Vendor qualification and agreement structuring, supply chain due diligence, ESG compliance, customs and export control, quality control and contractual risk allocation for foreign companies sourcing goods and services from India.
Short, direct, on the record.
Due diligence should cover corporate status (MCA records, ROC filings), financial health (audited statements, credit reports), regulatory compliance (GST, FSSAI, BIS, pollution control), litigation history (court records, arbitration), labour compliance (EPF, ESI, contractor licensing), IP capability and past export performance. For ESG sensitive supply chains, social and environmental audits are essential.
The EU CSDDD applies to large EU companies and their value chains, which includes Indian suppliers in the chain. While Indian suppliers are not directly subject to the Directive, EU buyers will require contractual compliance with human rights and environmental due diligence standards. Non compliant Indian suppliers risk losing EU business.
FOB (Free On Board) is common for sea freight where the buyer arranges shipping. CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight) is used when the Indian supplier handles logistics. For air freight, FCA (Free Carrier) is preferred. EXW (Ex Works) is less common as it places customs and export clearance burden on the foreign buyer. DAP and DDP are used for door to door deliveries.
Key measures include comprehensive NDA and IP assignment agreements, trademark and design registration in India, tooling and mould ownership agreements with custody clauses, restricted access to technical drawings, source code protection for software components, and periodic IP audit rights. Indian courts grant effective relief for IP violations including Anton Piller and John Doe orders.
Share the sourcing type, product category and the compliance concern for a preliminary assessment.