Shipping from Canada to India
Typically, it takes three to five business days to deliver a package to India. The exception would be any shipments that are delayed due to customs issues. Shipping costs can start anywhere from between $65 and $100, and, depending on what you are shipping, you might face a variety of other expenses and customs documentation to provide. Shipping parcels to India, approximately 11,000 kilometers away, happens by air or sea.
Wondering what the duties are on imports? Here are some examples:
Apparel: 25%
Books: 22%
Chocolate: 30%
Cigars: 60%
Home Appliances: 50%
FlagShip’s Guide to Cheap and Easy Shipping from Canada to India
An online store fulfilling an order and shipping to India can feel like a headache because there are many shipping rules to acknowledge and respect. You can become acquainted with India’s customs regulations by familiarizing yourself with the basics. Consider this an essential guide to the mechanics of shipping to India.
It is safe to say that an essential piece of information you need to know is the country’s customs duty. Yes, India does apply duties and taxes to most items. However, there is an exception: Documents (annual reports, business cards, manuscripts, visa applications, and others).
Next, commercial invoices are required to be as detailed as possible and wholly accurate. Should officials discover a mistake in the product or cost, a penalty will be applied to both the receiver and the shipper. If there are any discrepancies, India’s Customs Department, called the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs, will request proof of purchase.
Shipping Electronics to India
When a company ships electronics, whether a desktop computer or a laptop, there are several things you will need to provide:
Authorization on company letterhead stating you are authorized to resell products from the manufacturer.
Proof of value.
Reason for import.
Company GST ID.
Know Your Customer file and a Power of Attorney (POA).
Telephone number and email address.
Import and export code.
No matter what they may be, all of your shipments must also have the individual passport number, AADHAAR ID number, and PAN number.
As part of the country’s new tax rules, products shipped across India’s states and valued at more than (approximately) $750 will need an E-Way Bill. This document, if applicable, must be provided by the importer.
A final few notes relating to India’s shipping rules:
“Gift” or “Sample” must be indicated on the invoice.
All gift articles will be subject to duties and taxes.
According to India Customs Regulations, shipments of gold, silver, precious metals, stones, pearl, diamonds, and jewelry by courier are prohibited.
However, they can be cleared in Cargo Terminals.
It is mandatory to have an International Mobile Equipment Identification (IMEI) on all imported mobile phones.
Clothing, fabrics, and garments must have No-Objection Certification from the Textile Ministries of India and certification of origin.
Shipments of nutritional supplements require a No-Objection Certificate from the Drug Controller.
Samples cannot exceed five pieces.
All textiles require a Testing Certificate and a Pre-Inspection Certificate from the Textile Ministries of India.
Guide to Sending Parcels to India by Courier
Now that you know the specifics of India’s shipping rules, you’ll need to understand how to employ the proper shipping methods to ensure your parcel arrives on time.
The most essential is shipment preparation. This consists of getting all the relevant contact information from the receiver, including name, telephone number, address, and anything else pertinent to the package. And, of course, be sure to triple-check the information. Remember, a misspelled name or the wrong address can incur additional costs.
The next step is to list all the items and their declared value on your commercial invoice. Not doing so could result in excess charges or failure to deliver.
Once your shipment is out for delivery, you will need to fill out the KYC document (as previously mentioned) and monitor your shipment using the AWB number.
Ultimately, it is about gathering the items, keying in the correct information, securing the item in the package, and tracking the shipment. The first few times might be a challenge, but you will quickly become used to the broad array of rules, regulations, customs, duties, and taxes involved in shipping to India.
