Question 1

Is there a free trade agreement between Canada and India?

Accepted Answer

No. As of 2026, Canada and India do not have a free trade agreement in place. However, Indian imports into Canada generally face duties that are well below those applied to Chinese goods, which is one reason India has become a top China Plus One sourcing destination. Because US tariff policy has been shifting and can influence global trade flows, you should always confirm the current duty rate for your specific HS code before placing an order. Sauda can help you identify the right product classification so you get an accurate picture of landed costs.

Question 2

What are the best products to import from India to Canada?

Accepted Answer

India has a vast and diverse manufacturing base. Some of the strongest export categories for Canadian buyers include bed linen and home textiles, apparel and garments, and leather goods. Beyond these, Indian factories produce everything from auto parts and hand tools to spices, pharmaceuticals, and engineered stone. Whatever category you are sourcing, Sauda can connect you with GST-verified suppliers who manufacture to export standards.

Question 3

What are the typical minimum order quantities and can I get samples first?

Accepted Answer

One of India's advantages over other manufacturing hubs is flexibility. Many Indian factories accept smaller minimum orders than you would find in China, making India especially attractive for small and mid-sized Canadian importers testing a new product line. Most suppliers are also willing to send pre-production samples before you commit to a full order. Sauda negotiates sample terms on your behalf so you can evaluate quality before scaling up.

Question 4

How do I pay an Indian supplier safely?

Accepted Answer

The most common payment methods for importing from India include bank wire transfers (telegraphic transfer), letters of credit (LC) for larger orders, and sometimes PayPal or escrow services for sample shipments. A typical arrangement is 30% upfront and 70% against the bill of lading. Because Sauda works only with suppliers whose GST filings and returns have been checked, you start with a layer of trust that is difficult to build on your own from overseas.

Question 5

How long does shipping from India to Canada take?

Accepted Answer

Sea freight from major Indian ports like Nhava Sheva (Mumbai), Chennai, or Mundra to Canadian ports such as Vancouver, Montreal, or Toronto typically takes three to five weeks depending on the route and whether the shipment is full container load (FCL) or less than container load (LCL). Production lead times vary by product but generally range from two to six weeks. Sauda includes estimated lead times alongside every quote so you can plan your inventory accordingly.

Question 6

Is Sauda really free, and how does it verify suppliers?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Sauda is completely free for buyers. You never pay a fee, commission, or subscription. Sauda earns from the supplier side, so your interests stay aligned with getting the lowest price. On verification, Sauda checks every supplier's GST filings and returns before presenting a quote. This confirms the factory is a real, tax-compliant business rather than a trading company or shell entity. Sauda then contacts and calls suppliers directly, negotiates on your behalf, and returns the cheapest verified live quotes within 24 hours.

	India	China	Vietnam
Import duty	No FTA; standard tariff	No FTA; standard tariff	Reduced (CPTPP)
Typical MOQ	Smaller and flexible	Higher, often thousands	Moderate to high
Communication	English-speaking factories	Often via agents or translators	Improving, varies
Lead time	Competitive, varies by category	Fast, mature logistics	Competitive
Best known for	Textiles, leather, chemicals, engineering	Large-scale, electronics, machinery	Apparel and footwear assembly

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