequently used for time-sensitive medical products, spare parts or high-value electronic components

Direct comparison of air and sea freight transit times

Air freight

• Standard: 5–8 days
• Express: 2–4 days 

Sea freight

• FCL/LCL: 25–366 days (port to port)
• Door to door: 50–60 days

Customs clearance of freight for India–US exports

US customs requirements are extensive and are regularly adapted to security and trade policy conditions. Incorrect or incomplete information can lead to significant delays in clearance, additional costs due to storage or post-clearance customs duties and, in the worst case, rejections or penalties.

Customs pre-clearance (ACE/ISF filing)

For sea freight shipments, an Importer Security Filing (ISF) is required at least 24 hours before loading at the port of export.

Customs tariff classification and declaration

Correct classification according to the US Harmonised Tariff Schedule (HTSUS) is mandatory. All imports must be declared via the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE).

Import duties

The amount of customs duties varies depending on the product category and origin. Moderate duties apply to many industrial and pharmaceutical products, while other product groups – such as textiles, jewellery or electronics – may be subject to higher customs rates depending on the trade policy situation. It is therefore essential to carefully check the current tariff classification via the US Harmonised Tariff Schedule (HTSUS).

Special product requirements

Certain product groups, such as pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs and electronics, require additional registrations and approvals – e.g. from the FDA, EPA or FCC. Special labelling requirements also apply (e.g. country of origin, net weight, manufacturer information).

Benefit from our many years of experience in exporting from India and customs clearance in the USA. Our specialists are familiar with the regulatory requirements in detail, assist with the preparation of all necessary documents and ensure that your freight reaches the target market on time and without any problems.

Transport insurance for your shipment from India to the USA

Shipping valuable or sensitive freight without appropriate insurance cover involves considerable risks – especially on long international routes such as between India and the USA. Regardless of whether your shipment is transported by sea or air freight, individually tailored transport insurance is strongly recommended.

Depending on the agreed Incoterm – such as CIP or CIF – it is the responsibility of the shipper to take out suitable insurance that at least meets the standards of the Institute Cargo Clauses (ICC).

Our tip: Use Röhlig Transport INSURANCE Solutions to insure your shipment in the best possible way – flexibly, transparently and with an experienced partner who knows your route and its challenges.

Packaging and import requirements for exports from India to the USA

General packaging and labelling requirements

• Country of origin:
  Mandatory information on all packaging; must be permanently affixed, clearly visible and in English.
• Product labelling:
  Information such as net weight, manufacturer's name and, if applicable, serial numbers are required.
• Trade labelling:
  For consumer goods, additional indication of the "Maximum Retail Price" (MRP) is only relevant for the Indian market – this does not apply to exports to the USA, where price labelling exemptions apply as long as there is no consumer deception.
• Barcode/SKU labels:
  Often required for deliveries to US retailers or e-commerce centres (e.g. Amazon FBA).

Packaging standards

• Wooden packaging (ISPM 15):
  Heat treatment (HT) and ISPM 15 labelling are mandatory for pallets, crates and other wooden packaging.
• Dangerous goods packaging:
  Must comply with the regulations of the US Department of Transportation (DOT) and the international IATA/IMDG regulations.
• Moisture protection:
  Especially for sea freight over long distances, the use of desiccants, VCI film or moisture-resistant inner layers is recommended.

Product-specific import regulations

• Pharmaceutical products:
  Must be registered with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). All manufacturers require a valid "Drug Establishment Registration" and, if applicable, an "ANDA" (Abbreviated New Drug Application).
• Electronic devices:
  Require FCC certification (Federal Communications Commission). Certain components also require UL marking.
• Food & beverages:
  FDA registration, prior notice and compliance with FSMA (Food Safety Modernisation Act) requirements.
• Cosmetics, medical devices:
  Registration with the FDA required, with product testing and ingredient verification if necessary.

Customs and import formalities

• Importer Security Filing (ISF):
  Must be submitted 24 hours before container loading for sea freight.
• Import tariff numbers:
  Must be stated correctly in accordance with HTSUS (Harmonised Tariff Schedule of the US).
• Customs documentation:
  Commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin if applicable, waybills, FDA/BIS/FCC approvals for certain goods.
• De minimis limit:
  Goods valued at up to USD 800 are usually duty-free, but not for all product categories (e.g. alcohol, tobacco, certain regulated goods).

Logistics-related information

• E-commerce shipments: Often have to meet additional packaging requirements (e.g. Amazon Fulfilment Standards).
• Project shipments: Require individual packaging concepts, often with special crates suitable for sea freight (e.g. IPPC-certified).

Quarantine and veterinary requirements

• Plants and plant products: Subject to the regulations of the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). For many products – e.g. seeds, spices, rice or wooden packaging – phytosanitary certificates and, if necessary, prior approvals are required.
• Animals and animal products: Importation is strictly regulated and requires permits from the USDA/APHIS as well as veterinary certificates. Many products, such as milk, meat or eggs, are subject to import bans or specific requirements.

Import restrictions and bans

• Weapons, ammunition, explosives
• Illegal drugs, narcotics, counterfeit medicines
• Products with discriminatory, violence-glorifying or politically extreme content
• Hazardous waste, e.g. mercury, PCBs or certain batteries
• Certain used goods (e.g. electronics) without EPA/FCC certificates

Additional protective tariffs and trade protection measures

 Some product groups from India are subject to additional import duties depending on the political situation or anti-dumping measures. These include, for example:

• Textiles and clothing
• Solar panels and modules
• Aluminium products or certain chemicals

The current application of such measures is subject to change – it is therefore advisable to check the trade situation and relevant customs tariffs before exporting.

Support and advice from Röhlig Logistics

• Our customs and logistics experts provide comprehensive support in planning and executing your exports to the USA. We offer targeted assistance with:
• Packaging and labelling requirements for the US market
• Required approvals and product certificates (e.g. FDA, FCC, UL)
• Customs clearance, advance notifications and import formalities
• Risk minimisation for regulated or safety-related product groups

On request, we can also take care of all document preparation and coordinate all parties involved along your supply chain – for secure, legally compliant and predictable delivery.