Short answer
To import stretch film from India, send a complete spec to a shortlist of vetted manufacturers, approve samples, agree the Incoterm (FOB or CIF are common), price basis, MOQ and payment terms, then ship by container with a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading and certificate of origin. Polyethylene stretch film is generally classified under HS heading 3920.10, but confirm the full code and duties with your customs broker.
India is a major source of LLDPE stretch film for buyers in the Middle East, Africa, Europe and the Americas. If you plan to import stretch film from India for the first time, this guide walks through the process, the commercial terms that matter and the documents to expect.
The import process, step by step
- Define the spec: film type, cast or blown, microns, width, core, roll weight or length, quantity and destination. Our stretch film specifications checklist covers each field.
- Shortlist suppliers: verify legal identity, capacity and export experience. See how to vet stretch film manufacturers in India.
- Send one RFQ to several suppliers in the same format.
- Approve samples of the exact spec, tested on your loads.
- Receive a proforma invoice (PI) listing spec, quantity, price basis, Incoterm, lead time, payment terms and packing.
- Pay the advance or open the letter of credit, as agreed.
- Production and pre-shipment inspection: consider a third-party inspection for the first orders.
- Shipping and documents: the supplier or your forwarder books the container; documents follow.
- Customs clearance and delivery at destination.
Incoterms for stretch film imports
Incoterms 2020 define who arranges and pays for each leg of transport and when risk passes. The ones most used for stretch film from India:
| Incoterm | Seller arranges | Risk passes to buyer | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| EXW (Ex Works) | Goods ready at the factory | At the factory | Buyers with a strong Indian logistics partner |
| FCA (Free Carrier) | Delivery to your carrier, export clearance | When handed to your carrier | Containers stuffed at the factory; a more practical alternative to EXW |
| FOB (Free on Board) | Inland transport, export clearance, loading on the vessel | On board the vessel at the Indian port | Buyers with their own forwarder |
| CFR / CIF | As FOB, plus ocean freight (CIF adds minimum insurance) | On board at the Indian port | Buyers who want a simple landed-at-port price |
| DAP / DDP | Delivery to your named place (DDP adds import duties) | At destination | Buyers who want one delivered price; less common for first orders |
Two points that often surprise new importers:
- Under CIF, risk still passes at the Indian port, not on arrival, and the seller only needs to buy minimum insurance cover. Check the insurance terms or buy your own top-up cover.
- EXW leaves Indian export clearance to the buyer, which can be awkward for a foreign company. FCA is often the better choice.
Always name the place: “FOB Mundra” or “CIF Jebel Ali”, not just “FOB”.
HS code and duties
Polyethylene stretch film is generally classified under HS heading 3920.10: plates, sheets, film, foil and strip of polymers of ethylene, non-cellular and not reinforced. Countries add their own digits, and the duty rate depends on your tariff schedule and any trade agreement with India. A preferential rate usually requires a valid certificate of origin. Confirm the code and duty with your customs broker before you finalise the price.
Also check local rules on plastic packaging. In the UK, for example, Plastic Packaging Tax can apply to imported plastic packaging with less than 30% recycled content, so ask suppliers for a recycled-content declaration if it applies to you.
MOQ and container planning
MOQ depends on the spec. Standard clear film in common widths can often be produced or combined in small lots. Custom colours, widths, printing or special cores need a full production run. Ask for the MOQ per spec.
For containers, ask each supplier for a loading plan: rolls per carton or pallet, pallets or cartons per container, and net and gross weight. Palletised loads unload faster and protect rolls better. Floor-loaded cartons fit more film in each container but take longer to unload. Mixed-spec containers are common for distributors buying several widths or thicknesses.
Export packaging to request
- Rolls individually wrapped or in cartons, with labels showing spec, length, net and gross weight and batch number.
- Pallets wrapped and corner-protected, with ISPM 15 heat-treated and marked wood if wooden pallets are used.
- Shipping marks matching the packing list.
- Moisture protection for long voyages.
Documents to expect
- Commercial invoice and packing list.
- Bill of lading (sea) or airway bill (air).
- Certificate of origin (preferential, if a trade agreement applies).
- Technical data sheet and batch test report or certificate of analysis.
- Insurance certificate (under CIF or CIP).
- Any certificate your importing country requires.
Payment terms
Common structures are an advance by telegraphic transfer (TT) with the balance against a copy of the bill of lading, or a letter of credit (LC). For the first order, a smaller trial shipment and an inspection before the balance payment reduce risk for both sides.
RFQ checklist: what to send for comparable quotes
Each item matches a field on the Zradona quote form, so you can copy it straight across.
- Film type: hand, machine, pre-stretched, coloured, UV-resistant or vented (or “not sure, advise me”)
- Cast or blown: or no preference
- Thickness (microns): for example 23
- Width: for example 500 mm
- Core size: for example 76 mm
- Roll weight or length: for example 16 kg or 1,500 m
- Quantity: for example 20 tonnes or one 40-foot container
- Destination port or city: for example Jebel Ali, Mombasa or Pune
- Incoterms: FOB, CIF, EXW or DDP, or leave it open
- Anything else: application, packaging, delivery timing, sample needs
How Zradona helps
Zradona connects overseas and Indian bulk buyers with vetted Indian stretch film manufacturers and converters. One RFQ captures your spec, destination and Incoterm; AI matches it to suppliers whose catalogues fit; and quotes come back in a comparable format. The Zradona team follows up personally, and live video calls let you see production before you place the order. Buying for the Gulf? Read our guide for UAE and GCC buyers.
Frequently asked questions
What is the HS code for stretch film?
Polyethylene stretch film is generally classified under HS heading 3920.10 (plates, sheets and film of polymers of ethylene). The full national tariff code and duty rate differ by country, so confirm them with your customs broker before ordering.
Should I buy stretch film FOB or CIF from India?
Buy FOB if you have a freight forwarder who can get competitive rates and you want control of shipping. Buy CIF (or CFR) if you prefer the supplier to arrange the main freight. Under CIF the seller only has to buy minimum insurance cover, so check whether you need more.
What is the MOQ for importing stretch film from India?
Minimums vary by supplier and spec. Standard specs can often be combined into a mixed container, while custom colours, widths or printing need larger runs. Many buyers start with one full container or part of one.
Which documents do I need to import stretch film?
Usually a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or airway bill and certificate of origin, plus any certificate your country requires. If wooden pallets are used, they should be ISPM 15 treated and marked.
