If you are moving to India  and plan to ship your household goods and  personal effects, there are customs regulations in India you need to consider .
Below are India’s rules and regulations regarding the importation of used household goods and personal belongings

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR MOVING TO INDIA AND SHIPPING HOUSEHOLD GOODS TO INDIA

• Passport for all family members
• Visa (to reside in India for at least one year)
• Inventory of household goods, valued in English (indicating date purchased) and itemized (brand, model and serial number of all major appliances must be noted and in English)
• Indian Customs Declaration Form (to be signed in presence of Customs Officer)
• Diplomatic shipments of household goods require Duty Exemption Certificates from the government of  India
• Insurance policy

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS FOR SHIPPING HOUSEHOLD GOODS TO INDIA

• CUSTOMER MUST BE PRESENT IN INDIA AT THE TIME OF CUSTOMS CLEARANCE OF THE HOUSEHOLD GOODS IN ORDER TO SIGN A DECLARATION OF CONTENTS
• Used household goods and personal effects are duty-free for foreign nationals and Indians transferring residence to India provided:
  • The household goods have been owned and used for a minimum of one year prior to importation
  • Indian Citizens have resided outside the country for two years and intend on staying in India for a year
• Foreign nationals produce a visa valid for one year
• All household goods shipments 100% inspected
• Sea household goods shipments must be shipped within 30 days of customers arrival and air household goods shipments within 15 days of shippers arrival.

DUTIABLE AND RESTRICTED HOUSEHOLD GOODS ITEMS

• Large quantities of cosmetics, toiletries, food, etc.
• Tobacco and alcohol products (alcoholic products attract duties over 200%)
• Electronic equipment and appliances (only one of each is allowed)
• New household goods items and consumables
• Professional equipment may be imported duty-free with evidence/certificates proving qualifications of profession to Customs
• Manufacturers cartons should not be used for shipping; it is recommended that goods be re-packed and tags and brochures (for new items) not be put in the cartons
• Gold or silver in any form other than ornaments

PROHIBITED ITEMS

• Weapons, firearms and ammunition (unless licensed in advance)
• Live plants
• Walkie-talkies
• Pornographic material
• Narcotics
• Politically sensitive literature

MOTOR VEHICLES

• ALL VEHICLES including boats are subject to DUTY and very high taxes
• Prior to Customs clearance, foreign nationals are required to furnish a bank bond for import trade authorities, stating not to sell the car for a specified period
• Indians can sell the car immediately upon Customs clearance
• Indians can import brand new cars up to 1600cc
• Cars exceeding 1600cc must have been registered in the importers name abroad for at least one year
• Documents required:
  • Owner’s passport indicating two years residence abroad (original)
  • Manufacturer’s invoice (original)
  • Customs Clearing Permit/Import License
  • Insurance Policy
  • Auto Registration Certificate
  • Keys
  • List of extras and purchase date

PETS

• Health Certificate, rabies and other vaccinations required
• One only of cat, dog, or parrot

DUTY AND TAX RATE %

• All used Household Goods (more than 1 year old) are duty-free
• All new articles, whether furniture, crockery, etc., are charged a duty of at least 50%.
• The following items are dutiable at 25% (new or used)
  

  -TV	-Air Conditioner
  -VCR	-Refrigerator
  -Washing Machine	-Deep Freezer
  -LPG cooking Range	-Microwave Oven
  -Dishwasher	-Video Camera
  -Music System	-Word Processor
  -Personal Computer	-FAX Machine

• If the total value of the above items exceeds RS 150,000,(approximately $4250) or items that exceed the one-piece limit will attract a dut of approximately 62%.

NOTE – Customs regulations in India are subject to change at any time. The proceeding information is a brief summary of customs regulations applicable to household goods shipments to India and is being provided for general guidance to assist our Agents and Customers. Since such regulations are subject to change without notice, IntlMove, Inc. cannot be held liable for any costs, damage, delays, or other detrimental events resulting from non-compliance. Always double check with your local embassy or consulate.

From: kartic s.
Sent: Thursday, August 28, 2008 2:52 PM
To: Administration
Subject: Re: 08-08-032-18 Confirmed PU pick-up.

Pick-up although way delayed than what it was supposed to be, the movers were awesome.
Thanks and Cheers! Kartic

From: Tapas C.
Sent: Thursday, May 15, 2008 6:31 PM
To: Administration
Subject: 08-06-002-11 Shipment Picked Up Smoothly on 5/14

Gloria,
The MoveItNow company has picked up my shipment on scheduled date: Wednesday, 14 May 2008, subject to some final packaging at their end. The team, headed by Mr. Bill Voss, is a champion team, prefessional and has had excellent performance!
Regards, Tapas