How to ship to India

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.

What documents do I need to provide when shipping 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.

Commercial invoice

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’.

What is KYC documentation?

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.

How does the KYC process work?

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.

How can the receiver submit KYC documents? 

Each carrier has their own process for gathering KYC documents. If you’re using FedEx as a carrier, the receiver can follow these steps:

1. The shipper needs to ensure
   • That the receiver’s name and address on the Commercial Invoice (C.I.) and Airway bill (Awb) – match the KYC documents going to be submitted by receiver.
   • Verify with receiver if his Match the name and address on the Awb and C.I. match against the KYC documents to be submitted by receiver.
   • Ensure no “Pet Names”, “Short names”, “Department names” etc. are not mentioned on Awb and C.I.
   • The receiver’s phone number and email must also be correct so that the receiver can be contacted directly. 
   • Send the Airway bill information to the receiver as soon as the shipment is shipped with the link website – https://kyc.fedex.com
      
2. The receiver needs to fulfill the KYC obligation by doing the following steps. 
   • Obtain his shipment Tracking number (Airway bill number- i.e. AWB) from shipper. 
   • Visit our website- https://kyc.fedex.com 
   • Use the options and Job-aids given to fulfill the KYC obligation for his shipment.
      
3. In case of any issues faced by receiver, they can write to india@fedex.com or kycdocs@fedex.com for support.

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 of the queries regarding KYC documents can be found on the FedEx KYC Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page.

What if the receiver’s KYC documents aren’t ready?

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.

Customs clearance in India

When a parcel enters India, it goes through either express or formal customs clearance.

Express 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

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.

Express and formal customs clearance in India

Do I need to provide additional documents for Indian customs clearance?

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:

• If the shipment has more than one box – a signed packing list
• If the shipment contains a purchase by a private individual (e.g. webshop order) – a purchase order as proof of payment
• Goods sent free of charge to the receiver may require proof of value
• If not already included in the KYC documentation – receiver’s BIN (Bank Identification Number), industrial license, company registration certificate, special import license and/or power of attorney for their broker
• A copy of the receiver’s Import Export Code (IEC) registration issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT)– the receiver provides this code on the KYC form, however Indian customs authorities often require a copy of the IEC registration as well
• When using a customs broker for formal clearance, the broker will also need to arrange – a formal bill of entry, an import or GATT Declaration, and proof of advance payment of fees such as import duties, D.O. charges, warehouse costs or Octroi regional delivery fees
• If extra proof of the shipment value is requested by the customs authorities during clearance – a separate price list of the goods in the shipment and/or a bank statement from the receiver, stamped by the bank, showing the receiver’s payment for the shipped goods
• If the receiver is located outside Mumbai – a signed and stamped Non-objection Form (N-Form)

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.