No matter you are an Indian or a foreign national, you can relocate to India for any reason, employment or otherwise. The transfer of your personal effects and household goods are free of any payment or duty, provided you have the following specifications:
- The owner of the goods must have lived overseas for at least 2 years.
- If he/she is an Indian, then, he/she should have stayed in India for more than 180 days in the previous 2 years.
- Foreign travelers should have Residential, Entry, Work or Business Visa.
- The goods should be shipped within 30 days of the owners arriving in India. On the event of any delay, goods can be cleared only after the payment of custom charges.
- The owner should be present at the time of custom clearance and so the owner should reach India before the shipment arrives.
- There is a compulsory stay for one year in India for claiming of Transfer of residence. The Importers however, can leave the country anytime after claiming TR concession.
Moving Household Goods
You can transfer old and used items, small electrical devices, books, kitchenware, cooker, and iron for duty- free. Even if the thing is used while being shipped, it remains to be duty-free. There is duty charged new articles. This is applicable only for minor appliances.
There are 14 major appliances listed below, that you can carry one unit each. The charged rate is depends on the value of the subject. The list of the items is as follows:
- Air Conditioner
- Cooking Range
- Deep Freezer
- Dishwasher
- Fax machine
- Microware Oven
- Music System
- Personal Computer
- Refrigerator
- VCR/VCP/VTR
- Video Camera
- Washing Machine
- Word Processor
For smooth custom clearance, it is advisable that all the appliances must be loaded in one lift van. You should provide your movers with a list of inventories.
Import duties of such items as alcohol, wine, spirits are very high in India and you should contact Professional Movers for moving such items.
Moving Goods & Vehicles
Indian Nationals: Those who are coming to India because of the transfer of residence are allowed to bring one vehicle, either a car or a motorcycle. The autos with a capacity of more than 1600cc should be used by the owner at least for a year before shipping it. Cars with less than 1600cc can be brought before arrival.
Foreign Nationals: used car can only be exported provided that the owner has possessed and used it overseas.
Import of Pets
Only one animal you can bring to India with the production of Health Documents and Veterinary Certificates.
Restrictions
Items like, Pornographic Materials, Firearms, Obscene Literature, Narcotics, Ammunitions and other Weapons are prohibited from the Imports List.