Shipping your household to India

Shipping takes weeks and customs has its own rules for people moving back to live in India. Decide early what's worth taking, and keep the paperwork straight.

Updated 29 October 2026 · 16 items

3 months before

Decide what to ship, sell or give awayFurniture is often cheaper to buy in India than to ship; personal things, books and good kitchenware usually travel well.
Check voltage before shipping electrical itemsIndia uses 230 volts. Most items from the US and Canada (120 volts) need converters; items from the Gulf and the UK usually work with plug adapters.
Don't plan to ship your carDuty on imported cars is well over 100% of the value, with strict rules on age and standards. Selling it is almost always better.
Get quotes from three international moversAsk for door-to-door prices, including Indian customs clearance and delivery.
Choose sea or air freightSea is cheaper and takes 4 to 8 weeks; air is faster for a few boxes you'll need soon.

Customs rules

Check whether you qualify as transferring residenceUsually after at least two years abroad, with short visits to India of no more than six months in total over those two years.
Know the duty-free allowanceUsed personal and household items are allowed duty-free up to a set value (₹5 lakh under the 2016 rules); some items, such as large TVs, are dutiable. The rules were revised in 2026, so check the current limits on the customs (CBIC) website.
Ship within the allowed window around your arrivalUnaccompanied baggage must arrive within set limits before or after you do to keep the concession.
Leave behind items that are banned or restrictedFirearms, some drones and satellite phones need permits; large amounts of gold have their own limits.

Packing and paperwork

Make a detailed inventory with valuesCustoms and insurers both need it.
Insure the shipmentChoose replacement value, and photograph valuable items before packing.
Keep valuables and documents with youJewellery, documents, medicines and laptops travel in your luggage.
Give the mover the customs documentsUsually your passport, proof of your stay abroad, the inventory, and the bill of lading or airway bill.

On arrival in India

Clear customs with your mover's agentYou may need to be present, or sign an authority letter.
Pay any duty, and keep the receiptsNeeded if items are questioned later.
Check every box on deliveryNote damage on the delivery papers before you sign, and claim quickly.

Questions

Is it worth shipping furniture to India?

Often not. Furniture is bulky to ship and usually cheaper to buy in India. Ship things that are personal, hard to replace or much cheaper where you are now.

Can I bring my car to India?

Technically yes, but duty is well over 100% of the car's value and the rules on age and standards are strict. Most people sell their car before they leave.

Are my ticks saved?

Yes, in this browser on this device. Nothing is sent to us. Clearing your browser data, or opening the page on another device, starts a fresh list.

Will your money last after the move?

The free retirement planner works it out year by year, with Indian inflation, your children's costs and a stress test.

Open the retirement planner

General information for planning, not financial, tax or legal advice. Rules change: check anything important with the official source.