Used Household Goods and Personal Effects

Documents Required

• Original passport (copy of Passport duly certified is accepted for diplomats)
• Valued list of articles with date of purchase
• Baggage customs declaration signed by owner of the goods
• Packing list
• List of electronic items
• Authority letters (diplomats / non-diplomats, refer to agents for more information)
• Duty-free exemption certificate issued by diplomatic organization in India 
• Original bill of lading (OBL) / sea waybill / copy of air waybill (AWB)
• Original residence permit (foreigners)
• Valid visa / PIO card for foreign nationals
• Employment letter / transfer letter / assignment letters

Specific Information

• The packing list must be stamped by the Consulate / the Embassy for diplomatic shipments.
• The owner of the goods must be present for Customs clearance.
• All shipments are subject to Customs examination unless a diplomatic shipment.
• All containers (except diplomat) are offloaded at the point of entry (POE) / (TOE) and reloaded into vans.
• Foreign nationals must possess a visa valid for 1 year.
• Indian nationals must have lived abroad for at least 2 years preceding transfer to India and intend to reside in India for a period of at least 1 year.
• Owner of the goods must have not must not have visited India for more than 180 days in the preceding 2 years.
• Air shipments must be dispatched from the origin airport within 15 days after the arrival of the owner of the goods in India.
• Sea shipments must be dispatched from the origin seaport within 1 month after the arrival of the owner of the goods in India.
• Shipments may arrive at the India airport / seaport 2 months prior to arrival of the owner of the goods; however, the shipment will be subject to demurrage or detention as applicable.
• Electronic items should be loaded in the front (opening side) of the container or lift-van
• A list of electronic items should be provided on a separate sheet.

IAM Note: Customs regulations are the same throughout India. However, the regulations may be interpreted differently amongst the various Customs offices.

Motor Vehicles

Documents Required

• Original passport
• Original manufacturer’s invoice
• Import license
• Insurance policy
• Certificate of title / registration
• OBL
• Duty exemption certificate (diplomats)

IAM Note: Not all ports / terminals in India are allowed to import cars. It is advisable to check with the destination agent / branch prior to shipping. 

Specific Information

• The import of motor vehicles is a detailed, conditional and complicated procedure and is not recommended.
• Duties are generally higher than 100%.
• Diplomatic motor vehicles are allowed to be imported free of duty if covered by a duty exemption certificate issued by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, subject to the Ministry approval.
• Only right-hand drive vehicles are allowed to be imported
• Only cards that meet Euro III pollution norms are allowed (must have manufacturer’s certificate)
• New vehicles may only be imported from the country of manufacture.
• Used vehicles can only be imported through the Customs port at Mumbai.

Pets

Documents Required

• Vaccination record
• Veterinary health certificate

Specific Information

• Only one cat, dog or parrot may be imported at the time of shipment.

Restricted/Dutiable Items

• New items are subject to duties (invoice must be supplied).
• Customs duties are approximately 15.45% to be levied on the following items:
  • Televisions
  • Digital video disc players
  • Video home theatres
  • Music systems
  • Microwaves
  • Dishwashers
  • Air conditioners
  • Refrigerators above 300 L or equivalent
  • Deep freezers
  • Fax machines
  • Word processors
  • Video cameras
  • Portable photocopying machines
  • Gold or silver in any form other than ornaments
  • Cinematographic films of 35 mm and above
• Firearms, ammunition and weapons
  • Restricted item must be included with the household goods shipment.
  • A license must be obtained prior to import.
• Duplicate items or items in sums of excess of Rs. 150,000 (Rs. 500,000 in Delhi and Mumbai) are duties of approximately 36.01 to 61%.
• Import of foodstuffs / edibles varies between different cities throughout India.
  • It is advisable to check with the respective destination agent and then include in the shipment.
• The following items may qualify for free import if within the limits indicated:
  • Alcohol (2 L) – transport is recommended as part of the shipment, not as accompanied baggage
  • Wine (2 L)
  • Perfume (59 ml)
  • Cigarettes (200), cigars (50), tobacco (250 g)

Prohibited Items

• Beef and beef products
• Narcotics, non-branded drugs and psychotropic substances
• Obscene literature, photographs or films
• Politically subversive literature

Consignment Instructions

Recommended: Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially for differences regarding air / sea shipments.

Helpful Website(s):

http://www.state.gov/p/sca/ci/in

http://www.indianembassy.org