Indian Customs has strict regulations and requirements for products that enter the country. This is why every shipper needs to be fully aware of the country’s trade policies.
Discover what is necessary to successfully ship your goods to India. Navigate the challenges of Indian Customs with increased confidence and unlock a worry-free experience.
In this article you will learn:
At D.B. Group, we can help you streamline your supply chain and leverage your international trade. Our network in India has 6 offices in Mumbai, New Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, and Bangalore. We provide international shipping services to and from major ports and airports worldwide through our branch offices, as well as customs consulting services.
“D.B. Group India team is always available to provide you with the best tailor-made freight solutions for your business. Get in touch with us to discover new opportunities”
Depending on the type of product, Indian Customs might require specific certifications.
You can provide documents to Indian Customs in both digital and printed formats. However, it is important to note that each shipment must be accompanied by printed paperwork.
Broadly speaking, the main requirements are:
Each of the above documents must be compliant with the requirements.
When shipping cargo to India, you must always provide the Commercial Invoice and the Packing List. This is how to fill them out:
KYC (Know Your Customer) documentation is critical for every shipment to India, as it provides Customs Authorities with a confirmation of the identity and address of the consignee along with other relevant details. It applies both to companies and to private consumers.
How does KYC work?
The consignee must fill out the KYC proof and provide it to the logistics provider before the shipment reaches India. The logistics provider will save the information in their KYC database for future consignments to the same address.
This procedure must be replicated every time that:
How can a consignee send their KYC documentation to D.B. Group?
Depending on the category of goods, our offices will request all the documentation needed, to process the shipment seamlessly. Certain standard formats may need to be filled out and a copy of all government-recognized identification documents related to tax and import - exports and related certifications will have to be provided by the Indian entity.
What happens if the consignee documents are not ready?
Missing KYC documents on the consignee side imply:
How can you prevent such a situation and guarantee a smooth shipping process?
When dealing with B2B shipments, the consignee (Indian importer) must be in possession of their Goods and Service Tax unique Identification Number, which must be provided together with the KYC documentation.
For more information about the GSTIN: https://www.gst.gov.in/
All international shipments, on arrival at the destination point in India, must go through the customs clearance process. Special regulations may apply to certain shipments depending on the contents.
The consignee (Indian importer) can choose to use a specific broker or proceed with the logistics provider.
Oftentimes, India Customs Authorities ask for additional certifications and documents to proceed with the clearance process.
Some examples include:
India has more than 130 ICD (Inland Container Depots) which serve importers and exporters to have customs filing and clearance of goods closer to their business locations.
Furthermore, the Indian government offers bonded warehouse facilities, both at ports and inland, in many locations, which further assist our need-based clients.
At D.B. Group India, our team is knowledgeable about:
When building your trade in the Indian market, we can help you turn challenges into opportunities.
Get in touch with us and ensure peace of mind when shipping to India.
