India has strict customs rules that can lead to delays if not followed properly. That's why it's important to check regulations and ensure the right documents are ready before sending a parcel to India.
Along with the commercial invoice and air waybill, you also need to provide the receiver’s KYC documentation in advance. If you’re sending high-value or regulated goods, then you might need to provide extra paperwork.
Shipping paperwork can exist in both physical and digital formats. Shipments to India need to be accompanied by printed copies of documents.
All information on the commercial invoice needs to be accurate and in English. The receiver’s details must be exactly the same as on the KYC documents.
All costs on the commercial invoice must be in a currency approved by Indian customs like the rupee, dollar, pound or euro. Make sure there are no spelling mistakes or incorrect abbreviations as this can cause delays. For more information see ‘How to fill in a commercial invoice’.
KYC stands for ‘Know Your Customer’. This documentation is extremely important when sending packages to India as customs authorities need it to confirm the receiver's identity and address. This applies to both businesses and private individuals.
Before you ship to a new address in India, the receiver needs to gather their KYC proof and give it to your carrier. The carrier will save the receiver’s details in their KYC database for future shipments to the same address.
This process must be repeated each time you use a different carrier, send goods to a new address or when the receiver’s details change. Even if a business has several addresses, each location must be registered separately in your carrier’s KYC database.
Each carrier has their own process for gathering KYC documents. If you’re using FedEx as a carrier you can follow these steps:
This Job-Aid page offers a step-by-step guide to filling in the KYC form. It also lists the supporting documents required. Answers to many queries regarding KYC documents can be found on the FedEx KYC Frequently Asked Questions page.
Missing KYC documentation not only delays your shipment, but can also lead to penalty fees. To ensure a smooth process, ask your receiver if their KYC details are already known by the carrier. If not, ask your receiver to gather their documents to be submitted before shipping.
When a parcel enters India, it goes through either express or formal customs clearance.
Express clearance, or courier mode, is a streamlined process with minimal paperwork for low-to-medium-value goods such as gifts, samples or documents. With correct paperwork you can expect your parcel to be released the same day.
Formal clearance, or freight mode, is used for high-value, bulk or regulated goods. This process requires advance payment of duties, additional paperwork, and a customs broker to oversee the clearance process. The receiver can choose to use their own broker, or a broker provided by the carrier.
Find out which process applies to your shipment, so you can prepare the right documents beforehand.
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Required documentation |
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Yes, additional documents are often required for formal clearance and sometimes express clearance (e.g. packing list, purchase order). Other documents you may need to provide, depending on your shipment, are:
To avoid customs delays, the receiver should email the required documents to the sender to print and include in the shipping paperwork.
Finally, make sure you check the Indian regulations that apply to your product before shipping, as they’re frequently updated.
Shipping regulated goods to India? See the list below for a detailed guide on what documentation you need to provide.
Shipping requirements and documentation may vary between carriers. This website is designed to provide general information related to shipping. If you’re unsure of the shipping requirements that apply to you, check with your carrier. Make sure to check the rules and regulations of the country you’re shipping from and to prior to shipping. You can find this information on government websites.
