China vs India: Solar Import Comparison 2026
Compare every aspect of importing solar panels to China and India β tariffs, certifications, logistics, and market dynamics side by side.
Both China and India offer distinct import dynamics. Review the metrics below to pick the right sourcing strategy for your project.
| Metric | π China Asia | π India Asia |
|---|---|---|
| Import Duty | N/A (world's largest solar manufacturing base) | 40% BCD (Basic Customs Duty) on modules, 25% on cells |
| Anti-Dumping | N/A | None currently; BCD protects domestic manufacturing |
| VAT / Sales Tax | 13% VAT (rebate on export: 13% for most solar products) | 5-12% GST (varies by HS code) |
| CBAM Applicable | β No | β No |
| Main Ports | Shanghai, Ningbo-Zhoushan, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Qingdao | Nhava Sheva (Mumbai), Chennai, Mundra, Kolkata |
| Typical Lead Time | Domestic: 5-10 days; Export: 2-7 days to port | 15-20 days sea freight from Shanghai/Ningbo |
| Preferred Incoterms | FOB Shanghai/Ningbo, EXW factory, CIF anywhere | CIF Nhava Sheva, FOB China |
| Top Brands | JinkoSolar, LONGi, Trina Solar, JA Solar, Canadian Solar | Adani, Waaree (local), Vikram Solar (local), JinkoSolar India, LONGi (for private projects) |
| Popular Wattage | 580-640W bifacial TOPCon (2026 standard), 700-730W (high-power utility) | 540-580W bifacial for utility, 400-460W for rooftop |
| Q1 2026 Landed Price | FOB Shanghai TOPCon 580W: ~$0.082-0.092/W (Q1 2026). Spot market volatility high β lock with TT 30% deposit. | Landed CIF Nhava Sheva TOPCon 560W + 40% BCD: effective ~$0.16-0.18/W. Domestic ALMM modules 10-15% premium. |
Regulatory Notes
π China
Home to 80%+ of global module supply. Export VAT rebate of 13% factored into FOB. Shanghai/Ningbo are biggest ports. Customs clearance varies by province. New "dual-side tape" packaging standard reduces shipping damage.
π India
ALMM-listed modules required for all government/utility projects. Private commercial/residential can use any certified module. PLI scheme boosts domestic capacity (50+ GW by 2027). Customs clearance complex β always use experienced CHA.
JUST SOLAR β China Delivery
JUST SOLAR is based in Shanghai β visit our factories, audit samples, or consolidate LCL shipments to any port.
JUST SOLAR β India Delivery
JUST SOLAR has Indian distributor partners pre-cleared for Nhava Sheva customs and can ship via Mundra for Gujarat projects.
π Sourcing to both markets?
JUST SOLAR GROUP delivers to 40+ countries worldwide with localized compliance documentation and flexible payment terms.