DJI Drone from China, Planning to buy a DJI drone from China and import it into India? You’re in good company. As the demand for drones in India for vlogging, photography, and creative filmmaking rises, many enthusiasts turn to overseas options to get a better deal—particularly for DJI, the market leader in drones.
In this extensive article, I’ll guide you through the process I used to purchase a DJI Flip drone from China, the legal way of importing it into India, customs and tax rules, avoidable mistakes, and some pro tips to ensure your process goes smoothly and economically.
Table of Contents
✈️ Why I Went to China (Spoiler: Not Just for the Drone)
Let me be honest first — I didn’t go to China only to buy a DJI drone. I was already there for some other work.
If you’re planning to travel just to buy a drone, it might not be worth it. The airfare alone will likely be higher than any savings from buying the drone abroad.
That said, if you’re already in China or planning to visit, buying the drone there makes sense, and it’s cheaper than in other countries like Dubai, Malaysia, or Europe.
🛫 Am I Allowed to Bring a DJI Drone to India?
The short answer is yes — but only for personal consumption.
❌ Importing DJI drones into India for resale is forbidden.
✅ It is entirely legal to bring one for your own use.
It is not a blanket ban on DJI drones in India. The problem is only when reselling or importing in bulk, which involves DGCA clearance and a permit.
I bought my DJI Flip drone for personal use, and I’ve been using it in India for the last 9 months. It’s been seamless so far — and I’ll be posting a complete review video shortly on my YouTube channel.
🛒 DJI Drone from China : Where to buy?
Let me walk you through my buying process step by step:
- I first traveled to Hong Kong.
- From there, I ferried to mainland China.
- I first tried visiting some random DJI shops in WanZhou, but most of them weren’t that familiar with international purchases or tax refunds.
- Finally, I bought it at the Canton Tower DJI Store in Guangzhou.
Here’s where it matters:
🚫 Not all DJI stores in China give out a tax refund certificate.
If you’re looking to receive a tax refund (which can really help you save some money), you need to go to a DJI-authorised shop that issues a “Test Certificate” and Tax Refund Form.
💸 Getting a Tax Refund on DJI Drone in China
This is one step that most people miss but which can help you save thousands of rupees.
When purchasing a DJI drone in China, inquire if the shop provides a VAT refund.
Only DJI-authorised stores can issue the “Test Certificate” and Tax Refund Form needed to claim this refund in the airport.
My experience:
- I started at a random store that was clueless about what I was saying.
- Then I went to the Canton Tower DJI Store in Guangzhou, which is reputable and well-versed with international buyers.
- They provided me with all the documentation.
- I was entitled to a refund of approximately ¥300 (~₹4000–₹5000) on my drone purchase.
⚠️ Pro Tip: Make sure to ask about the availability of the tax refund before you purchase. Otherwise, you’ll miss out on this advantage.
🧾 DJI Drone Cost Breakdown
Here’s what my DJI Flip drone set me back:
- Drone Price: ¥2467 (approximately ₹28,000–₹29,000 based on conversion)
- Refundable Tax: ¥320 (approximately ₹4000)
- Effective Final Price: Approximately ₹24,000–₹25,000
That’s a pretty good saving if you purchase it in India or any other foreign country.
✔️ I will also be including the invoice screenshot in this blog post so you can understand what the tax certificate looks like.
🧳 Packing Your DJI Drone When Returning to India
To prevent any issues with customs or triggering suspicion, it’s very important to pack your drone in a smart way. Here’s what I did:
📦 Open the box prior to flying back — this indicates that the product is not new and is for personal consumption.
🔋 Take out the drone battery and put it in your hand luggage — batteries are prohibited in check-in bags because of airline safety rules.
🧳 Put the drone and controller in your check-in bag.
🚫 Do not carry it sealed or boxed, which might attract suspicion that it’s for reselling.
Doing this will keep you safe from any import duties, penalties, or unwanted attention at Indian customs.
❗The Mistake I Made — And You Should Avoid It
I flew back to Hong Kong after purchasing the drone, hoping to get the VAT refund there.
Big mistake.
🚫 No refunds can be made at ferry terminals.
✅ Refunds are made only at international airports within mainland China.
How much did this mistake cost me?
I lost my ¥300 refund (approximately ₹4000–₹5000)
💡 Lesson Learned: Always depart from a big Chinese airport and go through your tax refund process at the airport prior to departure.
✅ Last Checklist: How to Import DJI Drone to India Legally
Here’s your speedy checklist to adhere to:
✅ Purchase only from an authorised DJI shop that includes tax refund documents (e.g., Canton Tower shop)
✅ Ask for the tax certificate and refund form during the purchase
✅ Claim the refund at the airport — not at ferry terminals
✅ Unbox the drone before travel
✅ Keep the battery in your hand baggage
✅ Drone and controller go in your check-in luggage
✅ If customs asks, clearly state it’s for personal use
📹 Coming Soon: DJI Flip Drone 9-Month Review Video
In the last 9 months, I’ve used my DJI Flip on a number of trips throughout India — shooting amazing aerial shots, silky-smooth cinematic footage, and dynamic action shots.
I’ll be posting a thorough YouTube review video in the near future, where I discuss:
- Drone performance in actual usage
- Battery life & flight duration
- Stability, image quality & features
- Tips for Indian beginners using drones
🎥 If you like drone reviews, tech shopping advice, and import guides, subscribe to my channel.
🕒 How This Guide Can Help You Save Time and Money
Purchasing a drone in China can be economical and completely legal — provided that you do it the correct way. What I attempt with this guide is make the process easier for you as a content creator, hobbyist, or even traveler.
What You Get from This Article:
✅ Legal guidance for importing drones
💸 Real price savings tips
🧳 Packing advice for hassle-free customs
❌ Common mistakes to avoid
🏪 Store recommendation for DJI drone buyers in China
💬 Got Questions About Buying a Drone in China?
Drop your queries in the comments below!
I’ll be happy to share additional tips, clarify customs rules, or recommend stores based on your location in China.
And don’t miss my YouTube video where I display the real footage, invoices, and drone unboxing!
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