India Import Customs Guide for Household Goods (FIDI) | Neva Logistics


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India import customs guide for household goods & personal effects

Structured for readability and copy-paste to your website. Fully responsive: desktop table + mobile cards view.
Content is based on the FIDI Import Customs Guide (India).

Format: Door-to-door removals / personal effects
Mobile: Cards view
Desktop: Scrollable table

Important: Customs rules and duties can change and may vary by port. Always confirm the latest requirements with the destination agent and the official authorities listed below before shipment dispatch.

Official resources (India)

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Foreign nationals

Goods / Category Documents required Customs prescriptions Remarks
Foreign nationals
  • —
  • executing projects/contracts in India will have to come only on employment visas.
  • destination agent.
Documents required
  • —
Customs prescriptions
  • executing projects/contracts in India will have to come only on employment visas.
Remarks
  • destination agent.

Non-Diplomatic

Goods / Category Documents required Customs prescriptions Remarks
Non-Diplomatic
  • over to Indian destination agent until shipment clears customs.
  • Authority Letter (sample provided by destination agent in India).
  • Baggage Declaration Form (provided by destination agent in India).
  • Inventory with valuation of each item.
  • Purchase invoice copy of the electronic/brand new items required.
  • Indian Customs Declaration Form (provided by destination agent in India).
  • Bill of Lading.
  • Copy of Employment Letter or Transfer Letter is required for clearance.
  • FRRO Registration is required for clearance of HHG for Foreign Nationals.
  • Pan card copy and final destination local residence address proof required
  • Authority Letter (sample provided by destination agent).
  • Automobiles can be shipped within 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.
  • 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 under Transfer of Residence subject to the following conditions:
  • 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.
  • Foreign nationals must have a resident permit/ business / work / entry visa or a PIO card.
  • Appointment letter/assignment letter stating minimum two years stay in India.
  • Goods must be shipped out (shipped on board) from the origin country within one month of arrival of the owner into India. For air shipment, within 15 days after the arrival of the owner/passenger. Automobiles can be shipped with 6 Kolkata & Kochi.
  • The owner’s presence is a must for both air/sea shipments; at Chennai the owner’s presence is a must for air shipment & may not be required for sea shipment during customs clearance but owner should arrive in India before the shipment arrival and be present in country until the shipment clears customs or else demurrage / container detention will be quite heavy.
  • All containers (unless diplomatic) are offloaded at POE/TOE (and reloaded into vans).
  • All household goods (old and used) and personal effects are dutiable, but might get concessions if in owners’ possession for at least 1 year (and used) under the Transfer Residence rule.
  • FRRO registration is mandatory to avail benefit of TR by Sea excluding Delhi Port. For Air Shipment Registration Application Form will work.
  • For foreign nationals – TR benefit not allowed at Chennai & New Delhi customs.
  • See above.
  • If alcohol is mentioned on the packing list,
Documents required
  • over to Indian destination agent until shipment clears customs.
  • Authority Letter (sample provided by destination agent in India).
  • Baggage Declaration Form (provided by destination agent in India).
  • Inventory with valuation of each item.
  • Purchase invoice copy of the electronic/brand new items required.
  • Indian Customs Declaration Form (provided by destination agent in India).
  • Bill of Lading.
  • Copy of Employment Letter or Transfer Letter is required for clearance.
  • FRRO Registration is required for clearance of HHG for Foreign Nationals.
  • Pan card copy and final destination local residence address proof required
  • Authority Letter (sample provided by destination agent).
Customs prescriptions
  • Automobiles can be shipped within 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.
  • 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 under Transfer of Residence subject to the following conditions:
  • 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.
  • Foreign nationals must have a resident permit/ business / work / entry visa or a PIO card.
  • Appointment letter/assignment letter stating minimum two years stay in India.
  • Goods must be shipped out (shipped on board) from the origin country within one month of arrival of the owner into India. For air shipment, within 15 days after the arrival of the owner/passenger. Automobiles can be shipped with 6 Kolkata & Kochi.
  • The owner’s presence is a must for both air/sea shipments; at Chennai the owner’s presence is a must for air shipment & may not be required for sea shipment during customs clearance but owner should arrive in India before the shipment arrival and be present in country until the shipment clears customs or else demurrage / container detention will be quite heavy.
  • All containers (unless diplomatic) are offloaded at POE/TOE (and reloaded into vans).
  • All household goods (old and used) and personal effects are dutiable, but might get concessions if in owners’ possession for at least 1 year (and used) under the Transfer Residence rule.
  • FRRO registration is mandatory to avail benefit of TR by Sea excluding Delhi Port. For Air Shipment Registration Application Form will work.
  • For foreign nationals – TR benefit not allowed at Chennai & New Delhi customs.
  • See above.
Remarks
  • If alcohol is mentioned on the packing list,

Diplomatic removals

Goods / Category Documents required Customs prescriptions Remarks
Diplomatic removals
  • Authority Letter (sample provided by destination agent).
  • Original Passport will need to be turned over to destination agent until clearance.
  • Diplomatic card.
  • Duty Exemption certificate duly attested/certified and duty-free Exemption Certificate issued by Ministry of External Affairs, Govt. of India through Diplomatic Mission in India.
  • Bill of Lading.
  • Inventory List.
  • In India, Packing list, Passport and Bill of Lading should be sealed and signed by the Embassy/Consulate.
  • Inventory List should be sealed and signed by the Embassy/Consulate.
  • See above.
  • Alcohol and new items are permitted to be imported duty/tax free.
  • All exams are possible; diplomats are not exempt from X-ray or physical inspection.
  • Importer’s U.S. Consulate or United Nations Mission’s Office must initiate the request for diplomatic entry (DS-1504).
  • If alcohol is mentioned on the packing list, it should state it as ‘Diplomatic’ and it will be cleared duty free.
  • All consignments are subject to examination by customs.
Documents required
  • Authority Letter (sample provided by destination agent).
  • Original Passport will need to be turned over to destination agent until clearance.
  • Diplomatic card.
  • Duty Exemption certificate duly attested/certified and duty-free Exemption Certificate issued by Ministry of External Affairs, Govt. of India through Diplomatic Mission in India.
  • Bill of Lading.
  • Inventory List.
  • In India, Packing list, Passport and Bill of Lading should be sealed and signed by the Embassy/Consulate.
  • Inventory List should be sealed and signed by the Embassy/Consulate.
Customs prescriptions
  • See above.
  • Alcohol and new items are permitted to be imported duty/tax free.
  • All exams are possible; diplomats are not exempt from X-ray or physical inspection.
  • Importer’s U.S. Consulate or United Nations Mission’s Office must initiate the request for diplomatic entry (DS-1504).
Remarks
  • If alcohol is mentioned on the packing list, it should state it as ‘Diplomatic’ and it will be cleared duty free.
  • All consignments are subject to examination by customs.

Import of Passenger Cars / Jeep / Multi-utility Vehicles

Goods / Category Documents required Customs prescriptions Remarks
Import of Passenger Cars / Jeep / Multi-utility Vehicles
  • The original Manufacturing Invoice of the vehicles (not from dealer or any other sources), must be submitted.
  • The following rates of duty are applicable for import of cars and other motor vehicles principally designed for the transport of persons including station wagons and racing cars. Since motor vehicles are excluded from the definition of Baggage, duties are to be collected at the Tariff rate taking into consideration Exemption Notifications if any.
  • The present rates are as under:
  • New, which have not been registered anywhere prior to importation.
  • Basic Customs duty 20%
  • CVD 16%, SAD 8%, CESS 125%, National Calamity fund 1%, Educational CESS on BCD & CVD 2%
  • If imported as completely knock down (CKD) Unit.
  • Basic Customs Duty 20%
  • CVD 16%, SAD 8%, CESS 125%, National Calamity fund 1%, Educational CESS on BCD & CVD 2%
  • If imported in any other form:
  • Basic Customs Duty 60%
  • CVD 16%, SAD 8%, CESS 125%, National Calamity fund 1%, Educational CESS on BCD & CVD 2%
  • Others i.e., already registered:
  • Basic Customs Duty 105%
  • CVD 16%, SAD 8%, CESS 125%, National Calamity fund 1%, Educational CESS on BCD & CVD 2%
  • A relevant Insurance certificate is required.
  • Customs duty (approx. 164% on the assessable value assessed by the customs), will be levied.
  • Import of Car, Bike or any other vehicle is not allowed in Bangalore/Hyderabad.
  • Left Hand Drive Cars are not allowed to import in India.
  • Rules for Import of motor vehicles/Bikes into India are very detailed, conditional & complicated. Please take advice of your local agent before planning any such shipment to India.
  • However diplomatic motor vehicles/bike is 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’s requirements).
  • A private personal car can be imported under permanent settlement terms (Transfer of residence) of the customer coming into India and the requirements are as follows:
  • Should be with right hand steering, and controls.
  • Have a speedometer indicating the speed in kilometres.
  • Have photometry of the headlamps to suit “keep left” traffic.
  • Should not be older than three years from the date of manufacture.
  • Should be Euro-III compliant.
  • Should have been registered for at least one year, in the name of the customer.
Documents required
  • The original Manufacturing Invoice of the vehicles (not from dealer or any other sources), must be submitted.
Customs prescriptions
  • The following rates of duty are applicable for import of cars and other motor vehicles principally designed for the transport of persons including station wagons and racing cars. Since motor vehicles are excluded from the definition of Baggage, duties are to be collected at the Tariff rate taking into consideration Exemption Notifications if any.
  • The present rates are as under:
  • New, which have not been registered anywhere prior to importation.
  • Basic Customs duty 20%
  • CVD 16%, SAD 8%, CESS 125%, National Calamity fund 1%, Educational CESS on BCD & CVD 2%
  • If imported as completely knock down (CKD) Unit.
  • Basic Customs Duty 20%
  • CVD 16%, SAD 8%, CESS 125%, National Calamity fund 1%, Educational CESS on BCD & CVD 2%
  • If imported in any other form:
  • Basic Customs Duty 60%
  • CVD 16%, SAD 8%, CESS 125%, National Calamity fund 1%, Educational CESS on BCD & CVD 2%
  • Others i.e., already registered:
  • Basic Customs Duty 105%
  • CVD 16%, SAD 8%, CESS 125%, National Calamity fund 1%, Educational CESS on BCD & CVD 2%
  • A relevant Insurance certificate is required.
  • Customs duty (approx. 164% on the assessable value assessed by the customs), will be levied.
  • Import of Car, Bike or any other vehicle is not allowed in Bangalore/Hyderabad.
  • Left Hand Drive Cars are not allowed to import in India.
Remarks
  • Rules for Import of motor vehicles/Bikes into India are very detailed, conditional & complicated. Please take advice of your local agent before planning any such shipment to India.
  • However diplomatic motor vehicles/bike is 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’s requirements).
  • A private personal car can be imported under permanent settlement terms (Transfer of residence) of the customer coming into India and the requirements are as follows:
  • Should be with right hand steering, and controls.
  • Have a speedometer indicating the speed in kilometres.
  • Have photometry of the headlamps to suit “keep left” traffic.
  • Should not be older than three years from the date of manufacture.
  • Should be Euro-III compliant.
  • Should have been registered for at least one year, in the name of the customer.

Domestic animals

Goods / Category Documents required Customs prescriptions Remarks
Domestic animals
  • NOC required from veterinary and other authorities.
  • Two pets per passenger (cat/ dog) may be allowed.
  • Should you need further information contact your local destination agent prior to shipping.
Documents required
  • NOC required from veterinary and other authorities.
Customs prescriptions
  • Two pets per passenger (cat/ dog) may be allowed.
Remarks
  • Should you need further information contact your local destination agent prior to shipping.

Prohibited Items

Goods / Category Documents required Customs prescriptions Remarks
Prohibited Items
  • —
  • Firearms, Weapons, ammunition of any type.
  • Narcotics.
  • Obscene Literature, Pornographic Material.
  • Wildlife items like ivory, horns etc.
  • Drones
  • These items are strictly prohibited into India.
  • Do not pack these items under any circumstances. They will be confiscated and fines will be levied.
  • Should you need further information contact your local destination agent prior to shipping.
Documents required
  • —
Customs prescriptions
  • Firearms, Weapons, ammunition of any type.
  • Narcotics.
  • Obscene Literature, Pornographic Material.
  • Wildlife items like ivory, horns etc.
  • Drones
Remarks
  • These items are strictly prohibited into India.
  • Do not pack these items under any circumstances. They will be confiscated and fines will be levied.
  • Should you need further information contact your local destination agent prior to shipping.

Dutiable Items

Goods / Category Documents required Customs prescriptions Remarks
Dutiable Items
  • —
  • The following items are allowed in your shipment, but will be subject to tax and duty:
  • Firearms.
  • Cartridges of Firearms exceeding 50.
  • Cigarettes exceeding 100 sticks or cigars exceeding 25 or tobacco exceeding 125 grams.
  • Alcoholic liquor or wines in excess of 2 litres.
  • Gold or silver, in any form, other than ornaments.
  • Any other items which are not used/old, or not in possession for at least 1 year may attract duty.
  • Import duties on alcohol & spirits, etc. are very high in India (approx. 182 %) and on beer & wines (approx. 150%). Customs duty on cars is approx. from 120% up to 261%. Customs duty on new motorcycles is approx. 100%.
  • Electrical/electronic appliances: customs duty rules may apply if quantity/value exceeds thresholds (as per baggage / inclusion lists).
  • If shipping alcohol, please contact your local destination agent prior to shipping for necessary information.
  • Custom Duties/ Taxes are subject to change as per notifications from Government of India. It is advisable to check with destination agent prior to shipping.
  • Customs duty on cars is approx. from 120% up to 261%.
Documents required
  • —
Customs prescriptions
  • The following items are allowed in your shipment, but will be subject to tax and duty:
  • Firearms.
  • Cartridges of Firearms exceeding 50.
  • Cigarettes exceeding 100 sticks or cigars exceeding 25 or tobacco exceeding 125 grams.
  • Alcoholic liquor or wines in excess of 2 litres.
  • Gold or silver, in any form, other than ornaments.
  • Any other items which are not used/old, or not in possession for at least 1 year may attract duty.
  • Import duties on alcohol & spirits, etc. are very high in India (approx. 182 %) and on beer & wines (approx. 150%). Customs duty on cars is approx. from 120% up to 261%. Customs duty on new motorcycles is approx. 100%.
  • Electrical/electronic appliances: customs duty rules may apply if quantity/value exceeds thresholds (as per baggage / inclusion lists).
Remarks
  • If shipping alcohol, please contact your local destination agent prior to shipping for necessary information.
  • Custom Duties/ Taxes are subject to change as per notifications from Government of India. It is advisable to check with destination agent prior to shipping.
  • Customs duty on cars is approx. from 120% up to 261%.

Baggage

Goods / Category Documents required Customs prescriptions Remarks
Baggage
  • —
  • Baggage rules and regulations effective as from April 1st, 2016:
  • Free allowance for passenger on arrival: used personal effects & travel souvenirs (excluding firearms, prohibited items and certain high-value goods) subject to conditions; additional allowances may depend on residency duration abroad.
  • Unaccompanied baggage: must generally be dispatched within one month of passenger’s arrival in India (or within a period specified by customs authority).
  • Unaccompanied baggage may land in India up to two months before the passenger’s arrival; customs may allow longer (up to one year) in justified cases recorded by Deputy/Assistant Commissioner of Customs.
  • Inclusion A / Inclusion B lists define items that may attract duty (e.g., certain electronics / appliances) and their conditions/limits.
  • Examples of Inclusion A (dutiable list) include: Colour Television (LED/LCD/Plasma may attract duty), Video Home Theatre System, Dish Washer, Domestic refrigerators above 300 litres, Deep Freezer, Video camera, Sound recording/producing apparatus, Video reproducing apparatus, etc.
  • Customs duty may apply if the value/quantity of appliances exceeds specified thresholds; rates and conditions depend on current customs notifications.
  • Port-specific practices and timelines may apply; coordinate with destination agent.
  • —
Documents required
  • —
Customs prescriptions
  • Baggage rules and regulations effective as from April 1st, 2016:
  • Free allowance for passenger on arrival: used personal effects & travel souvenirs (excluding firearms, prohibited items and certain high-value goods) subject to conditions; additional allowances may depend on residency duration abroad.
  • Unaccompanied baggage: must generally be dispatched within one month of passenger’s arrival in India (or within a period specified by customs authority).
  • Unaccompanied baggage may land in India up to two months before the passenger’s arrival; customs may allow longer (up to one year) in justified cases recorded by Deputy/Assistant Commissioner of Customs.
  • Inclusion A / Inclusion B lists define items that may attract duty (e.g., certain electronics / appliances) and their conditions/limits.
  • Examples of Inclusion A (dutiable list) include: Colour Television (LED/LCD/Plasma may attract duty), Video Home Theatre System, Dish Washer, Domestic refrigerators above 300 litres, Deep Freezer, Video camera, Sound recording/producing apparatus, Video reproducing apparatus, etc.
  • Customs duty may apply if the value/quantity of appliances exceeds specified thresholds; rates and conditions depend on current customs notifications.
  • Port-specific practices and timelines may apply; coordinate with destination agent.
Remarks
  • —

Wood

Goods / Category Documents required Customs prescriptions Remarks
Wood
  • —
  • Fumigation of imported and exported wooden crates is required.
  • The Indian Government adopted ISPM-15 (International standards for Phytosanitary Measures Publication 15) Guidelines for Regulating Wood Packaging Material in International Trade (aka NIFM-15) to standardise the treatment of wood packing materials used for the transport of goods.
  • —
Documents required
  • —
Customs prescriptions
  • Fumigation of imported and exported wooden crates is required.
  • The Indian Government adopted ISPM-15 (International standards for Phytosanitary Measures Publication 15) Guidelines for Regulating Wood Packaging Material in International Trade (aka NIFM-15) to standardise the treatment of wood packing materials used for the transport of goods.
Remarks
  • —

Disclaimer: this guide is provided for convenience and does not replace official regulations or a destination agent’s instructions.
Always validate requirements with Indian Customs / CBIC and other competent authorities before shipping.