A second source
Add an Indian molder for new programs or dual-sourced parts, and spread supply risk across countries.
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Injection mold maker in India for USA buyers
Yes, a US company can buy injection molds and molded parts from India. General Plastic Industries (GPI) is an injection mold maker and molder in Delhi, India, working since 1968. It builds molds in its own tool room, molds parts on 15 in-house machines and ships RoHS-compliant parts to about 55 countries, including America.
Reviewed by GPI's engineering team · Updated
58years making molds and parts (since 1968)
15in-house molding machines
700 Tlargest press (range 80-700 tonnes)
ISO9001:2015 and 45001:2018 certified, RoHS compliant
Why are US companies sourcing injection molds from India?
Many US buyers want a second source next to a Chinese or domestic molder, and one supplier that owns the whole job. GPI handles part design, mold making, molding and assembly under one roof in Delhi, with mold cost, part price and lead time quoted separately.
Toolmaker and molder in one
Molds (moulds, tools) are designed and machined in GPI's tool room, so the team that builds the tool also runs it.
Automotive background
Most of GPI's work is automotive, alongside lighting and industrial parts. Some customers use GPI as the sole supplier of critical components.
GPI was the first automatic injection moulding plant in Delhi and has developed about 1,200 products for around 100 clients. HD Switch (USA) is on its client list, with Mahle, Honda and UNO Minda. See the injection moulding services page and the injection mould making page.
How do India and US time zones work on a molding project?
India Standard Time (IST, UTC+5:30) is 9.5 to 13.5 hours ahead of the continental USA and has no daylight saving time. Files and questions you send in your afternoon reach Delhi overnight, before its working day starts, so drawings and DFM comments keep moving while you are offline.
| US time zone | India is ahead by (early Nov to mid Mar) | India is ahead by (mid Mar to early Nov) | 9:00 am at your desk is this time in Delhi (winter) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern (New York) | 10.5 hours | 9.5 hours | 7:30 pm |
| Central (Chicago) | 11.5 hours | 10.5 hours | 8:30 pm |
| Mountain (Denver) | 12.5 hours | 11.5 hours | 9:30 pm |
| Pacific (Los Angeles) | 13.5 hours | 12.5 hours | 10:30 pm |
US daylight saving time runs from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November; India does not change its clocks. Calls work best in your morning, the Delhi evening.
What can GPI make for US OEMs, in US units?
GPI molds precision thermoplastic parts from 1 g to 4 kg and builds the injection molds for them. The table gives each figure in metric and approximate US units, so you can check it against your drawing and your RFQ.
| Item | Metric | US units (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Molding machines | 15 in-house machines, 80 to 700 tonnes | About 88 to 772 US tons clamping force |
| Shot weight | 1 g to 4 kg | About 0.04 oz to 8.8 lb |
| Critical tolerance | ± 0.1 mm on critical features; general dimensions to DIN 16742 | About ± 0.004 in |
| Mold steels | P-20, Stavax, Orvar Supreme / H-13 (core and cavity); C40/C45 (mold base) | P-20 and H-13 are the AISI grades US toolmakers use |
| Minimum order | 2,000 pieces per part | |
| New mold lead time | About 45 days to first samples; Express Mould 15-20 days (GPI pays a penalty if late) | |
US figures are approximate conversions. Tolerances depend on part design and material: see the plastic injection molding tolerance guide.
PA 66PA 6PA 4.6PBTPOMPCPPSPESTPU / TPEGlass-filled grades
How long does it take to get injection molded parts from India to the USA?
Plan on about 45 days from order to first samples for a new mold, then add your sample approval, production and freight. Sea freight to US ports typically takes about 4 to 6 weeks port to port, and air freight about a week. GPI's Express Mould offer cuts the mold build to 15-20 days.
- 1
RFQ and DFM review
Engineers check wall thickness, draft, gates, undercuts and parting line, then quote mold cost, part price and lead time separately. See design and prototyping.
- 2
Mold design and build
About 45 days to first samples, or 15-20 days on Express Mould. The mold lead time guide explains what changes the timing.
- 3
Samples measured and sent to you
Samples are molded on GPI's own presses using Scientific Molding and measured against your drawing. Ask for them by air courier to check them in your own lab.
- 4
Production after your approval
Mass production starts only after you approve the samples, with settings locked to the approved sample.
- 5
Freight by sea or air
Parts ship by sea container or air, on the Incoterm in your order.
- 6
US customs and delivery
Your customs broker files the entry and pays duty, and the goods move to your warehouse.
Sea or air: how are molded parts shipped from India to US ports?
Production orders usually go by sea; samples and urgent parts go by air. From Delhi, sea cargo normally moves by rail or road to a west-coast port such as Nhava Sheva (JNPT) or Mundra, then sails to the US East Coast, Gulf Coast or West Coast.
| Freight mode | Typical transit | Best for | Common US arrival points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sea container | About 4-6 weeks port to port | Production orders | New York / New Jersey, Savannah, Houston, Los Angeles / Long Beach |
| Air freight or courier | About a week, including clearance | Samples, first parts, urgent top-ups | Major airports such as New York JFK, Chicago O'Hare and Los Angeles LAX |
Transit times vary by carrier, route and season; confirm them with your forwarder. The Incoterm decides who books freight and where risk passes (rules from the International Chamber of Commerce); our export supplier guide for US and EU buyers compares the common terms.
What US import duty applies to plastic parts from India?
Duty depends on the part's classification in the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS); many molded plastic articles fall in Chapter 39. Extra US tariffs on goods from India have changed several times since 2025, so ask your customs broker for the full current rate before you compare quotes from different countries.
1
Classify the part
A housing, a clip and a gear can fall under different headings and rates. Search codes in the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
2
Check the full tariff stack
Ask for the general rate plus any additional tariffs on Indian-origin goods in force on your entry date.
3
Declare the mold correctly
The cost of a mold you pay for is often part of the dutiable value of the parts, either in the price or as an "assist". Ask your broker how to declare it.
4
Country-of-origin marking
US rules require imported goods to show their country of origin, such as "Made in India". Say where you want it; it can often be molded into the part.
Who owns the mold, and can it move to the USA later?
Agree mold ownership in writing before the build starts. At the quote stage GPI agrees with you who owns the mold and its design, where it is kept, who pays for maintenance and how it can be moved. The mold cost is always quoted apart from the part price.
Ownership and records
Ask for the ownership terms and a short mold record: steel, number of cavities, runner type and any inserts or sliders.
Care while it runs in India
GPI's own tool room can service and repair the molds it runs, so wear is handled where the parts are made. See mold maintenance.
Moving it later
If production may move to a US molder later, say so in the RFQ so mold details suit that plan.
Drawings and 3D files are kept confidential. Budgeting? Read the injection mould cost guide.
Which quality documents can a US buyer ask for?
GPI's quality management is certified to ISO 9001:2015, its occupational health and safety system to ISO 45001:2018, and its products are RoHS compliant. Every new mold is sampled on GPI's own presses using Scientific Molding, and you approve measured samples before production starts.
Samples are measured against your drawing with the equipment below, and molding settings are then locked to the sample you approved. If you need a first article inspection (FAI) report or PPAP elements, list them in the RFQ; GPI confirms what it can provide before quoting.
Height gaugeVernier caliperMicrometerPin gaugesSlip gaugesWeighing scaleShore A hardness testerTorque wrench
How do I send an RFQ to GPI from the USA?
Attach your drawings to an email to sales@generalplastic.in or send them on WhatsApp +91-9999-600-619, and add your details on the contact form. Only have a sample part? GPI can start from that.
1
3D model and 2D drawing
STEP or IGES model, and a drawing with tolerances, critical dimensions and units (inches or millimeters).
2
Material
Resin grade, for example PA 66 with 30% glass fiber, or required properties.
3
Volumes
First order and annual usage (minimum 2,000 pieces per part).
4
Delivery and documents
US delivery address, Incoterm, HTS code if known, origin marking, inspection documents and target sample date.
Related pages
US buyers' questions about injection molding in India
Short answers to what US engineers and buyers ask before placing a first mold order in India.
Can an injection mold maker in India supply companies in the USA?
Yes. GPI has designed and built injection molds and molded plastic parts in Delhi since 1968, and its RoHS-compliant parts are exported to about 55 countries, including America. HD Switch (USA) is on GPI's client list.
How long does it take to get molded parts from India to the USA?
For a new mold, GPI typically delivers first samples in about 45 days, or 15 to 20 days with Express Mould. Then add sample approval, production and freight. Sea freight to US ports typically takes about 4 to 6 weeks port to port, and air freight about a week.
Do US import duties apply to plastic parts made in India?
Usually yes. The rate depends on the part's HTS code, and extra US tariffs on goods from India have changed several times since 2025. Check the current total rate with your customs broker before comparing quotes.
Who owns the mold if a US company pays for it?
Whoever the written agreement says. GPI agrees at the quote stage who owns the mold, where it is stored, who maintains it and how it can be moved. The quote shows the mold cost separately from the part price.
What tolerances and part sizes can GPI mold?
GPI holds critical features to plus or minus 0.1 mm (about 0.004 in), with general dimensions to DIN 16742. Shot weight ranges from 1 g to 4 kg (about 0.04 oz to 8.8 lb), depending on part design and material.
What is the minimum order quantity for US orders?
GPI's minimum order quantity is 2,000 pieces per part. Give your first order and annual usage in the RFQ so the cavities can be sized correctly.
Which quality documents can I get for a US order?
GPI is certified to ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 45001:2018, its products are RoHS compliant, and you approve measured samples before production. If you need documents such as a first article inspection report or PPAP elements, list them in the RFQ and GPI confirms what it can provide before quoting.
Adding an Indian source for a US program?
Send your drawing for a quote with mold cost, part price and lead time shown separately. GPI has made injection molds and plastic parts in Delhi since 1968.