Car Shipping To India

Shipping Your Car to Nhava Sheva, India: A Comprehensive Guide

India, a vibrant and rapidly developing nation, welcomes vehicle imports for various purposes, from personal relocation to business expansion. Shipping your vehicle to Nhava Sheva (JNPT), India’s largest container port, requires meticulous planning and adherence to specific regulations. At Ship Cars Ltd, we specialise in secure and efficient vehicle transport, offering both RoRo and dedicated container shipping options. This guide provides all the essential information you need for a smooth process.

Why Ship Your Vehicle to Nhava Sheva, India?

Several compelling reasons lead individuals and businesses to ship vehicles to India:

• Relocation and Expatriation: Many individuals moving to India for work, retirement, or to join family members opt to bring their personal vehicle for convenience and familiarity.

• Business and Commercial Use: Companies may import vehicles for logistics, executive transport, or specialised business operations within India.

• Personal Use: Owning and using a familiar vehicle offers convenience and freedom of movement across India.

• Importing a Purchased Vehicle: Individuals who have purchased a vehicle abroad and wish to import it into India.

Our Vehicle Shipping Services to Nhava Sheva

We offer flexible and secure solutions to meet your specific shipping needs.

1. RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) Shipping

• Description: This cost-effective method involves driving your vehicle directly onto a specialised vessel, known as a RoRo ship, and securely stowing it for transit.

• Ideal For: Operational cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, caravans, and motorhomes that can be driven onto the vessel.

• Key Requirements:

  • The vehicle must be in fully operational condition.

  • Crucially, no personal belongings or any other items are permitted inside the vehicle.

• Restrictions:

  • Hybrid vehicles are not allowed on RoRo services due to safety regulations.

  • Electric vehicles are also not allowed on RoRo services.

• Learn More: For detailed information, please visit our RoRo Shipping page.

2. Dedicated Container Shipping

• Description: Your vehicle is loaded into its own private shipping container (typically 20ft or 40ft). This method provides the highest level of security and protection, ensuring your vehicle is shielded from the elements and potential damage during its journey.

• Ideal For:

  • All types of vehicles, including non-running cars, luxury vehicles, classic cars, and motorcycles.

  • Situations where you wish to ship personal effects, spare parts, or tools alongside your vehicle.

  • Hybrid and electric vehicles.

• Key Features:

  • Maximum security and protection against theft and damage.

  • Customisable loading to securely accommodate your vehicle.

  • Allows for the shipment of personal belongings within the container, provided they comply with India’s import regulations.

  • Suitable for hybrid and electric vehicles. Electric vehicles typically incur a hazard surcharge of £295 due to battery regulations.

  • Vehicles do not need to be working for container shipping, as they can be winched or forklifted into the container.

• Learn More: Explore the advantages of our container shipping services on our Container Shipping page.

Shipping Rates to Nhava Sheva, India

We offer competitive pricing for shipping your vehicle to Nhava Sheva. These rates are indicative and subject to change based on specific vehicle dimensions, chosen service, and current market conditions. A formal quote will be provided upon request.

Dedicated Container Shipping Rates

• Small Golf Cost: £1245 per dedicated 20ft container.

• Large Car (e.g., Range Rover): £1486 per dedicated 20ft container.

Transit Time and Sailing Frequency

• Estimated Transit Time: Approximately 45 days from UK port to Nhava Sheva.

• Sailing Frequency: We offer regular sailings, with departures once a month, ensuring a reliable schedule for your shipping needs.

Importing a Vehicle to India: Regulations, Duties, and Taxes

Importing a vehicle into India is subject to stringent regulations and significant duties and taxes, particularly for personal imports.

Rules for Importation:

1. Permanent Import:

   • Importing vehicles into India for permanent use is generally restricted and subject to very high duties and taxes. The Indian government prioritises local manufacturing and may restrict imports of certain types of vehicles.

   • Eligibility: Individuals relocating to India under specific schemes (e.g., Transfer of Residence) or for certain professions (e.g., diplomats, certain foreign government officials) may have specific import provisions.

   • Vehicle Age: Strict age limits apply. Generally, used vehicles older than 3 years are not permitted for import unless under specific concessionary schemes. New vehicles are preferred.

   • Authorities:

     • Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT): (https://dgft.gov.in/) – Sets the overall import-export policy.

     • Customs, Excise & Service Tax (CBIC): (https://cbic.gov.in/) – Governs customs procedures, duties, and taxes.

     • Ministry of Road Transport and Highways: (https://morth.nic.in/) – For information on vehicle standards and homologation.

2. Transfer of Residence (ToR) / Personal Import:

   • Individuals relocating to India and taking up employment or residence may be eligible to import one vehicle duty-free or at a concessional duty rate under specific conditions.

   • Eligibility Criteria:

     • You must have resided abroad for at least two years immediately prior to your relocation.

     • You must have owned and used the vehicle abroad for at least one year.

     • You must obtain an Import Licence from the DGFT before shipping the vehicle.

     • The vehicle must generally be new or up to three years old.

   • Application: Applications for the Import Licence and duty concessions are complex and must be submitted to the DGFT.

   • Authorities: Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and Customs Department.

3. Temporary Import:

   • Temporary importation is typically only permitted for specific purposes, such as participation in international motor rallies, exhibitions, or for use by foreign dignitaries. It requires special permission and adherence to strict re-export conditions.

   • Authorities: DGFT and Customs Department.

Inspections and Permits

• Pre-Shipment Inspections (UK):

  • Condition Report: We strongly recommend obtaining a condition report for your vehicle before shipping. This documents its state prior to transit and is vital for insurance claims.

    • Cost: Free of charge if we collect your vehicle; a fee of £35 applies if you deliver the vehicle to us.

• Indian Customs Examination:

  • Upon arrival at Nhava Sheva, your vehicle will be inspected by Indian Customs officials to verify documentation, assess its condition, and confirm compliance with import regulations.

• Permits:

  • Import Licence: Mandatory for personal imports under the ToR scheme or for any concessionary duty rates. Obtained from the DGFT.

  • NOC (No Objection Certificate): May be required from the concerned authorities depending on the import scheme.

  • Homologation/Type Approval: If importing a new vehicle or one not previously registered in India, it may need to meet Indian automotive standards.

Required Paperwork

Accurate and complete documentation is crucial for importing your vehicle into India.

Paperwork Required in the UK:

1. Vehicle Registration Certificate (V5C): Your proof of UK registration and ownership.

2. Proof of Ownership: Bill of Sale or invoice.

3. Identification: Copy of your passport.

4. Shipping Booking Confirmation: Details of your chosen service.

5. Import Licence: If applicable, from the DGFT.

6. Export Declaration: Handled by the shipping company.

Paperwork Required at the Destination Port (Nhava Sheva):

1. Bill of Lading: The primary shipping document.

2. Indian Customs Declaration Forms: (Bill of Entry) – usually completed by your clearing agent.

3. Proof of Ownership: Original V5C, Bill of Sale.

4. Identification: Passport.

5. Import Licence: If applicable.

6. Invoice: Showing the value of the vehicle.

7. Proof of Insurance: Valid for India.

8. Original Purchase Invoice: For new vehicles.

9. Import Clearance Certificate: Issued by Customs upon successful clearance.

Duty and Tax in India

India imposes some of the highest duties and taxes on imported vehicles globally, especially for personal imports.

• Customs Duty: Can range from 60% to 150% of the CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) value, depending on the vehicle type and engine capacity.

• GST (Goods and Services Tax): An additional tax levied on imported vehicles, typically ranging from 18% to 28%, plus potential GST compensation cess for certain vehicle types.

• Concessional Duty: Under the Transfer of Residence scheme, duties might be reduced or exempted, but this requires strict adherence to eligibility and licensing requirements. Even with concessions, other taxes like GST may still apply.

Important: The total tax and duty burden can often exceed the value of the vehicle itself. It is strongly advised to consult the CBIC or a reputable Indian customs clearing agent for precise calculations before shipping.

Vehicle Collection in the UK

We offer convenient collection services from across the UK to prepare your vehicle for its journey to Nhava Sheva:

• Transporter Collection: Your vehicle is safely transported to the port on a specialised trailer.

• Trade Plate Driver: If your vehicle is fully operational and has a valid MOT, it can be driven to the port by our experienced drivers.

Shipping Hybrid and Electric Vehicles

• RoRo: Not allowed.

• Container Shipping: Allowed. Hybrid and electric vehicles can be shipped via dedicated container.

• Hazard Surcharge: Electric vehicles shipped via container typically incur a hazard surcharge of approximately £295 due to safety regulations concerning their high-voltage batteries.

Insurance and Risk Coverage

Protect your vehicle during its journey to India with our comprehensive insurance options:

• Total Loss Cover: Covers complete loss due to fire or water damage during transit.

  • Cost: 1% of vehicle value + shipping cost.

• Comprehensive Cover: Covers cosmetic damage, fire, and water damage.

  • Cost: 1.5% of vehicle value + shipping cost.

  • Eligibility: The vehicle cannot be older than 10 years. A detailed condition report is mandatory for this cover.

• Condition Report:

  • Free of charge if we collect your vehicle.

  • A fee of £35 applies if you choose to deliver the vehicle to us for the condition report.

What’s Not Allowed to Ship (Prohibited Items and Restrictions)

Strict regulations are in place for items shipped to India.

Prohibited Items:

• Hazardous Materials: Including flammable, explosive, corrosive, or toxic substances.

• Illegal Items: Such as drugs, unlicensed firearms, counterfeit goods.

• Certain Antiquities and Cultural Items: Without proper permits.

• Live Animals and Plants: With specific exceptions and strict protocols.

• Food Items: Can be subject to strict import regulations.

Restrictions:

• Personal Belongings:

  • RoRo: Strictly forbidden inside the vehicle.

  • Container: Permitted within the dedicated container alongside your vehicle, provided they comply with India’s import regulations and are declared. Avoid shipping any prohibited or restricted goods. Heavy items should be secured to prevent movement during transit.

• Fuel: The fuel tank must be nearly empty for safety reasons.

• Vehicle Condition: RoRo requires operational vehicles; non-running vehicles must be shipped via container service.

• Age Restrictions: India has very strict age limits for vehicle imports. Used vehicles generally cannot be more than 3 years old for personal import, and even then, duties are very high.

Cost Breakdown

The total cost of shipping your vehicle to Nhava Sheva comprises several key elements:

• Shipping Freight: The cost for dedicated container service, based on the container size and vehicle dimensions.

• Port Fees: Charges levied at UK and Nhava Sheva ports for handling, terminal services, and documentation.

• Documentation Fees: For preparing and processing all necessary shipping and customs paperwork.

• Insurance Premiums: Calculated based on the vehicle’s value and the chosen insurance coverage.

• Customs Duties & Taxes: This is a significant component, including Customs Duty (60-150%) and GST (18-28% plus cess).

• Clearing Agent Fees: For customs brokerage services in Nhava Sheva.

• UK Collection/Delivery: If you opt for our transport services.

• Hazard Surcharge: For electric vehicles in containers (£295).

• Condition Report Fee: £35 if you deliver the vehicle to us.

• Import Licence Fee: If applicable, charged by the DGFT.

Further Resources

To ensure a smooth and informed shipping process, we recommend consulting these helpful guides:

• RoRo Shipping Explained
• Container Shipping Explained
• How to Prepare Your Car for Shipping
• Prepare Your Car for Export
• How to Avoid Damage with International Shipping
• Top 10 Mistakes People Make During International Car Shipping

Shipping your vehicle to India is a complex process with significant financial implications due to high duties and strict regulations, particularly concerning vehicle age. It is crucial to thoroughly research all requirements and consult with official Indian authorities or experienced customs brokers before proceeding. Contact us today to discuss your shipping needs and receive expert advice.

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