India’s capital has introduced a forward-looking logistics policy aimed at reducing urban congestion, boosting warehousing capacity, and promoting environmentally sustainable freight practices. For ICT providers operating across APAC, these policy shifts present both opportunities and compliance challenges, particularly in the realms of VAT, customs, and import licensing.
Delhi’s Warehousing Push: A Strategic Shift
The Delhi Government’s 2025 logistics policy sets out to decongest city traffic by relocating storage facilities to the city’s periphery. It also introduces incentives for building green corridors, deploying electric vehicles, and embracing digital logistics infrastructure.
For ICT logistics, this shift unlocks:
- Faster regional distribution from strategically located hubs
- Increased availability of warehousing zones tailored for tech hardware
- Opportunities for staging, inspections, and last-mile delivery closer to consumption centres
However, operating in this new warehousing landscape means staying on top of India’s complex import regime.
Implications for ICT Imports: Compliance in Focus
Truelog clients deploying datacentre hardware, network gear, or end-user devices into India must factor in:
1. GST/VAT Structuring
- India’s GST regime treats warehousing and staging as taxable services.
- Businesses must register for GST in each state where warehousing is performed, this includes third-party logistics sites.
- Incorrect classification of ICT goods or VAS (like pre-configuration or charging) may trigger audits or penalties.
2. Import Licensing & Strategic Goods
- Certain ICT products, especially wireless, networking, or encryption-based devices, require WPC or DGFT licenses before import.
- Truelog’s IOR (Importer of Record) service ensures all licences and declarations are in place ahead of customs clearance.
- Delays in licensing can lead to demurrage charges or non-compliance penalties.
3. Customs Classification & Valuation
- Classification of parts versus whole units (e.g., routers, modules, accessories) affects duty rates.
- Customs may challenge declared values, especially when shipments include bundled VAS such as software preloads or asset tagging.
How Truelog Supports APAC ICT Flows Into India
With warehousing operations in APAC and strong compliance support in-country, Truelog enables a seamless flow of ICT assets into India:
- Full IOR/EOR coverage for over 120 countries, including India
- Customs and licensing management for high-value or strategic ICT imports
- VAS-ready facilities for staging, inspection, and labelling aligned with local compliance
- Single SOP and central dashboard for visibility across regional and Indian legs of the supply chain
Final Thoughts
As India ramps up its infrastructure and digital readiness, ICT logistics providers must adapt quickly. Delhi’s new logistics policy marks a shift towards more decentralised, tech-enabled, and sustainable warehousing, but navigating the VAT, customs, and licensing landscape remains complex.
Truelog helps ICT clients stay compliant, agile, and future-ready, across India and beyond.
#ICTLogistics #IORIndia #ComplianceInFocus
