Compliance checklist

The Incoterms rule in your order (for example FOB, CIF or DDP) sets who books freight, insures the goods and clears import customs. It does not by itself settle who carries product-compliance duties in your market; those usually sit with the importer there.

Proof: Purchase order or contract naming the Incoterms 2020 rule and place, and who files the import entry.

Under DDP the seller acts as importer, so check the supplier or their agent can meet importer duties in your market.

US Customs can detain goods made wholly or partly with forced labour, including in their raw materials. Importers should be able to trace the supply chain back to the raw material.

Proof: Supplier social-compliance audit, supply-chain map and raw-material traceability records.

Declare India as the country of origin consistently on the commercial invoice and packing list, and on the product or packaging where the market requires it. Goods built from parts made in several countries need an origin check before labels are printed.

Proof: Commercial invoice and packing list showing origin; "Made in India" marking where required; certificate of origin if the buyer or customs asks.

If a product can expose people in California to a listed chemical, such as lead in brass, glazes or crystal, or certain phthalates in PVC, it needs a clear warning unless exposure is below the safe-harbour level. Updated short-form warning rules took effect in 2025; the old short form can stay on products made and labelled before 1 January 2028.

Proof: Lab results for listed chemicals, or a compliant Prop 65 warning on the product, packaging or online listing.

Businesses with fewer than 10 employees are exempt, but many retailers ask for testing anyway.

US Customs requires every imported article, or for certain exempt goods its container, to be marked legibly and permanently with the country of origin in English. Goods not properly marked can be held and charged an extra 10% marking duty.

Proof: "Made in India" on the product, or on the retail packaging where the item is exempt from individual marking.

Wooden pallets, crates and dunnage must be treated (usually heat-treated) and carry the IPPC mark, or the shipment can be refused or treated at your cost. Plywood, MDF and other processed wood are outside the standard.

Proof: IPPC / ISPM 15 stamp (e.g. HT) on every piece of wooden packaging; the packer's treatment record if asked.