Looking to import and sell in India? This guide breaks down how to set up a warehouse in India, the costs, legal steps, timeline, and how we help.
Why Foreign Companies Set Up Warehouses in India
India is a large and fast-growing market. Global companies want to store goods locally for faster delivery and better customer experience. Lower logistics costs, better inventory control, and faster returns management make India a preferred warehousing destination.
You may be:
A trading company
An eCommerce brand
A manufacturer expanding to India
Whatever your goal, having a warehouse is key to starting operations.
Benefits of Setting Up a Warehouse in India
Access to over 1.4 billion consumers
Lower last-mile delivery costs
Easier inventory management
Supportive government policies like National Logistics Policy
Access to Free Trade Warehousing Zones (FTWZ)
Step-by-Step Process to Setup a Warehouse
| Step | Description | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Choose warehouse location (near port or city) | 5 days |
| 2 | Register your company in India | 20-30 days |
| 3 | Apply for GST, IEC, BIS (if needed) | 20-30 days |
| 4 | Finalize warehouse/3PL partner | 7–10 days |
| 5 | Start importing and distributing goods | Ongoing |
Warehouse Location Guide
Top warehouse zones in India:
Mumbai/JNPT Port: Ideal for imports, western India distribution
Chennai: Access to South India + major sea port
Delhi-NCR: Covers north India and B2B logistics
Gujarat: Export-ready hubs and FTWZ support
Types of Warehouses in India
| Type | Description |
| Private Warehouse | Owned or leased by the company |
| Public Warehouse | Rented space with standard services |
| 3PL | Outsourced storage and delivery partner |
| Cold Storage | Temperature-controlled facilities |
| Bonded Warehouse | Customs-controlled, duty deferred storage |
| FTWZ | Free Trade Warehousing Zone with tax benefits |
We help you select the best type based on your product, budget, and timelines.
Legal & Regulatory Requirements
Depending on what you sell, you may need:
GST Registration (mandatory)
Import Export Code (IEC)
BIS Certification (for electronics, appliances)
FSSAI License (for food)
Legal Metrology License (for weights and packaging)
Bonded Warehouse License (for deferred customs)
Refer to DGFT IEC Portal for more on IEC.
How We Help
At BusinessSetup.in, we:
Suggest warehouse locations based on your goals
Register your company (Private Ltd or LLP)
Get your GST, IEC, BIS, or FSSAI licenses
Draft warehouse rental and vendor agreements
Help choose between own warehouse or 3PL
Integrate inventory systems with Tally/Zoho
We’ve helped companies from the US, Germany, and Japan start warehouses in Mumbai, Chennai, and Delhi.
Cost Breakdown
| Item | Estimated Cost (INR) |
| Company Registration | 120,000 |
| IEC, GST & Licenses | 30,000 – 50,000 |
| 3PL/Cold Storage Setup | Custom (based on vendor) |
| Monthly Compliance | Starts from 30,000/month |
Monthly/Annual Compliance Checklist
| Requirement | Frequency |
| GST Return Filing | Monthly |
| Import Documentation | Per shipment |
| E-Way Bills & Invoicing | Per shipment |
| Inventory Reconciliation | Monthly/Quarterly |
| TDS & ROC Filings | Quarterly/Annual |
We also assist with:
Billing & ERP integration
E-invoicing setup
Reconciliation tools for GST & stock
Own Warehouse vs 3PL: What’s Better?
| Factor | Own Warehouse | 3PL Provider |
| Setup Time | Slower | Faster |
| Upfront Cost | High | Low |
| Flexibility | High | Limited |
| Ongoing Effort | High | Minimal |
| Best For | Long-term projects | Test launches or pilots |
We help you evaluate and choose.
Case Study: German Tool Manufacturer
A German company wanted to import tools and distribute them in India. We:
Registered their Indian subsidiary
Got GST & BIS certification
Connected them with a 3PL provider near Chennai port
Set up billing & ERP system with monthly reconciliation
They were operational within 22 working days.
Can a foreign company set up a warehouse without forming a company?
No. A company must be formed first. Warehousing involves tax and customs filings that need a registered Indian entity.
Do I need BIS or FSSAI license?
If you sell electronics, food, cosmetics, etc., then yes. We’ll help you apply.
What licenses are needed to run a warehouse in India?
GST and IEC are minimum. Others like BIS or FSSAI depend on product type.
Is GST mandatory for warehouse operations?
Yes. You need GST to store and sell goods. Learn more on GST Portal.