The Paper Trail: A Masterclass on Importing A4 Paper to India (2026)

While India is a major producer, the demand for high-whiteness, jam-free 70/80 GSM copy paper often leads importers to the mega-mills of Indonesia and China. The goal is simple: achieve the lowest "Cost Per Ream" while ensuring the containers pass through Indian Customs without being flagged for "dumping" or "non-compliance."

1. Market Intelligence: Sourcing Hubs

In 2026, two countries dominate the supply for the Indian market:

• Indonesia (The Preferred Choice): Due to the ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement, most paper products from Indonesia can be imported at 0% or highly concessional Basic Customs Duty.

  • Top Mills: PT Indah Kiat (IK), April International (PaperOne), and Tjiwi Kimia.

• China (The Quality Leader): Known for superior brightness and stiff 80 GSM paper.

  • Top Mills: Asia Symbol, Chenming Paper, and Sun Paper.

  • Note: China imports usually attract the full 10% Basic Customs Duty unless specific exemptions apply.

2. Regulatory Compliance: PIMS & BIS

You cannot simply ship a container and hope for the best. You need these two registrations before the ship leaves the origin port:

A. Paper Import Monitoring System (PIMS)

• Requirement: Mandatory for all paper imports under Chapter 48.

• Process: You must register the shipment details on the DGFT portal at least 5 to 75 days before the expected date of arrival.

• Cost: A nominal registration fee (approx. ₹500).

• Goal: The government uses this data to track "predatory pricing" and dumping.

  

B. BIS Certification (Quality Control Order 2025-26)

• The Rule: Writing and Printing Paper (including A4 copy paper) must now conform to IS 1848.

• What it means: Your foreign manufacturer (in China or Indonesia) must be BIS Certified. You cannot import from a mill that does not hold a valid BIS license for the Indian market.

• Check: Before signing a contract, ask for the manufacturer’s CM/L (License Number).

3. The Product: Technical Specifications

Buyers in India (distributors/corporate) look for three main factors:

1. GSM (Grams per Square Meter):

   • 70 GSM: Most popular for bulk office use (lower price).

   • 75/80 GSM: Premium grade, used for high-end printing and double-sided copies.

2. Brightness: 95% to 100%+. Higher brightness = whiter paper.

3. Opacity: Essential for double-sided printing so the ink doesn't show through.

4. Landed Cost Math (2026 Estimates)

Assuming a CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) value of $800 per Tonne from Indonesia (using FTA).

Warning on MIP: As of 2026, the government has imposed a Minimum Import Price (MIP) of ₹67,220 per Tonne on certain multi-layer boards. While A4 copy paper (HS 480256) is currently free, keep an eye on DGFT notifications, as MIPs are often expanded to prevent under-invoicing.

5. Logistics: The Container Game

Paper is heavy and "Deadweight" for ships.

• Container Size: 20ft Heavy Duty Container is standard.

• Capacity: Approx. 21 to 22 Metric Tonnes (approx. 8,000 to 8,800 Reams).

• Moisture Protection: Always request "Desiccants" and "Kraft Paper Lining" inside the container. If the paper absorbs moisture during the sea voyage, the sheets will curl and jam in printers, leading to 100% rejection.

6. Action Plan for Sanskriti Global Exports

1. Verify BIS: Himanshu, before engaging any supplier, confirm their BIS status. Without the ISI Mark on the reams and outer cartons, your cargo will not be cleared by Indian Customs.

2. Sample Testing: Get a sample ream and test it on high-speed photocopiers. Check for "Dusting"—cheap paper leaves white dust in the machine, which leads to complaints.

3. Optimize Freight: Since paper has low margins, focus on FCL (Full Container Load). Importing LCL (Less than Container Load) will kill your margins due to high local handling charges at Indian ports.

Summary Table: A4 Paper Import Profile