India

For US customs, the country of origin is generally where the product was manufactured, produced, or substantially transformed—not necessarily the country it was shipped from, exported through, or purchased from. For example, goods made in one country and routed through India do not automatically become Indian-origin goods.

Origin matters because tariff measures and other import requirements may be assigned by the origin country, product classification, and sometimes additional facts such as the manufacturer, transaction, or intended use. For goods identified as India-origin, review the applicable measure records together with the product’s HTSUS classification. Origin can be complex when production occurs in multiple countries: customs may apply the substantial-transformation test, and the result can depend on the facts and the product. A customs broker or trade specialist may be needed for difficult cases.

What to check

• Trace and record every production step, including where components are made, assembled, processed, or substantially transformed.
• Do not use the export country, ship-from address, seller location, or port of departure as a substitute for country of origin.
• Confirm the product’s HTSUS classification before checking India-specific measures; origin and classification work together.
• Keep supporting evidence such as commercial invoices, bills of materials, manufacturing records, supplier origin statements, and production documents.
• Check whether special rules apply to the product or processing and obtain a binding customs ruling or professional advice when the origin conclusion is uncertain.