Ordering custom PCBs from JLCPCB or PCBWay in India has become the standard approach for Indian electronics makers and startups. Both companies offer 5-piece 2-layer PCBs for as little as $2 USD (approximately Rs 170) with 7-14 day delivery to most Indian cities. This comprehensive guide covers everything — from uploading Gerber files to managing import duties and choosing between JLCPCB and PCBWay for your specific project.
Table of Contents
- JLCPCB Overview and Ordering Steps
- PCBWay Overview and Ordering Steps
- Cost Comparison (2026 Pricing)
- Shipping Options to India
- Import Duty and Customs in India
- Preparing Gerber Files for Upload
- JLCPCB SMT Assembly Service
- Frequently Asked Questions
JLCPCB Overview and Ordering Steps
JLCPCB (jlcpcb.com) is the world’s largest PCB manufacturer by volume and the most popular choice for Indian hobbyists. Their web interface is straightforward and Gerber viewer is excellent for catching design errors before ordering.
Step-by-Step JLCPCB Order
- Visit jlcpcb.com. Click “Order Now” on the homepage.
- Click “Add your Gerber file” and upload your .zip Gerber archive.
- JLCPCB’s viewer automatically parses the Gerber files and displays your board.
- Set PCB parameters:
- Base Material: FR4 (standard for most projects)
- Layers: 2 or 4
- Dimensions: Auto-detected from Edge.Cuts layer
- PCB Quantity: 5 (minimum), or any multiple
- PCB Colour: Green (cheapest), or Black/Blue/Red/White/Yellow (no extra charge)
- Surface Finish: HASL (default, cheapest), or ENIG (gold finish, +$5-10 for small orders)
- Copper Weight: 1 oz (standard), 2 oz for high-current boards
- Review the price (typically $2 for 5x simple 2-layer PCBs under 100cm²).
- Add to cart. Register/login. Provide shipping address.
- Select shipping method (see Shipping section below).
- Pay via PayPal, credit card, or Alipay.
PCBWay Overview and Ordering Steps
PCBWay (pcbway.com) is JLCPCB’s primary competitor, offering similar PCB manufacturing but with a stronger focus on customer service, advanced capabilities (flex PCBs, metal core, aluminium), and a community project sharing platform.
PCBWay Order Process
- Visit pcbway.com. Click “PCB Prototype” or use the quick order calculator on the homepage.
- Enter PCB specifications (size, layers, quantity). The price updates in real time.
- Upload Gerber files. PCBWay manually reviews files before acceptance (adds 2-4 hours but catches more errors).
- PCBWay staff contact you via email if there are any issues with your Gerber files — this is a significant advantage for beginners.
- Pay via PayPal, credit card, or bank transfer.
PCBWay Distinctive Features
- Manual Gerber review catches errors before production (higher quality assurance)
- Better support for special materials: aluminium substrate, copper substrate, flex PCB
- PCBWay Community: share and order other makers’ open-source PCB designs
- PCBWay Referral Programme: earn credits by referring other makers
- Dedicated India support team (responds to emails in English promptly)
Cost Comparison (2026 Pricing)
| Order Type | JLCPCB | PCBWay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5x 2-layer, 10x10cm, green | $2 | $5 | JLCPCB cheapest for standard |
| 5x 4-layer, 10x10cm | $8-12 | $20-28 | JLCPCB significantly cheaper |
| 10x 2-layer, 5x5cm, ENIG | $18-22 | $15-20 | PCBWay competitive on ENIG |
| Flex PCB, 5 pieces | $18-25 | $15-22 | PCBWay better flex support |
| 100x 2-layer boards (production) | $30-60 | $35-70 | Similar for higher quantities |
Note: Add shipping cost to all prices. Shipping to India typically $8-25 depending on service selected.
Shipping Options to India
Both JLCPCB and PCBWay offer multiple shipping options to India:
JLCPCB Shipping to India
- Global Standard Direct Line: 7-14 days. $3-8 for small packages. Most used by Indian makers. Delivered via India Post or courier.
- DHL/UPS Express: 3-5 days. $25-45 for small packages. Best for urgent projects.
- JLCPCB Registered Airmail: 10-20 days. $3-5. Slower but very cheap.
PCBWay Shipping to India
- PCBWay Shipping (DHL/FedEx): 5-8 days. $15-30.
- Registered Airmail: 15-25 days. $3-8.
Import Duty and Customs in India
This is the most common concern for Indian makers ordering from China:
- Under Rs 5,000 (approximately $60 USD): Most small PCB orders are cleared without customs duty under de minimis provisions. JLCPCB and PCBWay typically declare small orders below threshold.
- Above Rs 5,000: Subject to BCD (Basic Customs Duty) + IGST (18% for most electronics).
- PCB classification: Bare PCBs (without components) are classified under HS Code 8534 — Custom Duty approximately 15-20% + 18% GST. Total import cost can add 35-38% to declared value.
- Practical reality for hobbyists: Small orders (5-10 PCBs, under Rs 3,000 value) routinely clear customs without duty assessment in most Indian cities. Higher-value or larger-quantity orders are more likely to be assessed.
- For businesses: Import from China should account for full customs cost. Some Indian startups prefer local alternatives (PCBPower, Circuits Arcade) to avoid customs hassle.
Preparing Gerber Files for Upload
JLCPCB Gerber File Requirements:
Required files (must be in .zip archive):
F.Cu = Copper_Top.gbr (top copper layer)
B.Cu = Copper_Bottom.gbr (bottom copper layer)
F.Mask = Mask_Top.gbr (solder mask top)
B.Mask = Mask_Bottom.gbr (solder mask bottom)
F.SilkS = Silk_Top.gbr (silkscreen top)
Edge.Cuts = Profile.gbr (board outline)
Drill = Drill.drl (drill file)
KiCad export settings for JLCPCB:
- Use Protel filename extensions: YES
- Plot format: Gerber
- Coordinate format: 4.6
- Use extended X2 format: NO (JLCPCB compatibility)
Verification before ordering:
1. Upload .zip to JLCPCB's online Gerber viewer
2. Check board outline is closed (no gaps in Edge.Cuts)
3. Verify layer count matches your design
4. Check drill holes appear correctlyJLCPCB SMT Assembly Service
JLCPCB’s PCBA (PCB Assembly) service is a game-changer for Indian makers who want populated boards without hand-soldering SMD components:
- Choose SMT components from LCSC’s catalogue (thousands of parts with Indian-competitive pricing)
- Upload BOM (Bill of Materials) CSV and CPL (Component Placement List)
- JLCPCB assembles and tests the board at their factory
- Cost: PCB + assembly fee ($0-3 for economic assembly) + component cost
- Turnaround: 5-7 days for assembled boards
- Minimum quantity: 2 assembled boards
- Saves enormous time vs hand-soldering 0402 components
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does JLCPCB take to deliver to India?
Using “Global Standard Direct Line” shipping (cheapest), expect 8-14 days from payment to delivery in Mumbai/Delhi/Bengaluru. Tier-2 and tier-3 cities (via India Post last-mile) can take 3-7 days more. DHL Express delivers in 4-6 days to most major Indian cities.
Can I pay JLCPCB/PCBWay via Indian bank account?
Directly, no — they accept PayPal, Visa/Mastercard credit cards, and Wire Transfer. Indian debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) work for payment if your bank allows international transactions. Enable international card usage in your bank app before ordering. Wise or Payoneer prepaid cards also work well.
Are there alternatives to JLCPCB/PCBWay for Indian orders?
Yes. Indian PCB manufacturers include: PCBPower (Gandhinagar, Gujarat), Circuits Arcade (ships from India, no customs issue), Generic Electronics (Bengaluru), and Advanced Circuits. Indian manufacturers cost 3-5x more than JLCPCB for prototypes but have no customs risk and faster local support.
What is the minimum PCB size on JLCPCB?
Minimum PCB size is 5mm × 5mm. Maximum single piece is 500mm × 500mm. There is no maximum total panel size — multiple boards can be panelised for a single order at no extra cost (very useful for small 20mm × 30mm boards where you want 10+ copies).
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