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24×7 – 365 Days | [email protected] |
24×7 – 365 Days | [email protected] |
Sending a package to India? Understanding the customs clearance process can make your delivery seamless.
Whether you’re a Non-resident Indian (NRI) sending gifts, a company shipping documents, a small business owner exporting goods, or even a first-time international shipper needing clarity on the end-to-end process, we at Couriers to India are here to make the process transparent for you.
If you want peace of mind, we at Couriers to India can simplify the process so that what you send reaches its destination with minimal issues.
Ready to ship? Send Parcel Now | Talk to a Customs Expert
For both personal and commercial shipments, understanding this process reduces confusion and helps avoid unexpected costs or delays.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of how COURIERS TO INDIA navigates customs in India on your behalf:
Arrival of Parcel at Indian Port/Airport |
When your parcel lands in India (typically at major hubs like Delhi, Mumbai, or Chennai), it undergoes initial screening. Customs officials scan and inspect packages for prohibited items or discrepancies. This step ensures compliance with India’s import regulations. |
Documentation check and Lodgment of Bill of Entry at Customs through Electronic Data Interface (EDI)
Customs authorities require specific documents to process your parcel. These include:
Accurate declarations prevent delays or penalties. Incomplete or incorrect documents are a common cause of parcels being held at customs.
Bill of Entry is lodged electronically (as per image) and all contents of the shipment are clearly listed in chronological order. Each line item is then assessed by the officer.
Assessment of Duties and Taxes
Customs officials calculate duties based on the CIF value (Cost + Insurance + Freight). Common charges include:
The bottom line is that taxes vary. For example, electronics may attract higher duties, while documents are often duty-free.
As per the image, the duty is communicated to the carrier and paid on your behalf.
Payment of Customs Duties
Duties are typically paid by the receiver, but senders can prepay in some cases. Couriers to India offer flexible payment options, including online methods, and notify you of charges upfront to avoid surprises.
Inspection (If Applicable)
Some parcels undergo physical inspection, especially if flagged for high value, restricted items, or incomplete documentation. Customs uses a Green Channel (fast-track clearance for low-risk parcels) or Red Channel (detailed inspection). Common reasons for inspection include:
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Customs Clearance Approval
Once duties are paid and inspections (if any) are cleared, customs authorities approve the parcel for release. You’ll receive a tracking update confirming clearance. |
Final Delivery to Recipient
The parcel is handed over to a local delivery partner for last-mile delivery. Post-clearance delivery typically takes 1–3 days, depending on the destination.
At Couriers to India, we make customs clearance stress-free.
Our team verifies your documents before shipping to ensure compliance. We provide real-time tracking, so you know exactly when your parcel clears customs. For high-value or commercial shipments, our dedicated support team liaises with customs authorities on your behalf.
We also offer automated duty calculations and transparent updates, so you’re never left guessing. With our expertise, your parcel moves through customs faster, ensuring timely delivery to your loved ones or clients in India. Typically, we clear customs within 72 hours of arrival at port of landing.
To avoid delays, ensure you have the right documents:
Always ensure documents are complete and accurate to avoid customs delays.
Here’s a summary of typical duties for common items (based on general rates, subject to change):
Item Category
Electronics (Mobiles, Laptops)
Apparel & Fashion Items
Documents
Food & Medicines
Gifts
Used Personal Belongings
Approx. Duty Rate
20–40% -BCD + IGST at 18%
10–30%
Duty-Free
5–30%
No duty-free threshold under the new regime
Varies
Notes
High-value items attract higher duties.
Depends on the material and value.
Documents are exempt.
Strict regulations & may require permits.
Higher values attract duties.
Must be declared as personal use. The sender has to be the receiver in India and present at the port of clearance with a passport, ticket, boarding pass, and tracking id number to claim this channel. Electronics, White goods, and similar are treated as regular imports.
Note: Items valued below ₹5,000 (excluding commercial goods) may qualify for reduced duty, but this depends on customs discretion. Always check the latest thresholds. Worthy to note that IGST is still applicable on the shipment since no GST has been applied on the items for consumption in India.
At Couriers to India, we take the complexity out of customs clearance:
With Couriers to India, you get a trusted partner to navigate India’s customs process, ensuring your parcel reaches its destination without unnecessary delays.
Follow these tips to ensure smooth clearance:
With Couriers to India, you can ship internationally with confidence, knowing our team handles customs clearance seamlessly. Whether it’s a gift for family, documents for a student, or goods for a client, we ensure hassle-free delivery.
Take the next step:
Book a Pickup | Calculate Customs Duty | Chat with a Courier Expert
Typically, 1–5 days, depending on documentation, item type, and inspection requirements.
There’s no fixed fee, but duties depend on the item’s value and category. Couriers to India provide estimates upfront.
It involves arrival screening, document verification, duty assessment, payment, inspection (if needed), clearance, and final delivery.
KYC (Aadhar, Passport, etc.), invoice, packing list, and IEC (for commercial shipments).
Pay the assessed duties online or via the courier, ensuring all documents are accurate.
Usually the receiver, but senders can prepay in some cases. You can clarify this with Couriers to India during booking.
There is no duty-free allowance under the new regime & other thresholds vary by item type.
Stay within listed limits, declare accurately, and avoid prohibited & restricted items.
