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A guide to moving to India

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Important information you need to know when moving to India

Want to move to New Delhi? Considering moving to Mumbai? Or thinking about an international removal to Bangalore. Here’s the moving advice you’ll need for any international removal to India…

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View of the Safdarjung's Tomb in New Delhi, India
Meenakshi hindu temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, South India

Moving Household Goods And Personal Effects To India

Below is a list of the documents you will need when planning an international removal to India:  
  • Original Passport (Of the individual moving/importing the goods) (copy of Passport duly certified is accepted for diplomats)
  • Valued list of articles with date of purchase
  • Baggage customs declaration signed by owner of the goods
  • Removal packing list – We will complete this if you want us to undertake a full packing service for your removal
  • Authority letters (diplomats / non-diplomats, refer to agents for more information)
  • Duty-free exemption certificate issued by diplomatic organization in India
  • Original bill of lading (OBL) / sea waybill / copy of air waybill (AWB) – We will take care of this if completing the entire international removal to India for you.
  • Original residence permit (foreigners)
  • Valid visa / PIO card for foreign nationals
  • Employment letter / transfer letter / assignment letters
  • List of electronic items
We recommend providing these as soon as possible to reduce delays with your removal to India. Late receipt of documentation can lead to missed shipments, additional charges and penalties at Indian Customs. For your own protection, we will almost never ship your goods without the above in place.
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Famous taj mahal mausoleum on the bank of the yumana river in agra india

Additional Removal Advice for Removals to India

  • The removal packing list must be stamped by the Consulate / the Embassy for diplomatic shipments.
  • The owner of the goods must be present for Customs clearance.
  • All shipments are subject to Customs examination unless a diplomatic shipment.
  • All containers (except diplomat) are offloaded at the point of entry (POE) / (TOE) and reloaded into vans.
  • Foreign nationals must possess a visa valid for 1 year.
  • Indian nationals must have lived abroad for at least 2 years preceding transfer to India and intend to reside in India for a period of at least 1 year.
    • Owner of the goods must have not must not have visited India for more than 180 days in the preceding 2 years.
  • Air shipments must be dispatched from the origin airport within 15 days after the arrival of the owner of the goods in India.
  • Sea shipments must be dispatched from the origin seaport within 1 month after the arrival of the owner of the goods in India.
  • Shipments may arrive at the India airport / seaport 2 months prior to arrival of the owner of the goods; however, the shipment will be subject to demurrage or detention as applicable.
  • Electronic items should be loaded in the front (opening side) of the container or lift-van
  • A list of electronic items should be provided on a separate sheet.

Note: Customs regulations are the same throughout India. However, the regulations may be interpreted differently amongst the various Customs offices.

Useful Links

We always recommend speaking directly to the relevant embassy for the most accurate and up to date moving advice:

Popular Destinations in India

Gerson Moving Services is vastly experienced in international removals to cities all over the globe. Their long history and detailed knowledge of different countries makes them the perfect choice for your move. Here are some of the most popular destinations we are asked to move people to in India:

Mumbai (Maharashtra), Delhi, Bangalore (Karnataka), Chennai (Tamil Nadu), Hyderabad (Telangana), Ahmedabad (Gujarat), Kolkata (West Bengal), Surat (Gujarat), Pune (Maharashtra), Jaipur (Rajasthan).

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Additional Services for your move to India

Moving Your Money

If you’re moving to India, it’s very likely you’ll need to exchange a significant amount of currency. Many people lose out by using their bank, assuming it’s the only option. However, there are specialist currency exchange providers that offer more competitive rates and can help you save thousands. To find out how to make your money go further during your move, speak to one of our move managers, click here, or give us a call: +44 20 7097 5335.

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Get Move Liability Cover for your international removal to India

We always advise taking out move protection liability cover with us on every move. Although we like to think we’re the best in the industry, the odd accident can occasionally happen. For added peace of mind, make sure to speak to one of our move managers about this.

Download Liability Cover Form

Discover Our GMS Xtra Value Services

Gerson Moving Services goes beyond standard removals, offering a full range of relocation solutions to make your move seamless. Our value-added services include international currency transfer, home and school search, visa and immigration support, health insurance, container tracking, car purchase and leasing, and temporary accommodation. We also provide expert packing, secure storage, customs clearance, and pet relocation, ensuring a smooth transition whether you’re moving locally or internationally. With our end-to-end relocation management, you can trust Gerson for a stress-free, efficient move.

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Moving Your Car Or Motorcycle

Documents required

Below is a list of the documents you will need when planning to move your vehicle to India:

  • Original Passport (Of the individual moving/importing the goods)
  • Original manufacturer’s invoice
  • Insurance policy
  • Certificate of title / registration
  • OBL
  • Duty exemption certificate (applicable only to diplomatic relocations / diplomats moving)
  • Import license

Note: Not all ports / terminals in India are allowed to import cars. It is advisable to check with the destination agent / branch prior to shipping.

motorbike-crating for shipment

Additional Import Advice

  • The import of motor vehicles is a detailed, conditional and complicated procedure and is not recommended.
  • Duties are generally higher than 100%.
  • Diplomatic motor vehicles are 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 approval.
  • Only right-hand drive vehicles are allowed to be imported
  • Only cards that meet Euro III pollution norms are allowed (must have manufacturer’s certificate)
  • New vehicles may only be imported from the country of manufacture.
  • Used vehicles can only be imported through the Customs port at Mumbai.
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Relocating Your Pets to India

These documents will be required when planning to relocate your pet to India:

  • Veterinary health certificate
  • Vaccination record

Additional Import Advice

  • Only one cat, dog or parrot may be imported at the time of shipment.
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Dogs traveling by airplane. Boxes with live animals at the airport

Restricted & Dutiable / Taxable Items

Think very carefully before moving these items to India. Items on this list will be taxed and/or require specific permission to import. In all cases they must be declared prior to you relocating to India:  
  • New items are subject to duties (invoice must be supplied).
  • Customs duties are approximately 15.45% to be levied on the following items:
  • Televisions
  • Digital video disc players
  • Video home theatres
  • Music systems
  • Microwaves
  • Dishwashers
  • Air conditioners
  • Refrigerators above 300 L or equivalent
  • Deep freezers
  • Fax machines
  • Word processors
  • Video cameras
  • Portable photocopying machines
  • Gold or silver in any form other than ornaments
  • Cinematographic films of 35 mm and above
  • Firearms, ammunition and weapons
  • Restricted item must be included with the household goods shipment.
  • A license must be obtained prior to import.
  • Duplicate items or items in sums of excess of Rs. 150,000 (Rs. 500,000 in Delhi and Mumbai) are duties of approximately 36.01 to 61%.
  • Import of foodstuffs / edibles varies between different cities throughout India.
  • It is advisable to check with the respective destination agent and then include in the shipment.
  • The following items may qualify for free import if within the limits indicated:
  • Alcohol (2 L) – transport is recommended as part of the shipment, not as accompanied baggage
  • Wine (2 L)
  • Perfume (59 ml)
  • Cigarettes (200), cigars (50), tobacco (250 g)
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Prohibited / Banned Items

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Do not move any of these items to India:

  • Beef and beef products
  • Obscene literature, photographs or films
  • Politically subversive literature
  • Narcotics, non-branded drugs and psychotropic substances

The following additional items are prohibited in GMS Baggage/Courier Consignments:

  • Aerosols (all kinds, Hairspray, Deodorant etc)
  • Aftershaves / Perfumes / Fragrances
  • Airbags
  • Alcoholic Drinks or Bottles
  • Ammunition of any kind
  • Animals of any kind (Dead or Alive)
  • Any items containing Petrol (Liquid, Gas or Fumes)
  • Biological Samples
  • Car Batteries
  • Cash & Cards (Credit / Debit)
  • Chainsaws
  • Cheques (Bank)
  • Christmas Crackers
  • Counterfeit Currency
  • Dangerous Goods
  • Driving Licence
  • Drugs (Including Prescription)
  • Engines
  • Excrement / Filth
  • Fire Extinguishers
  • Fish (Dead or Live)
  • Foodstuffs (all kinds)
  • Hazardous Goods
  • Human Remains (including ashes)
  • Infectious Substances
  • Knives
  • Laptop Computers, Mobile/Smart Phones or Tablets
  • Lighters
  • Lottery Tickets
  • Nail Varnish / Nail Varnish Remover
  • Oils
  • Paints
  • Passports
  • Perishable Goods (All)
  • Plants / Seeds etc
  • Printer Toner
  • Seatbelt Tensioners and Steering Wheels
  • Stamps
  • Tobacco
  • Water
  • Weapons (all kinds, including replicas)
  • Windscreens

Disclaimer: Customs regulations can change at any time with or without notice. This information is provided as a guide only. While Gerson Moving Services has exercised reasonable care in publishing this information, Gerson Moving Services makes no representation, either expressed or implied, as to its accuracy or applicability.

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