Pharmaceuticals & APIs — US Import Duty from India

India → USA corridor · MFN tariff rates · Updated for 2026 HTS

India is the world's third-largest pharmaceutical producer by volume and a major supplier to the US generics market. Finished drugs and APIs generally enter the US at 0% duty, but FDA regulatory compliance is extensive and mandatory for every shipment.

Typical US import duty rate (India origin)
0%

Virtually all pharmaceutical products and APIs enter the US at 0% duty under MFN rates. This is intentional US trade policy to keep drug costs low.

Common HS codes for Pharmaceuticals & APIs

HS code Description Look up exact rate
3004.90 Medicaments — other, in measured doses or packaged for retail sale Look up
2941.10 Antibiotics — penicillins Look up
2936.29 Vitamins and their derivatives — other Look up
3003.90 Medicaments — other, not in measured doses or packaged for retail sale Look up

These are the most common 6-digit or 8-digit codes for this category. The exact code for your product may differ — use the free HS code lookup tool to classify your specific item.

US import compliance checklist

🔴
FDA drug facility registration
US Food and Drug Administration
All foreign drug manufacturing facilities must be registered with FDA.
Required
🔴
FDA drug import alert check
US Food and Drug Administration
Check FDA's Import Alert database. Products on alert may be detained without physical examination.
Required
🟡
DEA import permit (controlled substances)
US Drug Enforcement Administration
Required if the API or finished product is a scheduled controlled substance.
Check
🔴
ANDA or NDA approval
US Food and Drug Administration
Finished drugs for sale in the US must have FDA marketing authorisation (ANDA for generics).
Required

🔴 Required items must be in place before CBP will release the shipment. This list is guidance — always verify with your customs broker.

Calculating your full landed cost

The duty rate is only one part of your total cost to land goods in a US warehouse. A complete landed cost also includes:

  • Freight — ocean or air freight from India to the US port of entry
  • Insurance — typically 0.5%–1% of cargo value
  • Customs broker fee — USD 75–250 per entry for a standard shipment
  • ISF filing — Importer Security Filing, USD 25–35 per ocean shipment
  • Destination charges — THC, delivery order fee, drayage

The duty rate shown above applies to the customs value (CIF value — cost + insurance + freight to the US port). Misunderstanding the duty base is one of the most common import cost errors.

Calculate your exact landed cost

Enter your shipment details and get a full breakdown — duty, freight, insurance, broker fees — plus a compliance-ready PDF your customs broker will want to see.

Try free preview →

Free preview · PDF from $1 · No subscription

Not sure about your HS code?

Type your product description and our AI will classify it and show the duty rate.

Free HS code lookup →
Other product categories
Leather Goods Cotton Garments Spices & Herbs Gems & Jewellery Auto Parts & Engineering Goods Handicrafts & Home Décor Footwear Tea Rice (Basmati & Non-Basmati) Ceramics & Pottery View all categories →

Related topics: pharma import duty USA India · API customs USA · drug import FDA India · pharmaceutical HS code 3004