Import Duty on Books in India (2026): 11% + IGST
Printed books under HS heading 4901 are one of the cheapest things to import into India - our tariff data shows around 11% combined duty on the printed-book lines, and IGST on printed books is nil for most titles. Out-of-print editions, imported textbooks and collector box sets make up the bulk of demand.
Live tariff
HS-code duty rates for books
The duty column is the combined customs rate (BCD plus AIDC and SWS, all charged on the assessable value); IGST is then applied on the duty-inclusive amount.
| HS code | Description | Customs duty | IGST |
|---|---|---|---|
| 49019100 | Dictionaries And Encyclopaedias, And Serial Instalments Thereof | 11%BCD 10%SWS 1% | 5% |
| 49019900 | Printed books, paperback books, textbooks | 11%BCD 10%SWS 1% | 5% |
| 49011010 | Printed Books, Brochures And Similar Printed Matter, In Single Sheets, Whether Or Not Folded (Excl. | 11%BCD 10%SWS 1% | 5% |
| 49011020 | Printed Books, Brochures And Similar Printed Matter, In Single Sheets, Whether Or Not Folded (Excl. | 11%BCD 10%SWS 1% | 5% |
Rates are the tariff we apply when quoting real shipments; anti-dumping duty, where notified for a specific product and origin, is charged in addition.
Worked example
What INR 5,000 of books costs to land in India
Step by step, using the representative rate for this category (11% duty on HS 49019100, 5% IGST). Your exact rate depends on the precise HS code in the table above.
- Books (goods value)
- INR 5,000
- International freight (illustrative, 10% of goods)
- INR 500
- Assessable value (CIF = goods + freight)
- INR 5,500
- Customs duty (11% of CIF, HS 49019100)
- INR 605
- IGST (5% of CIF + duty)
- INR 305
- Estimated landed cost
- INR 6,410
Note for businesses: the IGST portion (INR 305 here) is creditable as input tax credit if you are GST-registered; the customs duty portion is not. Freight is illustrative - use the calculator for a quote with real shipping on your actual item.
Before you order
What to know about importing books
Printed books attract zero IGST in most cases - the tax cost of importing books is effectively just the modest duty and freight.
Books are heavy relative to value - freight, not tax, decides whether an import makes sense; sea/consolidated routes suit large book hauls.
No restrictions for ordinary titles; maps showing incorrect Indian boundaries are the classic seizure trap in printed matter.
Secondhand books import freely - one of the few used-goods categories without restriction.
What we ship
Popular books imports
Out-of-print editions
US textbook editions
Folio Society sets
Japanese art books
Manga box sets
Signed first editions
Books import questions, answered
Is there customs duty on books shipped to India?+
Why import textbooks instead of buying Indian editions?+
Are used and secondhand books allowed?+
What printed matter can get seized at Indian customs?+
Import books without customs surprises
Send us the product link. We quote goods, freight, the exact per-HSN duty and IGST as one all-in landed price - then buy, ship and clear it for you.