Moving to India
Robinsons - UK to India removals company
Moving to India can be plain sailing!
If you’re contemplating moving or shipping to India, there’s probably only one thing uppermost in your mind - your new life in an exciting new country. And who could blame you? But what about the bit that precedes it – the move itself?
Moving to any new country has potential pitfalls, and like every other country, India has its own particular requirements when it comes to immigration which vary depending on the circumstances of the move whether it be by way of a business visa, employment visa, a returning Indian National or a diplomatic status move. Because India is such a vast country with the second largest population in the world and a great diversity between the poulation centres of Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi selecting a reputable, good quality international removals company with a good working knowledge of India is essential.
Shipping to India - what can I take with me?
The owner must be physically in India before customs clearance can take place. Air shipments must be shipped within 15 days and surface shipments must be shipped within one month of owner's arrival in India.
All shipments are subject to customs examination and customs duties will be assessed, based on the Customs evaluation.
In general terms under Transfer of Residence, a TV, VCR, washing machine, cooking range, dish washer, music system, personal computer, air conditioner, refrigerator, deep freezer, microwave oven, video camera, personal computer and telefax machine may be imported at a duty of 35% of assessed value subject to the following conditions:
- That the combined value of these items must not exceed Rs. 150,000
- There must only be one of each such item in the shipment.
Duplicate items or any sums in excess of Rs. 150,000 attracts 61% duty.
Other household goods, provided they have been in the owner's possession and use for one year, will be allowed free entry.
Wine and spirits is permissible but dutiable at in excess of 150% of the value!
Customs duty on brand new cars is approx 106% and used cars is 160%. Customs duty on new motorcycles is approx 85% & on used is 132%.
Importing firearms, ammunition and weapons unless licensed in advance is prohibited as are obscene literature, photographs or films. Politically undesirable literature and narcotics.
How Long Does it Take?
With India being so vast, the length of transit can vary greatly. Robinsons International quote port-to-port transit times for shipping to India (not door-to-door, that takes a little longer) of between 27-42 days. You will be advised on the method of shipment, which has a major bearing on the removals costs and transit times and be helped to complete your paperwork including the all-important Inventory of Goods.
What about insurance?
Insurance is another key issue. Check that all your Inventory items are covered for everything from minor breakages to the ship sinking! And you have to consider replacement values for your items in the country you are moving to, not the one you’re leaving.
The Robinsons Advantage
At Robinsons, we are highly experienced in this field, and have a specialist dedicated international division on hand to advise you of everything you need to do, pack and fill in. We will appoint a dedicated Move Manager to you, who will look after your move from start to finish,
Robinsons International are members of FIDI and OMNI, international trade associations, which means that our overseas partners operate to the same high standards. It’s your reassurance that the quality of service provided in the UK is matched by that provided by our partner in India.
Whatever the particular demands of your move, it’s likely that we have come across them many times before! We’ve been asked most questions over the years, although there’s always something new. Our advice is, first make sure you get 2 or 3 quotes for removals, and make notes about each company you speak to, so you can be sure who promised what, and that you are comparing like with like. Check the volume and service quoted on, and be careful of the transit times quoted
