Getting goods from China to Ahmedabad involves 7 different parties. Someone has to coordinate them.
Who can handle international logistics for Indian importers?
Freight forwarders are the specialists for sea and air cargo logistics. Customs House Agents (CHAs) handle port clearance in India. End-to-end sourcing companies coordinate both (plus production oversight) under one relationship. For most Indian SMEs, using a sourcing company or a trusted freight forwarder + CHA combination is the right structure.
More expensive than using freight forwarder directly if you already have verified suppliers
Businesses who want one relationship covering sourcing + logistics together
No sourcing capability — they book cargo, they don't find factories. Separate engagement needed for production side
Businesses with established suppliers who just need shipping handled
Only covers the India port clearance stage — not booking, not production, not delivery to your city
Essential partner for any importer — but needs to be combined with freight forwarder for complete coverage
Very expensive for large or heavy shipments — not suitable for bulk import. DHL rates 4–6× higher than consolidated air freight
Samples, documents, small test orders under ₹30,000 value
Your goods are ready at the factory. FOB (Free On Board) is the standard Incoterm — factory loads goods onto vessel, you own from that point.
Your freight forwarder books container space (FCL) or groupage (LCL) on a vessel to Mundra or JNPT. Book 2–3 weeks before cargo is ready.
Commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin — prepared at China side.
18–25 days Guangzhou to Mundra sea freight. Your freight forwarder tracks and alerts on any delays.
Your CHA files the Bill of Entry with customs. Duty and IGST calculated and paid.
CRCL may select your shipment for examination. Good documentation and a trusted CHA minimises holds.
Container moved to your warehouse or 3PL in Ahmedabad via road transport.
Juhapura, Ahmedabad · 8+ years · 150+ products sourced
Single contact from first call to warehouse delivery — no handoffs
India-specific compliance: IEC, BIS, customs duty, Mundra port
Factory verification via B/L data + physical audit — not just Alibaba
Transparent pricing: factory invoice + Alif fee shown separately
WhatsApp accessible throughout — no email-only communication
8+ years sourcing for Gujarat businesses — real India trade experience
Describe your product and situation on WhatsApp. Alif will tell you exactly who can help and how — no forms, no fees.
💬 WhatsApp Alif — FreeJuhapura, Ahmedabad · +91 74348 92150