Import Regulations in India

The required documents are as follows: 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.

The shipper must be present in India at the time of customs clearance in order to sign a declaration of contents. Household goods and personal effects are duty-free for foreign nationals and Indians transferring residence to India if the goods have been owned and used for a minimum of one year prior to importation and if Indian Citizens have resided outside the country for two years and intend on staying in India for a year. Foreign nationals should produce a visa valid for one year. The shipments are 100% inspected. Sea imports must be shipped within 30 days of customers arrival and air shipments within 15 days of shippers arrival.

The dutiable/restricted items are as follows: 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.