To ship a car to India can be a complex yet rewarding process. Whether you’re relocating to India or planning an extended stay, having your own vehicle can provide the freedom and convenience you need. However, before you start packing your car for the journey, it’s crucial to understand the import regulations, taxes, required paperwork, and emission restrictions associated with bringing a vehicle into India.
Import My CAR Regulations:
India has strict regulations regarding the age of imported vehicles. Generally, cars older than three years are not permitted to be imported into the country. Some exceptions may apply for vintage and classic cars.
In India, vehicles must have right-hand drive (RHD) configuration. If your car is left-hand drive (LHD), it will need to be converted to RHD before you can ship the car to India.
To ship a car to India, imported vehicles must meet Indian safety and emission standards. Ensure that your car complies with these standards or be prepared to make necessary modifications.
IMPORT MY CAR into India attracts customs duties, which can be quite substantial. These duties include basic customs duty, integrated goods, and services tax (IGST), and additional cess or taxes. The exact amount will depend on the car’s value, engine capacity, and other factors.
Import Taxes:
To ship a car to India the basic customs duty for importing cars in India is 60%-100% of the car’s assessed value. Please check the latest tax rates and exemptions with the Indian customs authority, as these may change over time.
IGST: Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST) is levied on the total value of the car, including customs duty and any other applicable taxes.
Cess or Surcharge: Depending on the car’s engine capacity and type, an additional cess or surcharge may apply. This is often referred to as the ‘luxury tax.’
Depreciation: Customs duties are calculated based on the assessed value of the car, which considers the car’s age, condition, and depreciation. Ensure you have proper documentation to support the car’s value.
Required Paperwork:
A Bill of Lading is required to ship a car, it will be provided by your shipping company, confirms the receipt of your vehicle for transport. It includes details about your car, the departure, and destination ports.
Your forwarding agent will need to fill out a customs declaration form, which outlines the vehicle’s specifications, value, and other relevant details, this allows the vehicle transport from one country to another and notifies each government of the export and import.
Provide the original purchase invoice of the car to verify its value.
If your car has been modified to meet Indian standards, you’ll need a certificate confirming compliance to be able to ship the vehicle to India.
Proof of insurance for your vehicle, both during shipping and once it arrives in India, is essential.
Copies of your car’s registration and title documents are necessary for customs clearance to import your vehicle.
Vehicle Emission Restrictions:
India has stringent emissions standards that imported vehicles must meet. These standards are based on the Bharat Stage (BS) emission norms. Make sure your car complies with the relevant BS standards and obtain the necessary certification from an authorized agency.