We did some research for you and gathered some useful info about life in India
Required Documents
- Passport
- Visa (if planning to reside in India for 1 year or more)
- Itemized inventory with values in English noting date of purchased
- Indian Customs Declaration Form (must be signed in customs officer presence)
- Duty Exemption Certificate from the government of India if a diplomatic shipment
- Insurance policy
Remarks: Shipper must be present in order to sign a declaration of contents in India. All shipments will be inspected.
Household Goods
Used Household Goods: Goods intended for personal use are duty-free for Indian nationals returning to India as well as those moving to India from other countries of origin under the following conditions:
- Goods have been owned/used for a minimum of one (1) year prior to shipping
- Indian citizens have resided outside of India for two (2) years and intend to stay in India for at least one (1) year
- Shipments arriving by sea must be shipped within 30 days of the customer’s arrival
- Shipments arriving by air must whip within 15 days of the customer’s arrival
The following items are restricted or dutiable:
- Large volumes of food, toiletries, cosmetics, etc.
- Alcohol and tobacco products (alcohol products are subject to over 200% duty)
- Only one of each type of appliance or electronic equipment is permitted
- Consumables and new products
- Equipment related to a specific profession may be permitted duty-free if the customer can provide sufficient evidence of his/her profession
- Goods should not be shipped in manufacturer packaging
- Golden and silver other than ornamental pieces
PROHIBITED
The following items are prohibited:
- Plants (live)
- Walkie-talkies
- Narcotics
- Pornographic material of any kind
- Political literature
- Weapons, ammunition, and firearms – unless licensed prior to moving
Automobiles
Duty/Tax: All vehicles are subject to high taxes and duty
Customs Clearance for Non-Natives: Those moving overseas must furnish a bank bond to the import trade authorities stating the car will not be sold for a specific period
Customs Clearance for Natives: Indian nationals may sell their cars immediately after clearance through customs. They may also import brand new cars with engines up to 1600cc.
Cars with Engines over 1600cc: Cars with engines exceeding 1600cc must be registered in the shipper’s name for one (1) year prior to shipping
Documents:
- Owner’s original passport showing a minimum of two (2) years residence overseas
- Original manufacturer’s invoice
- Important license/customs clearing permit
- Insurance policy
- Auto registration certificate
- Automobile keys
- Lists noting extras and date of purchase
PETS
Documentation: A health certificate is required
Vaccinations: The pet must be current on rabies as well as other vaccinations
Restrictions: You may only ship one (1) of each:
- Cat
- Dog
- Parrot
DUTY AND TAX
Used Household Goods: If older than one (1) year they are duty-free
New Household Goods: This includes anything from furniture to cookware. Duty rate of at least 50% applies.
Miscellaneous Appliances: The following miscellaneous items are dutiable at a rate of 25%, regardless of whether they are new or used:
- TV
- Washing Machine
- VCR
- LPG cooking range
- Refrigerator
- Air Conditioner
- Deep Freezer
Additional Duty: If the total of the items listed above exceed RS 150,000 of if you exceed the one-piece limit, you will be charge a duty of approximately 62%
Electricity
- Electric voltage is 230 V
- Type C or D electrical plugs
For more info visit the India Customs Website.
Are you moving to India from New York? If you are relocating from the Tri-state area to India, we provide door to door service and take care of your move.
Feel free to contact us with any questions you may have. We’d love to make your move to/from India as seamless and stress-free as possible.
If you are looking for a free estimate, go here to calculate it.
We have a lot of experience moving and relocating people to/from India and would love to assist you.