Most considered, higher-ticket private-label products are imported, and China remains the most common source. Importing sounds intimidating but breaks into a clear sequence.
Step 1: Find suppliers
Use major sourcing platforms and trade directories to shortlist manufacturers. Look for genuine factories rather than middlemen where possible, and shortlist several to compare.
Step 2: Sample before you commit
Always order samples. A photo and a quote tell you nothing about real quality. Test the sample as a customer would before placing any bulk order.
Step 3: Negotiate the order
Agree the minimum order quantity (often 500–1,000 for a first run), unit price, customisation, packaging and timelines. Clarify payment terms and what happens with defects.
Step 4: Shipping and customs
Choose air or sea freight based on cost and urgency, and use a reliable freight forwarder or customs agent to handle clearance, duty and documentation in India.
Step 5: Compliance
Confirm any Indian requirements for your category — such as BIS or FSSAI — before importing, not after the stock has landed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is importing from China hard?
It feels complex at first but follows a clear sequence: find, sample, negotiate, ship, clear customs.
What is a typical first order quantity?
Often 500–1,000 units for a first private-label run, depending on the product.
Do I need a customs agent?
A reliable freight forwarder or customs agent makes clearance and documentation far easier.
What about compliance?
Confirm category requirements like BIS or FSSAI before importing, not after.
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Ali Lokhandwala has sold on Amazon India for 7 years, runs 80+ live private-label products with a 35-person team generating Rs.3.5 crore a month, and has trained 15,000+ entrepreneurs whose brands have crossed Rs.160 crore in combined sales. He still runs his Amazon business daily.
