As trade liberalisation progresses prospects for trade with India continue to improve. In recent years the Australia-India economic relationship has grown steadily and has the potential to increase considerably as India's economic expansion continues. Australia exports to India primary products, particularly minerals and fuels. Two-way trade in goods totalled over $15,3 billion in 2008. Australian merchandise exports to India reached $13,5 billion in 2008, which represents 6,1 per cent of Australia's total merchandise exports.
However, Indian tariff rates and trade barriers remain among the highest in the world. Moreover, India imposes various duties, such as safeguard and anti-dumping duties, non-tariff restrictions such as import bans and standards.
Product certification, labelling, packaging, quoting
Outer containers should be numbered (to accord with packing list) and should bear consignee's mark and port mark. Gross weight must be shown on two faces. Packing should be strong and should guard against extreme heat and humidity in summer.
Livestock imports must be accompanied by a sanitary certificate issued by an approved authority in the country of origin. Plants, plant products and leaf tobacco require phytosanitary certificates issued by an approved authority in the country of origin. Port wine requires a certificate indicating alcoholic content and spirits may need a certificate of maturity. Used clothing requires a certificate of fumigation issued by an approved authority in the country of origin.
Quotations should be paid in US dollars or Indian rupees. They are usually required to indicate FOB or CIF prices, with freight and insurance charges separately shown.
Documentary requirements
A minimum of four copies of commercial invoice are required. They must be signed by the supplier in exporting country. The following details must be noted in invoice:
• country of origin;
• consignee's name;
• name of carrier;
• description and identifying marks of outer containers;
• the number and date of letter of credit and import licence number;
• terms of payment;
• number.
As a rule, minimum of two copies of bill of lading are required. Freight charges must be stated separately. Import reference number and letter of credit number are to be shown. The name and address of the applicant and the issuing bank must be indicated.
Certificate of origin must be issued by local Chamber of Commerce. Its three copies are usually required. Food quality and purity are subject to strict national and state regulations. Drugs are subject to stringent controls covering import, manufacture, distribution and sale. | 
