Moving to India
Two groups move from Poland to India: Indians returning home after years of work in Europe, and Poles sent by their companies to Bangalore, Pune or Hyderabad. For customs these are two completely different situations. So we start moves to India by establishing on what basis your belongings will enter the country. In Wrocław we pack and load the container, and clearance at the Indian port and delivery are handled by a partner from the FEDEMAC network.
Transfer of Residence – for returning residents
Indian citizens and people of Indian origin moving their residence from abroad can benefit from the concessions under the Transfer of Residence rules. The conditions include a sufficiently long stay abroad – usually at least two years – and limited time spent in India during that period. The concession covers used personal and household goods up to a set value. Some equipment, however, especially televisions, is subject to duty regardless of status.
| Situation | How goods are treated |
|---|---|
| return after at least two years abroad | Transfer of Residence concessions, value limits |
| shorter stay abroad | limited baggage exemptions, most goods subject to duty |
| foreign national with a work visa | baggage rules for foreigners, usually with charges |
| television, new electronics | often dutiable regardless of status |
Deadlines and the owner's presence
Unaccompanied baggage should arrive within a set period before or after your arrival. At clearance, customs usually require your original passport with the entry stamp, and often your presence in person or an authorisation. Keep your boarding passes and air ticket – they are sometimes needed as proof of your arrival date.
Ports and inland delivery
Nhava Sheva (Mumbai)
India's largest container port. It serves Mumbai and Pune, and by rail also inland terminals in the north. The voyage from Europe usually takes about four weeks.
Chennai
The port on the east coast, most convenient for Chennai and Bangalore, where belongings are delivered by road.
Mundra
A large port in Gujarat, convenient for Ahmedabad and the west of the country.
Inland terminals
Delhi and other inland cities are served by container terminals, to which the container travels by train from the port. Clearance takes place there.
The monsoon and delivery
From June to September most of India is in the monsoon season. Downpours delay overland transport and make unloading difficult, and humidity harms furniture and books. When shipping during this period we add moisture absorbers, protect the bottoms of boxes with extra film and warn you about possible delivery delays. If you can, plan to arrive in autumn or winter.
How we prepare the shipment
- We establish your status and check with our partner which items may be subject to duty.
- We draw up an inventory in English with serial numbers of electronics.
- We export-pack with protection against moisture.
- We hand the documents to our partner, who agrees the clearance date with you.
Equipment that would attract high duty in India can be left in our storage or sold before you leave. We write about clearance for shipments outside the EU under customs clearance.
India – questions about your move
As a Pole on a contract, can I bring my belongings in duty-free?
Foreign nationals have narrower exemptions than returning Indian citizens. Some goods are usually subject to charges, so it is worth limiting the shipment to what you really need.
Do I need to be present at clearance at the port?
Often yes, or you need to give the agent your original passport and an authorisation. Requirements depend on the customs office, and we confirm them before shipping.
How long does a move to Bangalore take?
Usually six to ten weeks: the voyage to Chennai, clearance and a few days of overland transport.
Should I ship a television from Poland?
As a rule, it is not worth it. Televisions are dutiable in India regardless of status, and the cost of clearance and transport often exceeds the value of the set.
Returning to India or going on a contract
We will check what can enter duty-free and prepare a free quote.
Free quote