Original passport (copy of Passport duly certified is accepted for diplomats)li>
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 / Overseas Citizen of India card
Employment letter / transfer letter / assignment letters
Custom Regulations - India
CUSTOMER 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 are duty-free for foreign nationals and Indians transferring residence to India provided:
The goods have been owned and used for a minimum of one year prior to importation
Indian Citizens have resided outside the country for two years and intend on staying in India for a year
Foreign nationals produce a visa valid for one year
All shipments 100% inspected
Sea shipments must be shipped within 30 days of customers arrival and air shipments within 15 days of shippers arrival.
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 receding 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.
DUTIABLE/RESTRICTED ITEMS
Large quantities of cosmetics, toiletries, food, etc.
Tobacco and alcohol products (alcoholic products attract duties over 200%)
Electronic equipment and appliances (only one of each is allowed)
New items and consumables
Professional equipment may be imported duty-free with evidence/certificates proving qualifications of profession to Customs
Manufacturers cartons; should not be used for shipping it is recommended that goods be re-packed and tags and brochures (for new items) not be put in the cartons
Gold or silver in any form other than ornaments
PROHIBITED ITEMS
Weapons, firearms and ammunition (unless licensed in advance)
Beef and beef products
Narcotics, non-branded drugs and psychotropic substances
Obscene literature, photographs or films
Politically subversive literature
MOTOR VEHICLES
Original passport
Original manufacturer’s invoice
Import license (unless coming to India on a Transfer of Residence)
Insurance policy
Certificate of title / registration
OBL
Duty exemption certificate (diplomats)
Specific Information
The import of motor vehicles is a detailed, conditional and complicated procedure and is not recommended
Duties are generally higher than 200% of the value assessed by customs
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.
Individuals can bring (1) used imported car only if coming to India on ToR
Motor vehicle must be in passengers ownership and possession for minimum 1 year prior to importation into India
Only right-hand drive vehicles are allowed to be imported (excluding diplomats)
Only cards that meet Euro III pollution norms are allowed (must have manufacturer’s certificate)
Used vehicles can only be imported through the Customs port at Mumbai.
PETS
Documents Required
Vaccination record
Veterinary health certificate
Advance NOC from the Animal Quarantine department in India
Specific Information
Only one cat, dog or parrot may be imported by the passenger who is coming to India on Transfer or Residence
DUTY AND TAX RATE %
All used Household Goods (more than 1 year old) are duty-free
One laptop and computer
Refrigerator upto 300 ltrs
Washing Machine
Cooking rage
VCR/VCD
The following items are dutiable at concessional rate 15% (new or used) on first unit
The concessional duty is applicable to TR (min 2 yrs stay ) outside India
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. Foreign nationals may be allowed import of foodstuff up to Rs. 1,00,000 in a year.
It is advisable to check with the respective destination agent and then include in the shipment.
Plasma/LCD/LED TVs of similar technology are dutiable at 38.5% duty whether used or new.
