All shippers MUST be in India at time of customs clearance. Shippers presence is normally required at the port of entry during the clearance process C however under exceptional circumstances a Power of Attorney maybe provided to allow somebody else to be present in their place. Shippers original passport will still be required.

A Non-Indian shipper needs a working visa with minimum 12 month validity. However a longer visa is preferred as Customs count the 12 months from shippers last arrival in India. Technically a shipper that has previously departed India prior to clearing his shipment and returned might no longer hold a visa with 12 month validity. In addition to this shipper needs to provide a signed, valued detailed packing list with purchase dates (JVK can assist shipper with this), the registration certificate issued by The Foreign Resident Registration Office (FRRO), a letter authorizing JVK to clear their shipment and a letter from the shippers employer addressed to Indian Customs confirming the shipper will be employed by them for at least 12 months.

For Indian nationals the shipper must provide their original passport showing a minimum 2 years stay overseas,  provide a signed, valued detailed packing list with purchase dates ( JVK will assist shipper with this) and letter authorizing JVK to clear their shipment.

Assuming that the shipper can provide ALL of the above they will be assumed to be transferring their residence to India and can import their shipments as follows:

One of each electrical item can be imported duty free: VCR, Music System, Cooking Range, Washing Machine, Refrigerator ( upto 300 Ltrs), PC and laptop.

Any other electrical appliance will incur import duty of 15% duty plus an extra 3% levy on the duty amount. However, the cumulative values of these electrical items MUST NOT exceed Indian Rupees 500,000 (approx US$13,000). Should the cumulative value exceed this amount the duty rate will raise to 35% plus an extra 3% levy on the duty amount on the value above Indian Rupees 500,000.

All other personal effects that have been owned and used for at least 12 months may be imported duty free. Any new items will incur duty at a rate of 35% plus an extra 3% levy on the duty amount on the value.

Note: Should a Non Indian national leave India before residing for 12 months Customs reserve the right to levy import duty on all items previously imported duty free. This would be decided at time of export customs clearance and the duty would need to be paid BEFORE the shipment can be exported.

Should shipper not meet the above criteria import duty of approx 350% will be levied.

It is best that alcohol is NOT included in the shipment. It will incur very high duty and will delay the clearance of the shipment and cause high demurrage. Duty rates vary from between 267% and 492% of assessed CIF value. Should alcohol be sent  it must be declared, packed together and a detailed inventory prepared at origin. NEVER pack alcohol without declaring iteven if small amounts as this could lead to the shipment being impounded and heavy fines for the shipper.

Diplomatic shipments are not subject to duty. Shippers Diplomatic Card, Duty Exemption Certificate and a Diplomatic Customs Form are required for clearance.

Shipments that contain solid wood packaging material need to be either fumigated or heat treated at origin. Failure to do so could entail shipment being subject additional quarantine charges at port of entry.

Should Customs demand an intensive examination additional charges will be incurred.

Sea shipments must be dispatched within 30 days of shippers first arrival in India and air shipments within 15 days.

Should shippers passport be less than 2 years old Customs might ask to see shippers previous passport to ensure shipper had not previously imported a shipment into India. Only one sea and air shipment is allowed. Shippers passport will be endorsed by Customs at the time of Customs clearance.

For certain inland destinations where our truck crosses a State boundary the shipment MIGHT be subject to a State Tax levy based on the CIF value of the shipment. This is a very difficult tax to assess and is open to negotiation C it is not always applied.  For example for shipments that enter Kerala state and also that cross from Maharasthra state into the city of Mumbai.

Never mix personal effects with commercial goods. To import such items the company must have a valid Import License (or their company registration specifically states they will import such items) and must apply for a specific Import Permit for each shipment from the Ministry of Commerce. Customer MUST have this prior to goods landing at port of entry.

An extensive list of prohibited goods exists but frequently changes without notice. Generally, pornography, guns, narcotics, gambling instruments and subversive literature are banned.

It is very difficult to get a permit for non-diplomats. We recommend that you do not ship. Diplomats require Diplomatic Card, Duty Exemption Certificate and a Diplomatic Customs Form for clearance.

Pets may be imported upon presentation of a valid health certificate, rabies certificate and vaccination certificate. Shipper must obtain a valid Import Permit prior to shipment.