Indian customs requires an accurate itemised packing list with declared values for every single item. Vague descriptions will cause delays. Transfer of Residence (TR) rules may allow duty-free import for returning residents. Electronics and appliances attract duties regardless.
✈ Air freight to India: 4-9 working days, subject to space and flight availability with the carriers from UK door collection • ⚓ Sea freight: 6-10 weeks via Nhava Sheva • Price confirmed before we collect • Freephone 0800 096 38 39
These items are not automatically refused but face restrictions, duties, inspections or require specific documentation. Check before you pack.
Televisions, laptops, phones and other electronics attract customs duties. Laptops: one per traveller duty-free.
Subject to strict import limits and duties. Amounts above allowance attract significant duty.
Indian Rupees: import restricted. Foreign currency above $5,000 USD must be declared.
Controlled drugs require documentation. Some medications require CDSCO approval.
Many processed food items are restricted. Meat and dairy products face significant restrictions.
Require phytosanitary certificate from UK plant health authority.
Require specific Department of Telecommunications approval.
Strictly prohibited and subject to confiscation.
The following items are prohibited on all services — air freight, sea freight and door-to-door (subject to your destination). Do not pack them. Items found during inspection will be confiscated, and you may face penalties.
Customs clearance at destination is your responsibility as sender — who must also be the receiver for personal effects classification. Have these documents ready before we collect.
If customs or inspection issues arise at the destination — including holds, queries or inspections — you must respond promptly. Failure to respond, or submission of incorrect documentation, will result in storage charges accumulating at the destination warehouse at your cost.
You are liable for storage, inspection fees and any duties that arise where:
If you are unsure about any item, its declared value, or the documentation required for your destination — call us before you pack. We would rather spend ten minutes on the phone with you than have your shipment held at customs for two weeks while fees accumulate.
After more than two decades on this route, we know exactly what causes shipments to be held, delayed or refused at India customs. These are the practical tips that make the difference.
The itemised list is not optional in India. Write "5 cotton shirts, value £80" not "clothing."
Electronics will be scrutinised. Declare all devices with model numbers and values.
If you are returning to India permanently, Transfer of Residence rules may allow duty-free import. Ask us at booking.
Allow extra clearance time at Mumbai and Delhi during peak festival periods.
Undeclared items found at inspection attract significant penalties in addition to duties.
“We collect your luggage ourselves. We check it is properly packed, wrapped and secured before it leaves your door. After 28 years we know what arrives safely and what doesn’t. That happens before the bag is in the air — not after.”
Your UK shipping quote does not include the following destination charges. These are levied by governing bodies and government agencies at the arrival country and are payable by you directly at destination:
These charges are mandatory, set by the destination country’s governing bodies, and outside our control. We will advise you of known destination charges for your route at the time of booking so you can budget accordingly. If you have questions about what to expect at your destination, call us on 0800 096 38 39 before you book.