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 Value-Added Tax
 India’s VAT varies from 4 percent to 12.5 percent depending on the item being imported. For information about the VAT for specific items, contact the Indian Chamber of Commerce or an international assoc-iation in your industry.
In addition to the national VAT, exhibitors in India will find a variety of small state, local, and service taxes. These taxes, called octroi, run between 0.1 percent and 2 percent.
The best way to get an exemption and decrease the VAT on transportation is to hire a freight forwarder that has experience in India.
The process to get a VAT refund is tedious and may not be worth the trouble.
 Music Rights
Exhibitors
do not need to pay royalties, but getting show management’s approval to play music in your booth is recommended, and is required if you plan to use a live performer or DJ.
 Garbage
Exhibit houses are responsible for trash generated during setup, but show management generally removes all other trash.
There is not a separate charge for disposal of build-and-burn exhibits, but the cost is generally included in the fee the exhibit house charges when building the exhibit. The exhibit house typically recycles the used exhibit parts, discards unwanted parts itself, or contracts with a salvage company that will pay for the trash.
Carpets are generally cleaned with brooms rather than vacuums.
Cleaning and trash services are generally ordered through the exhibit house or show management. There is typically a form in the exhibitor’s manual with cleaning details for each show.
 Smoking
India has a ban on smoking indoors and at the workplace. While this ban includes exhibit halls, the ban is loosely enforced, and exhibitors should have some accommodations for smokers, such as ashtrays and matches, in their booths.
 Voltage
230 volts
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Safety
Following common Western safety codes should be sufficient for passing most inspections when submitting exhibit plans in India.
Safety is enforced by the venue staff and show management. Check the show manual to see who needs to approve your exhibit plans. If there is no one outlined in the manual, submit your drawings to show management.
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General Facts and Tips
Because of the upcoming Commonwealth Games in 2010, there is a lot of construction in New Delhi. The resulting traffic problems mean exhibiting companies must plan ahead for all travel to make sure roads and cultural destinations will not be closed for remodeling. Check with the New Delhi Chamber of Commerce or the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi for details.
First-time exhibitors at New Delhi’s Pragati Maidan, India’s largest convention center, should be aware that the condition of the convention center is deplorable by Western standards. Despite the layers of dust, broken windows, and bird nests in the halls, the show will open and business will be done.
The India Expo Mart, a more modern expo center, is located on the outskirts of New Delhi while the Pragati Maidan is located in the center of the city.
Leather products should be avoided as promotional giveaways, as cows are considered sacred animals in Hinduism, one of the main religions of India.
Visitors should stick to bottled water for the duration
of their stay in New Delhi.
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Installation and Dismantle
I&D labor rates are never fixed, and are usually charged by the day rather than the hour. Since there are no set daily work hours, crews can work around the clock. Rates will be roughly 10 to 15 percent of U.S. rates if you go through an Indian supplier. If you go through a U.S. supplier, labor rates will run roughly 25 percent of typical domestic rates.
If you decide to order labor through a U.S. exhibit house, make sure it has experience managing exhibits in India.
Order electrical power through show management or your exhibit house. The order should be placed at least 30 days before the show. |
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Hospitality
While hospitality in exhibits is common, the Pragati Maidan, India’s largest convention center, does not offer in-house catering services. Exhibitors will need to bring their own food and beverages, or hire a caterer.
Beverages such as coffee, tea, sodas, and juice are commonly served. Common foods include biscuits, traditional Indian sweets, salted namkeens, nuts, cookies, mints, and hard candy.
Due to New Delhi’s large Muslim population, serving alcohol at regional shows is not common, but it is offered at larger international shows. Exhibitors must receive special permission from the venue. Do not offer alcohol to Indian women.
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Greetings
The common business greeting in India is a handshake and the English word, “Hello.” Some people, particularly Indian dignitaries, might use the traditional Hindi greeting, which consists of the hands folded as if in prayer and the Hindi word, “Namaste.” A few business people might greet visitors with the phrases “Jai ram ji,” or “Hari aum.”
Women should not offer to shake hands with an Indian man, and Indian women will not shake hands with a man. Business cards should be exchanged, and should be presented with both hands. Additional cultural differences include no hugging, especially of women, and no touching another person’s head.
Never stand so your feet are pointing at another person — for example, with all of your weight on one leg, and the foot of your other leg pointing directly at someone else — since feet are considered unclean. Similarly, do not eat with or point with the left hand since it is considered unclean in Indian culture.
Avoid using the word “no,” as it is considered too harsh.
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 Staff Attire
Business executives and salespeople in India dress in suits or sport coats with neckties. Other booth staffers do not need to wear suits, but when in doubt, should dress more conservatively.
Women should wear conservative dresses or pantsuits. Women must keep their upper arms, chest, back, and legs covered. Indian women will often wear saris.
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Language
While India has the most official languages of any country in the world, English is spoken widely, especially in the business community. The only other language that might be widely spoken at a trade show is Hindi, but you can ask show management in advance if English-only speakers will present a problem.
English-only signage, literature, and business cards are acceptable.
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Resources:
New Delhi Chamber of Commerce: www.indianchamber.org
U.S. Embassy New Delhi: newdelhi.usembassy.gov
Pragati Maidan: www.india tradefair.com
India Expo Mart: www.indiaexpomart.com
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