International · IN
How to Ship to India from the US
India has massive ecommerce demand but customs and delivery infrastructure varies significantly between metro cities and Tier 2/3 cities. Private couriers dominate express shipments to major cities. India Post handles rural delivery.
Indian customs duties vary widely by item category (5-40% typical) plus 18% IGST. Personal imports under INR 1,000 are duty-free (very low threshold).
Typical 1 lb cost
$30-$60 USD
Typical transit
5-20 business days
Carrier Options to India
DHL Express Worldwide
4-7 business days to major cities.
FedEx International Priority
4-7 business days. Strong in Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore.
UPS Worldwide Expedited
5-9 business days.
USPS Priority Mail International
10-20 business days. India Post final delivery — slower to Tier 2/3 cities.
Customs Forms Required
Commercial invoice mandatory. CN23 + recipient's AADHAAR or PAN for clearance on commercial goods.
Commonly Prohibited Items
- ✕Beef and beef products (religious/cultural restrictions in many states)
- ✕Certain pharmaceuticals without Indian prescription
- ✕Drones (licensing required)
- ✕Gold above small personal limits
- ✕Cannabis or any THC-containing products
India-Specific Shipping Tips
- 💡 Duties vary 5-40% by item + 18% IGST — total can exceed 50% of value for some categories
- 💡 Include recipient's phone number (mandatory) and PAN/AADHAAR for commercial items
- 💡 Indian addresses: Name + Apartment/Building + Street + Area + City + State + PIN code (6 digits)
- 💡 Avoid USPS to Tier 2/3 cities — India Post delivery unreliable outside metros
- 💡 Dress code sensitivities: avoid shipping overtly Western items (lingerie, beef products) without accurate labeling
Frequently asked questions
How much duty do I pay shipping to India?
Varies 5-40% by item category. Plus 18% IGST. De minimis is very low (INR 1,000 = ~$12). Most imports face duties.
Is USPS reliable to India?
For metros (Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore), yes. For Tier 2/3 cities, use DHL/FedEx — India Post rural delivery is unreliable.
Can I ship electronics to India?
Yes with declaration. Large items may require BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) certification for commercial import. Personal electronics fine.
Do I need recipient's PAN?
For commercial imports or items over INR 20,000 (~$240), yes. Personal gifts under that threshold usually don't require it.
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