Customs Regulations in India

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

• Passport for all family members
• Visa (to reside in India for at least one year)
• Inventory, valued in English (indicating date purchased) and itemized (brand, model and serial number of all major appliances must be noted and in English)
• Indian Customs Declaration Form (to be signed in presence of Customs Officer)
• Diplomatic shipments require Duty Exemption Certificates from the government of India
• Insurance policy

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS

• 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.

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)
• Live plants
• Walkie-talkies
• Pornographic material
• Narcotics
• Politically sensitive literature

MOTOR VEHICLES

• ALL VEHICLES including boats are subject to DUTY and very high taxes
• Prior to Customs clearance, foreign nationals are required to furnish a bank bond for import trade authorities, stating not to sell the car for a specified period
• Indians can sell the car immediately upon Customs clearance
• Indians can import brand new cars up to 1600cc
• Cars exceeding 1600cc must have been registered in the importers name abroad for at least one year
• Documents required:
  • Owner's passport indicating two years residence abroad (original)
  • Manufacturer's invoice (original)
  • Customs Clearing Permit/Import License
  • Insurance Policy
  • Auto Registration Certificate
  • Keys
  • List of extras and purchase date

PETS

• Health Certificate, rabies and other vaccinations required
• One only of cat, dog, or parrot

DUTY AND TAX RATE %

• All used Household Goods (more than 1 year old) are duty-free
• All new articles, whether furniture, crockery, etc., are charged a duty of at least 50%.
• The following items are dutiable at 25% (new or used)
  
  

  -TV	-Air Conditioner
  -VCR	-Refrigerator
  -Washing Machine	-Deep Freezer
  -LPG cooking Range	-Microwave Oven
  -Dishwasher	-Video Camera
  -Music System	-Word Processor
  -Personal Computer	-FAX Machine

  
  
• If the total value of the above items exceeds RS 150,000,(approximately $4250) or items that exceed the one-piece limit will attract a dut of approximately 62%.