If you are moving to India and are shipping your household goods and personal effects, you need to be aware of the customs regulations when importing items. If you are using a professional international removals company to transport your items they should be able to advise you on what you can and can’t take to India plus arrange all documentation you need. For more a short guide on customs regulations in India and advice on what you can and can’t take to India please keep reading.
Documentation Required
• Passport for all travelling to India
• Visa (a minimum of 1 year)
• A full inventory of shipment giving the following things: valued in English and indicating the date purchased, itemized – brand, model and serial number to be given for all major appliances.
• Indian Customs Declaration Form (this is to be signed in the presence of Customs Officer)
• Copy of Insurance Policy
Customs Regulations
• Customer or approved customer representative must be present in India at the time of Customs Clearance in order to sign a Declaration of Contents.
• Used household goods and personal effects can be imported duty-free for foreign nationals and Indian Citizens transferring residence to India provided:
o The goods have been owned and used for a minimum of twelve months prior to importation
o Indian Citizens have resided outside the country for two years and intend of staying in India for at least a year.
• Foreign nationals produce a visa valid for one year
• All shipments are fully inspected
• Sea shipments must be shipped within 30 days of customer’s arrival and air shipments within 15 days of shipper’s arrival.
Dutiable / Restricted Items
• Large quantities of cosmetics, toiletries, food, etc.
• Electronic equipment and appliances – only one of each item allowed
• New items and consumables
• Professional equipment may be imported duty-free with evidence or certificates proving qualifications of professions for inspection at Customs.
• Tobacco and alcohol products (alcoholic products attract duties over 200%)
• Manufacturers cartons should not be used for shipping; it is recommended that goods be repackaged and tags and brochures (for new items) to be removed.
• Gold or silver in any other form than ornaments
Prohibited Items
• Weapons, firearms and ammunition (unless a license is obtained in advance)
• Live plants
• Walkie-talkies
• Pornographic material
• Narcotics
• Politically sensitive literature
Customs Clearance
• Items may take one to two weeks to be customs cleared as all shipments imported to India are fully inspected.
• There may be additional fees such as duty and tax on items during customs clearance which your mover will explain to you.
Delivery
• Once your items have been approved by customs they will be ready for delivery to your new residence, this will be arranged by your international agent in India who will take care of the rest of your move including delivery and unloading your container and unpacking and unwrapping your items if you have arranged this service.
If you need help with your removal to India – or would like more information on customs when shipping to India please feel free to contact Burke Bros Moving Group on 01902 714555 or sales@burkebros.co.uk.
Click one of our contacts below to chat on WhatsApp
