Customs Regulations:

Indian nationals, foreign nationals including those of Indian origin, transferring their residence to India or coming to India on employment, can import their personal effects and household goods into India duty free subject to the following conditions.

1. Transferee must have lived overseas for at least 2 years and must be transferring his/her residence to India. Transferee must not have visited India for more than 180 days in the preceding two years.

2. Foreign nationals must have a resident / business / work / entry visa or a PIO card.

3. Goods must be shipped out within one month of arrival of the owner into India; automobiles can be shipped with 6 months of arrival. If there is a delay then goods can be cleared only if customs condone the delay. Each case will be decided on merits.

4. The owner’s presence is NOT required during customs clearance but owner should arrive in India before the shipment and be present in country until the shipment clears customs or else demurrage / container detention will be quite heavy.

5. The condition of compulsory one-year stay in India after claiming Transfer of Residence duty benefits has been removed and importers can now leave the country after claiming TR concessions.

6. All household goods (old and used) and personal effects are duty free if in owners possession for at least 1 year (and used) under the Transfer Residence rule.

Vehicle:

1. Indian or Foreign nationals transferring their residence to India are allowed to import one vehicle. A car that was in the importers ownership or possession for over a year is allowed. Payment for the car must be made prior to arrival of owner in India.

2. Import of new car is allowed but should meet pollution norms and right hand drive

3. Shipment may be done within 6 months of arrival. In lieu of a motor car, one motorcycle can also be imported.

4. Only Right Hand Drive cars are allowed

5. Only Cars which meets Euro III pollution norms are allowed.  Must have certificate from manufacturer

Pets:

Two pets per passenger (cat/ dog) may be imported into India without any import license.

Documents Required:

Please make note of the customs forms and documents that will be required in India. P. M, Relocations in India will request these documents upon arrival of your shipment. Please make sure they are in order at the time of your arrival in India. Your presence is required in the country for customs clearance of your household goods.

A)   Non-Diplomatic:

·     Original Passport will need to be turned over to Indian destination agent until shipment clears customs

·     Authority Letter (provided by destination agent in India)

·     Baggage Declaration Form (provided by destination agent in India)

·     Inventory with valuation of each item

·     Indian Customs Declaration Form (provided by destination agent in India)

·     Bill of Lading

B)   Diplomatic:

·     Authority Letter (provided by destination agent in India)

·     Baggage Declaration Form (provided by destination agent in India)

·     Copy of Passport duly attested and Duty free Exemption Certificate issued by Ministry of External Affairs, Govt. of India through Diplomatic Mission in India

·     Bill of Lading

·     Inventory List

Documents needed for Vehicle:

1. An Original Invoice of the vehicle is required

Restricted Items:

These items are subject to review by the Customs Department in India. Please let me know in advance of the pack date if you plan to send any of the following items.

1. Foreign nationals can import foodstuff in their main HHG shipment duty free up to a limit of Rs. 50,000/- (US $ 1111)

2. Foreign nationals who are resident in India can import foodstuff worth Rs. 100,000 p.a. (approx. US $ 2222).Payment for the foodstuff must be made out of funds of the foreign national available outside India.

Prohibited Items:

These items are strictly prohibited into India. Do not pack these items under any circumstances. They will be confiscated and fines will be levied:

1. Firearms, Weapons, ammunition of any type

2. Narcotics

3. Obscene Literature, Pornographic Material

Dutiable Items:

The following items are allowed in your shipment, but will be subject to tax and duty.

1. Wine, spirits, beverages, etc.

2. New articles are charged duty @ 35 %

3. The following electronic appliances are charged duty @ 15 % of the value subject to a value limit of Rs. 500,000/- (approx. US $ 11111) regardless of usage. The items are:
   Television, DVD Player, Video Home Theatre System, Dishwasher, Music System, Air conditioner, Domestic Refrigerator above 300 liters, Deep Freezer, Microwave Oven, Video Camera, Word Processor, Fax machine, Portable Photocopiers, Aircraft, Boats, Cinematographic Films of 35 mm and above, Gold or Silver in any form other than ornaments. Concessional duty rate of 15 % is allowed only on the first unit. If the shipper has two or more of any appliance, or the combined value of all the above appliances exceeds Rs. 500,000 (US$ 11111) duty @ 35 % will be charged on the additional units/value.

4. Import duties on alcohol & spirits, etc are very high in India (approx. 182 %) and on beer & wines (approx 150%). If shipping alcohol please contact us prior to shipping for necessary information.

5. Customs duty on new cars is approx 114% and old car 169%. Customs duty on motorcycles is approx 152%.

6. These are subject to depreciation and service tax which is at present 12.36%  
    

Customs regulations are subject to change at any time. The proceeding information is a brief summary of customs regulations applicable to household goods shipments to this destination and is being provided for general guidance to assist our Agents and Customers. Since such regulations are subject to change without notice, P. M, Relocations cannot be held liable for any costs, damage, delays, or other detrimental events resulting from non-compliance.