India Abolishes BIS QCOs on 14 Polymers & Textiles: Why an Import Surge from Asia Is Here (And How to Secure Your Freight Capacity)

The Indian chemical, polymer, and textile industries received groundbreaking news on November 12, 2025. In a sweeping move aimed at easing trade, the Government of India officially rescinded the mandatory Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Quality Control Orders (QCOs) for 14 critical commodities.
This decision immediately dismantles a significant non-tariff barrier to trade, opening the floodgates for imports from major Asian manufacturing hubs.
While this presents a massive opportunity for Indian importers to reduce costs and diversify supply, it simultaneously sets the stage for an unprecedented crunch on the 'Asia to India' containerized freight market.
If your business relies on importing these commodities, the time to secure your logistics capacity is&nbsp;now.
&nbsp;
<h3>The 14 Commodities Now Free from Mandatory BIS Certification</h3>
The rescinded orders (S.O. 5129(E) to S.O. 5142(E)) cover essential materials:
<ul>
<li>
The Polyester Chain:&nbsp;Terephthalic Acid (PTA), Ethylene Glycol (MEG), and various Polyester Yarns (PSF, POY, FDY, IDY).
</li>
<li>
Major Polymers:&nbsp;Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP), and Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC).
</li>
<li>
Specialty Chemicals/Polymers:&nbsp;ABS, EVA Copolymers, Polyurethanes, and Polycarbonate.
</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<h3>Why This Changes Everything for Asia-India Imports</h3>
For years, the mandatory BIS certification process has been a bottleneck, requiring lengthy audits and approvals that deterred many suppliers in China, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Malaysia from exporting to India.
By removing this requirement, India has instantly become a more accessible market. We anticipate a rapid surge in orders as importers capitalize on the newly simplified access to the world&rsquo;s largest chemical and polymer production bases. 
<h4>GEO-Focus: The Key Corridors to Watch</h4>
<ul>
<li>
China to India:&nbsp;Expect a massive surge in PVC and Polyester shipments from Shanghai and Ningbo to Nhava Sheva and Mundra.
</li>
<li>
South Korea &amp; Taiwan to India:&nbsp;Imports of ABS, EVA, and Polycarbonate from Busan and Kaohsiung are set to rise sharply.
</li>
<li>
Southeast Asia to India:&nbsp;PE and PP volumes from Thailand (Laem Chabang) and Malaysia (Port Klang) will see significant increases. 
</li>
</ul>
<h3>The Looming Freight Crisis: A Perfect Storm</h3>
This sudden liberalization will trigger a demand shock in the container shipping market. Importers must prepare for severe disruptions on the Asia-India trade lane.
<h4>1. Skyrocketing Freight Rates</h4>
The immediate surge in demand for container space will far outstrip the available vessel capacity in the short term. Freight rates are expected to rise sharply as carriers implement GRIs and PSS. Importers who have not locked in rates will face significant cost escalations.
[INSERT DYNAMIC RATE GRID: "Real-Time Asia to India Spot Rates"]
<h4>2. The Container Shortage in Asia</h4>
As demand spikes, the availability of empty containers (especially 40ft High Cubes and 20ft Dry Vans) at origin ports will dry up. We are already seeing tightening availability in major Chinese and Korean hubs. This equipment shortage will lead to delays in stuffing and shipment execution.
<h4>3. Congestion at Indian Ports</h4>
Major gateways like Nhava Sheva and Mundra are ill-equipped to handle a sudden, massive influx of volume. Importers should anticipate longer vessel waiting times, slower container evacuation, and potential delays in customs clearance. 
<h3>The FOMO Factor: Why You Can't Afford to Wait</h3>
The Fear Of Missing Out (FOMO) in this scenario is not just about missing out on lower material costs; it's about the risk of missing out on logistics capacity entirely.
In a tight market, carriers prioritize high-yield cargo and established partners. If you delay your booking strategy, you risk having your cargo rolled, facing exorbitant premium surcharges, or being unable to ship at all. 
<h3>How Cogoport Protects Your Supply Chain</h3>
<img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://cdn.cogoport.io/cms-prod/cogo_public/vault/original/AdobeStock_443956484.jpg" width="933" height="243">
The next 90 days will be critical. Cogoport is uniquely positioned to help Indian importers navigate this volatility on the Asia-India corridor.
<ol start="1">
<li>
Guaranteed Capacity:&nbsp;Leverage our strong carrier relationships across Asia to secure your space even in a tight market.
</li>
<li>
Competitive Pricing:&nbsp;Lock in your rates now to protect your margins against the impending surge.
</li>
<li>
End-to-End Visibility:&nbsp;Track your shipments in real-time from Asian origins to Indian destinations, allowing for proactive management of potential port congestion.
</li>
</ol>
The removal of the BIS barriers is a landmark opportunity. Don&rsquo;t let the subsequent logistics chaos paralyze your business.
Act now to secure your Asia-India pipeline.
<a href="https://www.cogoport.com">Get Instant Quotes and Secure Capacity from Asia to India</a>

India has rescinded BIS QCOs for 14 key chemicals and polymers. Discover how this policy change impacts imports from China, Korea, and SE Asia, and why importers must act fast to avoid soaring freight rates and capacity shortages.

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How to Import from China to India: Step-by-Step FCL Guide for SMEs

Understanding Import Duties & Regulations for FCL Shipments from China, Vietnam, Indonesia & Thailand to India

If you&rsquo;re an Indian business planning your first import from China, you&rsquo;re not alone. Thousands of SMEs make this leap every year&mdash;excited, a bit nervous, and unsure where to begin. Importing can seem complicated, but once you understand the basics, it&rsquo;s surprisingly manageable. Let&rsquo;s break it down together with five essential tips that&rsquo;ll help you move from confusion to confidence.
<img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://cdn.cogoport.io/cms-prod/cogo_public/vault/original/AdobeStock_917634680.jpg" alt="" width="933" height="243">
1. Start with the Right Product and Supplier Not all products (or suppliers) are equal when it comes to importing. Before you commit, research demand, profit margins, and regulations for your chosen product. Electronics, machinery, and textiles are popular imports&mdash;but they often have special compliance requirements like BIS or FSSAI certifications.
 When finding a supplier, go beyond the first search result on Alibaba. Look for long-established exporters, request samples, and verify business licenses. If possible, start small: a trial shipment teaches you much more than endless emails. A reliable supplier is half your logistics journey solved. 2. Understand Incoterms and Hidden Costs Incoterms decide who pays for what&mdash;and misunderstanding them can turn a good deal into a costly headache. For most first-timers, FOB (Free on Board) is the safest choice. The supplier handles origin charges and export clearance, while you control shipping and customs in India. Avoid getting locked into CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) without clarity. Suppliers often bundle in higher freight charges, and you might face surprise local fees at the destination. Always ask for an all-inclusive quote and understand what&rsquo;s covered: ocean freight, terminal handling, customs clearance, or delivery. 3. Plan Documentation and Customs Early The biggest delays happen not on the sea&mdash;but in paperwork. Missing one document can hold your container for days (or weeks). Before shipping, make sure your supplier shares drafts of the Commercial Invoice and Packing List. Double-check details: your company name, HS code, and description must match exactly. If this is your first import, hire a licensed customs broker (CHA). They&rsquo;ll help you file your Bill of Entry, calculate duties, and deal with customs officers on your behalf. Think of them as your local guide in the maze of Indian customs. And yes&mdash;file your paperwork before the vessel arrives to avoid demurrage. 4. Insure, Track, and Communicate Proactively Even the best logistics plan can hit surprises&mdash;a delayed vessel, a rough monsoon, or an inspection. Always insure your shipment. Marine insurance usually costs less than 1% of cargo value, but it saves you from massive losses if something goes wrong.
Once your goods are on the move, track them. Real-time updates keep you informed and give your customers confidence. Platforms like Cogoport let you track containers, get notifications, and chat with support directly. Communication is key&mdash;between you, your supplier, and your logistics partner. 5. Use a Digital Platform Like Cogoport Traditional freight forwarding can be slow and opaque. With Cogoport&rsquo;s Global Trade Platform&trade;, you get instant freight quotes, compare carriers, and book space in minutes. You can even arrange customs clearance and trucking under one login&mdash;no more chasing five vendors for one shipment.
Plus, Cogoport&rsquo;s Cogo Assured service guarantees space during peak seasons and locks your exchange rate upfront. For small businesses, that means no more sleepless nights over sudden price hikes or currency swings. And with loyalty rewards like Cogo Points, you literally earn as you ship. Quick Checklist for First-Time Importers
<ul>
<li>Get your IEC (Importer-Exporter Code) and GST registration.</li>
<li>Research your product&rsquo;s compliance needs (BIS, FSSAI, etc.).</li>
<li>Choose FOB terms and verify your supplier&rsquo;s credentials.</li>
<li>Purchase marine insurance and arrange customs clearance early.</li>
<li>Track your shipment and stay in touch with your logistics partner.</li>
<li>Plan for at least 4&ndash;6 weeks door-to-door (China &rarr; India).</li>
<li>Return empty containers promptly to avoid detention fees.</li>
</ul>
How Cogoport Simplifies the Journey
Cogoport brings everything importers need&mdash;freight quotes, schedules, customs, trucking, and payments&mdash;onto one platform. For new importers, that means fewer emails, fewer surprises, and complete transparency from booking to delivery. If this is your first shipment from China, think of Cogoport as your co-pilot. We handle the logistics so you can focus on growing your business. From guaranteed FCL space to customs assistance and flexible payment options, we&rsquo;ve got your back every step of the way.
Ready to get started? Visit https://www.cogoport.com to get your first instant quote and see how easy global trade can be. References:
<ol>
<li>Cogoport &ndash; Global Trade Platform &amp; Services: <a href="https://www.cogoport.com">https://www.cogoport.com</a></li>
<li>DGFT &ndash; Importer-Exporter Code Registration: <a href="https://www.dgft.gov.in">https://www.dgft.gov.in</a></li>
<li>ICEGATE &ndash; Indian Customs EDI Gateway: <a href="https://www.icegate.gov.in">https://www.icegate.gov.in</a></li>
<li>BIS &ndash; Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS): <a href="https://www.bis.gov.in">https://www.bis.gov.in</a></li>
<li>FSSAI &ndash; Food Import Guidelines: <a href="https://www.fssai.gov.in">https://www.fssai.gov.in</a> Prepared for Indian SMEs &amp; Enterprises &bull; Updated: November 06, 2025</li>
</ol>

5 Essential Tips for First-Time Importers Shipping from China

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