India continues to be one of the world’s fastest-growing markets for global manufacturers and traders, with imports from Europe alone surpassing €65 billion in 2024 across industries like machinery, electrical equipment, automotive components, and consumer goods. However, navigating India’s import and regulatory framework — from BIS certification to AD code registration, GST compliance, warehousing, and post-sales service — demands expert local support.
At every stage – from factory to final delivery – Maier Vidorno Altios supports international companies with:
- Customs compliance and AD code registration
- Coordination with CHA and logistics partners
- Warehousing, order management, and tracking including insurance
- Local representation for e-commerce and after-sales support
- BIS certification management, especially for industrial and machinery sectors
- GST registration and monthly filing support
With more than two decades of experience, Maier Vidorno Altios ensures seamless import-to-delivery operations in India — helping foreign businesses stay compliant, reduce operational costs, and maintain full control over their India growth journey.
If we only expect one or two invoices or shipments a month, how can M+V Altios help us?
Even if your business involves only a few shipments, Maier Vidorno Altios can fully manage your India import operations. We handle customs clearance, documentation, coordination with Customs House Agents (CHA), and warehouse and last-mile delivery.
Our SAP-based ERP system allows real-time tracking of orders — from your factory to final delivery — including insurance coverage and compliance monitoring. This helps foreign companies reduce operational costs, ensure compliance, and maintain control over every import step without investing in their own infrastructure.
Key Insights: What are the benefits of AD Code registration for import/export in India?
An Authorized Dealer (AD) Code is essential for enabling remittance and customs transactions in India.
Key benefits include:
- Allows remittance to foreign suppliers via registered bank accounts.
- Enables generation of shipping bills and completion of customs clearance.
- Fulfills RBI and DGFT compliance requirements.
- Maier Vidorno Altios assists in registering and linking your AD Code with customs and bank portals — ensuring smooth fund transfers, faster clearance, and hassle-free operations.
How does Maier Vidorno Altios simplify my first import into India?
The first import can be time-consuming due to document verification and product classification checks. Maier Vidorno Altios manages this entire process — from coordinating with CHA, obtaining import licenses and product-specific registrations (like BIS, FSSAI, or Legal Metrology), to warehouse and insurance management.
We ensure your goods move seamlessly through customs and are delivered cost-efficiently, with full compliance under GST 2.0 and customs laws.
What is BIS Registration, and what are the new updates for the machinery sector in 2025?
For manufacturers exporting to India, this means certain machinery products now require ISI marking and BIS certification before customs clearance.
Maier Vidorno Altios assists foreign companies through every step of BIS compliance — from application filing, testing coordination, and liaison with certification authorities to renewal management. This ensures your machinery shipments clear customs without delay and remain compliant for all future imports.
How do I manage after-sales service in India?
Indian customers expect reliable, long-term product performance. For foreign manufacturers, efficient after-sales support is crucial for brand reputation.
Maier Vidorno Altios, in partnership with specialized service networks, offers nationwide after-sales and spare-part management, including Annual Maintenance Contracts (AMCs), warranty tracking, and on-site service coordination.
We manage communication, logistics, and service fulfilment — ensuring your customers experience consistent, high-quality support anywhere in India.
Can I sell my products online directly to Indian customers?
India’s e-commerce sector is growing rapidly, but foreign entities cannot sell directly to consumers under Indian FDI laws.
There are two compliant options:
- Marketplace Model – You can list through Indian marketplaces (Amazon, Flipkart) via a registered local partner.
- Inventory Model – Direct online selling by foreign-owned companies is restricted.
Maier Vidorno Altios can act as your local trading and compliance partner, managing orders, warehousing, and deliveries, while you maintain strategic and pricing control.
How do the 2025 GST reforms impact importers and exporters?
Under GST 2.0, India simplified tax slabs to 5%, 18%, and 40%, and linked customs Bills of Entry with e-invoicing systems. This ensures better transparency but requires accurate classification and documentation.
Maier Vidorno Altios evaluates your HSN codes, reviews landed cost impacts and aligns your invoicing with the new digital GST portal — ensuring full compliance and uninterrupted Input Tax Credit (ITC).
How does GST 2.0 affect Input Tax Credit (ITC) and refunds?
Automatic reconciliation under GST 2.0 means any mismatch between customs and GST filings can block credits.
Maier Vidorno Altios ensures accurate and timely filing of import and tax data, preventing ITC loss and optimizing refund cycles — safeguarding your working capital.
How do the GST changes affect transfer pricing and SVB compliance for subsidiaries?
The new GST structure and customs integration require that transfer pricing values align with both GST and SVB norms.
Maier Vidorno Altios assists subsidiaries and related-party importers in documenting valuation principles, defending arms-length pricing, and managing Provisional Duty Bond (PD Bond) and SVB renewals — ensuring compliance and faster customs clearance.
Which industries are most affected by India’s 2025 import and compliance reforms?
- Machinery, Automotive, and Engineering Equipment: Now subject to expanded BIS compliance, but eligible for 18% GST.
- Luxury Goods, Cosmetics, and Furniture: Attract higher GST (40%) and tighter labelling norms.
- Electronics, Renewable Energy, and Food Imports: Require mandatory BIS/FSSAI certification.
- Maier Vidorno Altios supports companies across all these sectors with compliance audits, documentation, and supply chain optimization to reduce costs and improve import efficiency.
What are the key trends in India’s import market in 2025?
India’s imports surpassed USD 715 billion in FY 2024–25, with machinery, electrical goods, and chemicals among the top imports. The government continues to simplify import processes through digitization, single-window customs clearance, and trade agreements with the EU and ASEAN.
Foreign companies benefit from growing industrial demand and improved transparency — but must remain vigilant about compliance and documentation.
Maier Vidorno Altios helps global businesses stay compliant, efficient, and cost-optimized within this evolving trade environment.
Why should I partner with Maier Vidorno Altios for import and business operations in India?
With over 25 years of India experience, Maier Vidorno Altios offers complete operational, financial, and compliance support for foreign companies — including:
- Import registration, CHA coordination, and customs clearance
- Warehouse management and local distribution
- GST, BIS, and AD Code compliance
- Order tracking, insurance, and documentation management
- Accounting, payroll, and local entity setup
Our goal: to ensure your India operations run seamlessly — from port to delivery — while keeping your compliance, cost, and customer satisfaction under control.
Can foreign companies send samples or display materials for Indian trade fairs without full compliance?
Many foreign exhibitors assume trade fair samples are exempt from Indian regulations.
In reality, samples, prototypes, and display materials also require proper documentation and HS Code classification, and in many cases must follow the same compliance rules as commercial imports.
Key requirements may include:
- ATA Carnet (for select countries/events)
- Temporary imports via Bond under specific customs notifications
- Clear declaration of “non-sale, display-only items”
- HS Code–based duty and compliance check (even for temporary use)
How Maier Vidorno Altios helps:
We assist with carnet/non-carnet imports, liaise with Customs, manage temporary import bonds, and ensure return/export after the event to avoid penalties.
What common mistakes do foreign companies make during their first imports into India?
Typical errors include:
- Incorrect HS Code
- Unregistered AD Code
- Missing product-specific approvals
- Wrong port selection
- Non-compliant labeling (especially for consumer goods)
- Under-invoicing or valuation discrepancies
- Forwarders unfamiliar with Indian regulatory depth
Consequences:
- Delay of up to 14 days
- Port storage cost of €80–€200 per day ($90–$220)
- Repeated customs scrutiny in future shipments
