India Customs Guide Household Goods, Vehicles, Pets & Restricted Items

Important: This India customs guide supports individuals and families planning international moving or overseas relocation to the Republic of India. India applies detailed customs rules under the Baggage Rules and Transfer of Residence Scheme for personal effects, electronics, vehicles, pets and restricted items.

Home To Home Relocations assists clients across Toronto, the GTA and Ontario with international moves to India, including export packing, ocean/air freight, customs consultancy, and final delivery to major destinations including Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad and Pune.

1. Moving to India – Key Customs Overview

1.1 Duty-Free Import Under Transfer of Residence (TR)

India allows duty benefits on used personal effects under the Transfer of Residence rules if:

You have lived outside India for at least 2 years
You are returning permanently to India
Goods have been owned and used for at least 6 months
You do not sell or dispose of goods for 2 years after import

Important: Under TR, only used household goods get concessional duty. New items and electronics may attract duty.

1.2 Customs Duty Categories

Used personal effects: concessional duty or duty-free under TR
New goods: subject to customs duty and GST
Electronics & appliances: duty may apply depending on type and value

2. Used Household Goods & Personal Effects

2.1 Required Documentation

Copy of passport
Copy of OCI / PIO card (if applicable)
Detailed packing list / inventory
Bill of lading / airway bill
Proof of residence outside India (lease, employment letter, utility bills)

2.2 Inventory Rules

Provide clear descriptions—avoid “miscellaneous”
Declare brand names and model numbers of electronics
Separate used goods from new purchases
Retain purchase receipts for high-value items

H-H Relocations Tip: Indian customs officers value proper documentation. A clean, detailed inventory prevents valuation disputes.

3. Importing Motor Vehicles to India

3.1 Vehicle Eligibility

Vehicle must be right-hand drive
Vehicle must comply with Indian emission standards
Used vehicles attract significant import duties
Import permitted at designated ports only

3.2 Required Vehicle Documents

Original registration/title
Insurance certificate
Bill of lading or airway bill
Proof of residence abroad for minimum period

Important: Vehicle import regulations in India are strict. Duties for cars and motorcycles can exceed 100% of vehicle value.

4. Bringing Pets to India

Import of pets into India is regulated by the Department of Animal Husbandry.

4.1 Pet Import Requirements

Microchip (ISO standard)
Rabies vaccination
Veterinary health certificate
No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Animal Quarantine Station in India

Pet Travel Tip: Obtain the NOC before arrival. Pets may be held at quarantine if documentation is incomplete.

5. Alcohol, Electronics, Food & Restricted Items

5.1 Alcohol

Alcohol import is restricted and heavily taxed. It must be declared and will attract customs duty and GST. Import without declaration can result in penalties.

5.2 Electronics & Appliances

Electronics are subject to customs duty unless covered under Transfer of Residence concessions. High-end electronics, televisions and home appliances may attract duty based on valuation.

5.3 Food & Animal-Origin Products

India enforces strict rules under FSSAI and quarantine regulations:

Meat, dairy and plant items require permits
Some products may be refused entry depending on origin
Biosecurity inspections may apply for certain foods

5.4 Medicines, Chemicals & Controlled Items

Prescription medicines allowed with supporting documents
Chemicals, gases and hazardous materials are restricted
Weapons and ammunition are strictly prohibited without licence

Important: Failing to declare restricted items may result in seizure, penalties or legal action.

6. Prohibited Items – Do Not Ship to India

India prohibits the import of the following items in personal household goods shipments:

Narcotics and illegal drugs
Weapons, ammunition and explosives
Counterfeit currency, pirated goods or banned publications
Endangered species products without CITES permit
Hazardous materials and chemicals restricting human health
Certain satellite phones and restricted communications equipment

Penalties for violations can include fines, confiscation, detention of shipment or prosecution.

7. Practical Tips for International Moves to India

7.1 Moving from Toronto or the GTA

To ensure a smooth international move from Toronto to India, Home To Home Relocations recommends:

Begin documentation early, especially for Transfer of Residence eligibility
Keep receipts for electronics and new items
Separate used goods from new purchases in your inventory
Ensure all packing lists match the actual contents
Keep passports and key documents with you—not in the shipment

7.2 Why work with an India relocation expert

India’s customs process is documentation-heavy and highly rule-based. Working with a qualified international moving company provides:

Accurate customs documentation and inventory preparation
Guidance on duty exemptions and Transfer of Residence benefits
Destination services, customs clearance and final delivery
Reduced risk of inspections, unexpected duties or delays

Relocation Tip: The single biggest cause of customs delays in India is mismatched packing lists. Ensure every carton number and item aligns perfectly.

8. Useful Official Links – India

Always verify the latest rules with official Indian authorities:

This guide supports your relocation planning. Final import decisions rest with Indian Customs, AQCS and other competent authorities.