What is the procedure for importing small quantities of baby products into India?

Full Question I am in retail business of toys, running my own toyshop in Jaipur (Rajasthan), India. Please tell me the procedure to import baby products. Can I order goods in small quantities, like ten items of each product? Is it necessary to take an import license?

Answer Let's look at your questions one by one.

1. "Please tell me the procedure to import baby products" & "is it necessary to get an import license?"

I'm afraid this is a question about India rather than China, and while I have arranged delivery of product to India from China, I do not feel comfortable offering advice about the India side. Since you will need to organize logistics from China anyway, I highly suggest you find a good 3PL (third party logistics) service provider to walk you thru the India import items. If you need some advice on how to find a 3PL, I would recommend you visit this post which will walk you through the steps.

2. "Can I order goods in small quantity like ten items of each product?"

Since you run a retail shop, I assume you buy many different products at small volume. The sad reality for small buyers is that it is the same amount of project work to find and manage the suppliers in China if you order 10 or 10,000 items. So it is not realistic that you will be able to go factory direct with an order of 8-10 units. You will have better luck if you explore these possible options:

a. Indian-based importer and distributor. They have the volume to go factory direct to China and can pass on the savings to you. In other words, they can give you a better price than you could find on your own. b. China/Hong Kong-based trading company. Same logic as above but shipping from Asia.