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 Frequently Asked Question
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Moving from one country to another with your family and entire household goods can become very hectic and needs months of planning. You have various questions on your mind but do not know where to start from and whom to ask.
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Can the goods be cleared through customs prior to my arrival? |
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No, the owner must be present in India at the time of arrival of shipment. The passport must be submitted to customs at the time of clearance. |
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Do I need to declare the insured value to customs?
Do I need to declare the insured value to customs? |
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No, Insurance is generally on replacement value. The Indian Customs assesses the value at cost and depreciation is allowed on used goods.
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Do I need to be present at the time of customs clearance at the customs station? |
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At certain customs stations the customs authorities insist upon presence of the owner at the time of customs examination. Generally New Delhi and Mumbai are more liberal in this regard. |
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Are the goods subject to intensive examination?
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Customs officials carry out a random check of the shipment. Items as depicted on the packing list and subject to confessional duty are normally checked. If items which are dutiable and not depicted in the packing list or declared are recovered, then this can lead to an intensive examination, which would lead to heavy penalties and delay.
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May I import more than one shipment?
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Yes, as long as each shipment is shipped within one month of owner's arrival in India. However, the owner might not be allowed to avail of Transfer of Residence benefits on more than one shipment. |
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How much time is required for customs clearance? |
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The shipment has to be placed at the customs warehouse and this may take a few days after arrival of shipment (usually for Sea shipments). The customs examination takes the least amount of time. However, it can take up to 3-4 days to complete all terminal and customs formalities at the sea port / terminal. Air shipment would take just 1 - 2 days to complete all customs and airport formalities. |
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Do I need receipts for the goods?
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Generally the customs valuation of the goods is beneficial to the owner. It may be good to retain the receipt for computer equipments.
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Do I need to obtain any certificates from the Indian Mission abroad? |
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No, only incase of the shipment of a deceased Indian national. Customs forms are filled only after arrival of the owner in India. The packing list and passport are required for customs clearance. |
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Can more than one in a family avail of the 'Transfer of Residence' benefits or are these clubbed?
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No, the benefits are based on 'per family' basis. The owner is required to give a declaration that no other member of the family shall avail of the transfer of residence benefits. Also, a necessary endorsement is made on the passport.
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How would I know that I am eligible for a Transfer of residence? |
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The owner / shipper is eligible for Transfer of Residence, if the owner has resided overseas for the past two years and is transferring residence to India for at least one year and has not stayed India for over 180 days in the past two years. |
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