Moving from the UK to India: Your Complete Customs Guide

Moving to a new country is exciting! But before you pack your bags, you need to understand customs regulations. This guide explains everything you need to know about moving your belongings from the UK to India.

What Are Customs Regulations?

Customs regulations are rules about what you can bring into a country. Every country has different rules to protect its people, animals, and plants.

When you move to India from the UK, Indian customs officers will check your belongings. They want to make sure you’re not bringing anything illegal or dangerous.

Why Do Customs Regulations Matter?

Understanding customs rules helps you:

Avoid having your items taken away
Stop paying unnecessary fines
Get your belongings through customs quickly
Plan what to pack and what to leave behind

Who Can Bring Personal Items to India?

You can bring your personal belongings to India duty-free if you meet these conditions:

You must be:

An Indian citizen who lived abroad for at least two years
A person of Indian origin returning to India
Someone with a valid work visa or residency permit

Important: You need to have lived outside India for a minimum period. The rules are strict about this.

What Documents Do You Need?

Getting your paperwork right is really important. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Documents

Passport – Must be valid
Visa – Your Indian visa or proof you’re an Indian citizen
Packing List – A detailed list of everything you’re shipping
Bill of Lading or Airway Bill – This is your shipping receipt
Transfer of Residence (ToR) Form – A special customs form
Proof of Residence Abroad – Documents showing you lived in the UK
Passport Copies – Copies of pages showing your travel history

Extra Documents You Might Need

Employment contract in India
Rental agreement or property documents in India
Previous visa and immigration stamps
Household inventory with values

Top Tip: Make several copies of all documents. Keep one set with you and one set with your shipping company.

What Can You Bring to India?

Items You Can Bring Duty-Free

Personal Effects:

Clothes and shoes
Books and personal papers
Toiletries and cosmetics
Cooking utensils and crockery
Furniture you’ve used for at least six months
Bedding and towels

Electronics:

One laptop or computer
One mobile phone
One television (must be used)
Kitchen appliances you’ve used
Camera equipment

Important Rule: Most items must be used. You cannot bring brand new things and claim them as personal effects.

Items with Restrictions

Some things are allowed but have special rules:

Alcohol:

You can bring a small amount for personal use
Usually limited to 2 litres

Cigarettes:

Limited to 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars

Jewellery:

Gold jewellery is allowed for personal use
Men can bring up to 20 grams
Women can bring up to 40 grams

Musical Instruments:

Allowed if they’re your personal items
Must prove you own them

Items You Cannot Bring

These items are completely banned:

Illegal drugs
Weapons and ammunition
Pirated copies of films, music, or software
Items that harm Indian culture or religion
Certain plants and seeds
Some animal products
Gold and silver coins or bars (unless following specific rules)
Drones (need special permission)
Satellite phones

Warning: Bringing banned items can result in serious trouble, including arrest.

How Much Will You Pay in Customs Duty?

Duty-Free Allowance

If you qualify for Transfer of Residence, you can bring your used household items without paying customs duty.

When You Might Pay Duty

You’ll pay customs duty if:

Your items are brand new
You have more than the allowed amount
You’re bringing items not covered by ToR
You don’t meet the residency requirements

Duty Rates:

Basic duty: Usually 10% to 38.5% depending on the item
Goods and Services Tax (GST): Additional 18% to 28%

Calculating Costs

Here’s a simple example:

Item value: £1,000
Basic duty (38.5%): £385
GST (28%): £280
Total duty: £665

Special Items: What You Need to Know

Bringing Your Car or Motorbike

Bringing vehicles is very difficult and expensive. Here’s what you need to know:

Customs duty can be 125% to 165% of the vehicle’s value
The vehicle must meet Indian safety standards
You need special import permits
Most people find it cheaper to buy a vehicle in India

Our Advice: Unless your vehicle is very special or valuable, it’s better to sell it in the UK.

Bringing Your Pets

Moving your furry friends needs careful planning:

Requirements:

Microchip identification
Rabies vaccination (at least 30 days before travel)
Health certificate from a UK vet
Import permit from India
Quarantine period may apply

Important: Start the process at least 6 months before moving.

Bringing Medications

You can bring personal medications:

Keep medicines in original packaging
Bring a doctor’s prescription
Carry a letter from your doctor explaining why you need the medicine
Some medicines are banned in India, so check first

Bringing Plants and Seeds

This is very restricted:

Most plants and seeds are not allowed
You need a phytosanitary certificate for any plants
Many will be destroyed at customs

The Transfer of Residence (ToR) Process

ToR is a special benefit that lets you bring your belongings duty-free. Here’s how it works:

Who Qualifies?

You qualify if:

You lived abroad continuously for at least one year
You’re moving to India permanently or for a long time
You owned the items abroad for at least six months
You’re bringing the items within a specific time period

Time Limits

Indian Citizens:

Your items can arrive up to two months before you arrive in India
Or within six months after you arrive
You can request an extension in special cases

Foreign Nationals:

Your items must arrive within 30 days of your arrival
Extension requests are possible

How to Apply for ToR

Submit your application to the Indian customs office
Include all required documents
Wait for approval (can take several weeks)
Your shipping company will help coordinate this

Remember: Professional UK to India removals companies can guide you through the entire ToR process and handle the paperwork.

How to Prepare Your Belongings

Packing Tips

Create a Detailed Inventory:

List every single item
Include the brand, model, and age
Write down the approximate value
Take photos of valuable items

Organise Your List:

Group similar items together
Number each box
Note which box contains which items

Pack Smart:

Use strong boxes
Wrap fragile items carefully
Don’t pack prohibited items
Keep valuable items with you when you travel

Valuation Guide

Be honest about values:

Use replacement value for insurance
Use current second-hand value for customs
Keep receipts if you have them
Be realistic about used items

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Not Checking the Rules

Many people assume all personal items are allowed. Always check current regulations before packing.

Mistake 2: Poor Documentation

Missing or incorrect paperwork is the main reason for delays. Double-check everything.

Mistake 3: Bringing New Items

Claiming new items as used personal effects will cause problems. Customs officers can spot this easily.

Mistake 4: Incorrect Valuations

Putting the wrong values on your inventory can lead to:

Higher customs duties
Delays in processing
Insurance problems if items are damaged

Mistake 5: Missing Deadlines

The ToR time limits are strict. Missing them means paying full customs duty.

Mistake 6: Not Using Professionals

Trying to save money by doing everything yourself often backfires. Professional removal companies know the rules and can save you time, money, and stress.

Step-by-Step: What Happens at Indian Customs

Understanding the process helps you prepare:

Step 1: Your Items Arrive in India

Your belongings arrive at an Indian port or airport.

Step 2: Customs Notification

You’ll be notified that your shipment has arrived.

Step 3: Document Submission

You or your shipping agent submits all required documents to customs.

Step 4: Customs Assessment

Customs officers review your documents and check your inventory.

Step 5: Physical Inspection

Your boxes may be opened and inspected. This doesn’t always happen, but be prepared.

Step 6: Duty Calculation

If duty applies, customs will calculate how much you owe.

Step 7: Payment

Pay any duties or fees that are required.

Step 8: Release

Once everything is approved and paid, your items are released.

Step 9: Delivery

Your items are delivered to your new home in India.

Timeline: This process usually takes 1-3 weeks, but can take longer if there are problems.

Tips for Smooth Customs Clearance

Before You Ship

Research thoroughly – Know the rules inside and out
Start early – Begin planning at least 3 months before moving
Get professional help – Use experienced international removal companies
Organise documents – Have everything ready in advance
Declutter – Don’t pay to ship things you don’t need

During Shipping

Stay in contact – Keep in touch with your shipping company
Track your shipment – Know where your items are
Prepare for arrival – Have your Indian address and contact details ready
Be available – You might need to answer questions quickly

At Customs

Be honest – Always tell the truth about what you’re bringing
Be patient – The process can be slow
Be cooperative – Work with customs officers politely
Have extra documents – Bring copies of everything
Keep receipts – Save all payment receipts

Understanding Customs Duties and Taxes

What Is Customs Duty?

Customs duty is a tax you pay when bringing items into India. The government uses this money for public services.

How Is It Calculated?

Duty depends on:

Type of item
Value of item
Your eligibility for exemptions
Current tax rates

Current Duty Rates (General Guide)

Household items: 10% to 38.5%
Electronics: 20% to 38.5%
Furniture: 20% to 38.5%
Books: Usually duty-free
Vehicles: 125% to 165%

Note: Rates change regularly. Always check current rates.

Additional Taxes

Besides basic customs duty, you might pay:

GST (Goods and Services Tax): 18% to 28%
Social Welfare Surcharge: 10% of basic duty
Cesses: Additional charges on specific items

Regional Differences in India

Different Entry Points

Your items might enter India through different ports:

Mumbai (very busy, can have delays)
Chennai (efficient processing)
Delhi (good for northern destinations)
Bangalore (good for southern India)
Kolkata (good for eastern India)

Each location might have slightly different processing times.

Delivery Times

How long it takes to get your items after customs clearance depends on:

Which city you’re moving to
Distance from the port
Road conditions
Time of year (monsoons can cause delays)

Insurance and Protection

Why You Need Insurance

Things can go wrong during international moves:

Items can be damaged
Boxes can go missing
Delays can happen
Theft is possible

Types of Coverage

Basic Coverage:

Usually included by shipping company
Covers minimal value
Often not enough

Full Replacement Coverage:

Costs more
Covers full replacement value
Much better protection
Worth the extra cost

What to Insure

Definitely insure:

Valuable electronics
Jewellery
Antiques
Artwork
Important documents

Working with Professional Removal Companies

Why Use Professionals?

Professional removal companies help with:

Understanding customs regulations
Completing paperwork correctly
Packing items safely
Shipping logistics
Customs clearance
Delivery in India

What to Look For

Choose a company that offers:

Experience with UK to India moves
Good customer reviews
Clear pricing
Insurance options
Customs clearance services
Door-to-door service
Help with documentation

Questions to Ask

Before hiring a removal company, ask:

How long have you been doing UK to India moves?
Do you handle customs clearance?
What’s included in your price?
What insurance do you offer?
How long will it take?
Can you help with paperwork?
Do you have staff in India?

Expert Help: Reliable UK to India removals services can make your move much easier and help you avoid costly customs mistakes.

Money-Saving Tips

Moving internationally is expensive, but you can save money:

Save on Shipping

Declutter ruthlessly – Only take what you really need
Sell heavy items – Furniture is expensive to ship
Choose sea freight – Much cheaper than air freight
Share a container – Some companies offer shared shipping
Ship in advance – Last-minute shipping costs more

Save on Customs

Qualify for ToR – This can save thousands of pounds
Bring used items – New items attract higher duty
Know the limits – Don’t exceed duty-free allowances
Document everything – Proper paperwork prevents extra charges
Time it right – Ship within the allowed time periods

Save on Buying New

Instead of shipping:

Buy large furniture in India (often cheaper)
Replace old appliances (might not work with Indian voltage)
Donate old clothes and buy new ones in India
Leave behind items you rarely use

Voltage and Electrical Items

Important Difference

UK voltage: 230V, 50Hz
Indian voltage: 230V, 50Hz

Good news! The voltage is the same, but the plugs are different.

What You Need

UK to India plug adapters (Type D and Type M plugs in India)
Some electronics might still need converters
Check each device before bringing it

What Works Fine

Laptops (most are universal)
Phone chargers
Most modern electronics

What Might Not Work

Old appliances
Items with timers
Sensitive electronics

Timeline for Your Move

6 Months Before

Research customs regulations
Start decluttering
Get quotes from removal companies
Begin gathering documents
Check pet import requirements

3 Months Before

Book your removal company
Start packing non-essential items
Create your detailed inventory
Apply for necessary permits
Organise insurance

1 Month Before

Finalize your packing
Complete all paperwork
Confirm shipping dates
Book temporary accommodation in India
Notify UK utilities and services

2 Weeks Before

Final document checks
Confirm delivery address in India
Pack essential items to carry with you
Share your contact details with the shipping company
Keep important documents with you

Upon Arrival in India

Contact your shipping company
Monitor customs clearance
Be ready to provide additional documents
Arrange to be available for delivery
Inspect items upon delivery

Resources and Helpful Contacts

Indian Government Websites

Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC)
Indian Customs EDI Gateway
Ministry of Commerce and Industry

UK Government Resources

UK Government moving abroad guide
HMRC export information

Professional Organisations

British Association of Removers (BAR)
FIDI Global Alliance
International Association of Movers (IAM)

Getting Help

If you have questions:

Contact Indian customs directly
Speak with experienced removal companies
Join expat forums and groups
Consult with customs brokers

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I ship items before I move to India?

Yes, but timing matters. With ToR, items can arrive up to 2 months before you arrive. Check the current rules as they can change.

Do I pay customs duty on everything?

No. If you qualify for Transfer of Residence, your used personal belongings are duty-free. New items and items exceeding limits may have duty.

How long does customs clearance take?

Usually 1-3 weeks, but it can be longer if there are problems with your paperwork or if customs wants to inspect your items.

Can I bring my wedding gifts?

Yes, if they’re used personal items and you qualify for ToR. Keep any documentation showing they’re yours.

What if customs damages my items?

This is rare, but if it happens, file a complaint immediately. Having good insurance is important.

Can I clear customs myself?

Technically yes, but it’s complicated. Most people use a customs broker or their removal company to handle this.

What happens if I bring prohibited items?

They’ll be seized and destroyed. You might face fines or legal action. Never risk bringing banned items.

Can I ship items separately in multiple shipments?

Yes, but each shipment needs its own documentation. It’s usually easier and cheaper to send everything together.

Final Checklist

Before you ship your belongings, make sure you have:

Documents:

☐ Valid passport
☐ Indian visa or proof of citizenship
☐ Detailed packing list with values
☐ Bill of Lading or Airway Bill
☐ Transfer of Residence application
☐ Proof of residence abroad
☐ Passport copies showing travel history
☐ Employment contract or job letter
☐ Rental agreement in India
☐ Insurance documents
☐ Photographs of valuable items

Items:

☐ All items are allowed under customs rules
☐ No prohibited items included
☐ Items are properly packed
☐ Boxes are numbered and labelled
☐ Fragile items are marked
☐ Valuable items are documented

Arrangements:

☐ Removal company booked
☐ Insurance arranged
☐ Delivery address in India confirmed
☐ Contact person in India identified
☐ Timeline planned
☐ Budget calculated

Conclusion

Moving from the UK to India is a big adventure! Understanding customs regulations might seem complicated at first, but with proper preparation, it becomes much easier.

Remember these key points:

Start planning early
Know what you can and cannot bring
Get your documents right
Qualify for Transfer of Residence if possible
Use professional help when needed
Be honest and patient with customs

With the right preparation and professional support from experienced UK to India removal companies, your belongings will arrive safely at your new Indian home.

Good luck with your move! 🇬🇧 ✈️ 🇮🇳

Disclaimer: Customs regulations change regularly. Always check the latest rules on official government websites before shipping your belongings. This guide provides general information and should not be considered legal advice.

Last Updated: January 2026

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