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.

Documents Required

• Vaccination record

• Veterinary health certificate

Specific Information

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

• 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)

• Beef and beef products

• Narcotics, non-branded drugs and psychotropic substances

• Obscene literature, photographs or films

• Politically subversive literature.