India and Canada share a strong economic and cultural connection. India from Montreal and Quebec increase, there has been increased focus on the processes for importing parcels to India. India’s fast growing economy presents great opportunity for Canadian businesses. Canadian and Indian share educational and skill teaching institutions; commercial research and development to drive innovation and growth of Canadian exports to India.
The opportunities for shipping India from Canada have never been greater. The increased flow of international parcels to India from Canada indicates the increased interest to this region.
Expand your cross border transportation and logistics options. Grow your understanding of cross border shipping from a company providing logistics solutions for over 40 years!
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In this shipping guide to India, we review:
- Canadian carrier shipping India from Canada options
- Know Your Customer / KYC documentation
- Indian customs clearance, processes and costs for shipments from Canada
- Get a shipping quote between Canada and India
Important Note: The information in Jet Worldwide online content, including this post, is for general information only.
What does it cost to send a package to India from Canada?
The cost to send a shipment to India depends on the size and weight of your package. Other factors include service option, carrier, fuel surcharge, and delivery address.
What is the cheapest way to send a package to India from Canada?
The cheapest way for individuals sending small packages and personal items is via Canada Post surface shipping options. The cost to send up to 2 kg via surface can be as low as around $45. Canada Post has a great online rate tool.
Will there be import fees to India for shipments from Canada
All shipments to India are subject to duty, tax and import fees. If you wish to pay the fees on behalf of the receiver in India, you can choose a delivery duty paid (DDP) option.
What are the requirements to send to India from Canada
India's import processes can be complex and demanding.
The basic requirements include an invoice for customs describing the items being sent and their values. It is import to confirm the receiver / importer has all the necessary permits and KYC documents.
Some of the requirements are outlined below.
Best Shipping options to India
There are a few options for shipping freight between Canada and India
- Air freight: This is the fastest option with economy air options
- Ocean: Best for large commercial orders
- Local post options are generally best for individuals shipping small packages and personal items to Canada
- FedEX , DHL, UPS air options are well known with information readily available via their websites.
When choosing a shipping method, you will need to consider factors such as the size and weight of your freight, the time frame in which you need it to arrive, and your budget. It may be helpful to compare quotes from different carriers to find the best option for your needs.
Shipping to India from Canada via Canada Post
Canada Post offers low cost delivery for individuals shipping small packages to India and all of India. Packages sent via Canada Post are imported to India and delivered by India Post (government of India, department of post).
Canada Pot is the preferred option for individuals shipping small packages and personal items to India.
Canada Post Delivery Services to India Include:
- Small Packet International: Surface and Air
- International Parcel to India: Surface
- Canada Post Xpresspost International to India
Shipping packages to India via FedEx and UPS Canada
FedEx and UPS are the largest carriers in North America and offer dependable international express services from Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal, Ottawa and all of Canada to India.
FedEx Shipping services to India from Canada Include:
- International express priority to India from Canada
- International economy express shipping to India from Canada
Shipping packages to India via Jet Worldwide
Jet Worldwide is a trusted brand that has been providing international shipping solutions for over 40 years.- Jet Worldwide provides options for shipping between Canada and India for parcels, pallets and online orders.
For a quote for shipping online orders, regular volumes and logistics support; provide details including shipping volume, item(s) being shipped, average value and weight of each parcel. The more details the better :). JetWorldwide.com/contact
Delivery to India via Purolator Courier
Purolator Courier, a subsidiary of Canada Post, offers international parcel delivery from Canada to India via partners, such as UPS.'
Customs Clearance Information
To realize the great potential, shipping/ exporting to India from Canada can be difficult due to excessive government regulations (including customs regulations), high tariffs and other indirect taxes. It helps to find a local partner in India who has knowledge of the local market and procedural issues.
Clearance Process for parcels shipped to India from Canada
The clearance process for shipping international courier to India are complex. Here are some helpful guidelines.
Forbidden Items for international parcel delivery to India include:
The list below includes some common items that are strictly forbidden:
- Gems and Jewelry (regardless of value)
- Meat of Wild Animals
- Maps showing incorrect boundaries of India
- Baby Gender Test Kits
- Money Orders
- Indian Passports are prohibited for carriage by anyone except the holder of the passport. Non-Indian Passports from UN Commission, High Commissions and Consulates are acceptable.
- Unsigned Credit Cards
- Unused Checks
- Seeds
- Inorganic Chemicals
Before shipping your your parcel to India from Canada, be sure the receiver has the necessary approvals
The receiver or consignee of your shipment must have an “IEC Number” (Importer-Exporter Code) along with a “BIN” (Business Identification Number). These can be obtained from the Regional Licensing Authority (Director General of Foreign Trade). Registration with Regional Licensing Authority (DGFT) is a prerequisite for all Importers and Exporters.
The required registration can be waived for the following entities:
- Government Ministries and Departments of the Central and State Government
- Diplomatic personnel
- Indian persons returning from abroad and claiming benefit under baggage rules
- Persons, hospitals and other institutions importing goods for their personnel use not connected with trade or manufacture.
- Persons importing goods from Nepal and Myanmar provided the CIF value of a single consignment does not exceed Indian rupees INR 25000.
- Importers importing goods for a trade show using an ATA Carnet
- Charitable Institutions and Registered NGOs importing goods, which have been exempted by the Ministry of Finance for victims of a natural calamity.
When sending items to India, it is useful to keep in mind the classification of the person receiving your parcel or pallet. For customs purposes, the user falls into the one of the following categories broad categories: Actual User and Non Actual User.
Actual User:
Sending your international shipment to an “Actual user”
Industrial Actual Users are persons who utilizes the imported goods for manufacturing in their own industrial units or manufacturing for their own use in another unit including a jobbing unit.
Non-industrial Actual Users are persons who utilizes the imported goods for their own use in a commercial establishment or Research and Development facility.
Non-Actual User:
Non- Actual users include person imports (including receipt of a gift). Importers who import items to resell are also considered non-industrial actual users.
KYC documents When Shipping to India
KYC=Know Your Customer in India
What is KYC documentation?
KYC documentation is a set of documents recognized by the government of India that establishes the identity of a shipper or consignee and their address. KYC is an acronym for Know Your Customer.
Is KYC documentation required for shipments from Canada?
Yes, KYC documentation is required for all imports to India
All shipments sent from or received into India need KYC documents (Government recognized Identity and Address proof) to be presented to Customs during shipment clearance. Shipments without proper identity documents go into Customs Bond until provided by the shipper or consignee in India. Shipments in Customs Bond incur additional import fees and delays.
At a minimum, businesses must provide a GST certificate and PAN Card along with proof of address.
Most carriers offer the opportunity to upload the documents to a website. The name on the waybill must match exactly with the identity documents.
- Individual – Resident Indian
- Individual below 18 years of age
- Proprietor
- Partnership Firm
- Company
- Trust Foundation
- Foreign Nationals Residing in India
KYC documents for an Individual who is a Resident Indian
Provide any ONE of the following document as Id and Address Proof. The address proof should match with the delivery address mentioned on your shipment
- a) Aadhar Card
- b) PAN Card *
- c) Voter ID
- d) Passport
* A separate address proof document will be required
Provide any ONE of the following address proof document in case the address on your KYC document does not match with the delivery address. The address on this document should match with the delivery address.
- a) Bank Account Statement
- b) Electricity Bill
- c) Employee ID
- d) Hotel Booking Receipt
- e) LPG Connection Receipt
- f) Rent Agreement
Back to List of KYC Categories
KYC documents for an Individual below 18 years of age
Please provide any ONE of the following document as Id and Address Proof of Minor. The address proof should match with the delivery address mentioned on your shipment
- a) Aadhar Card of Minor
- b) PAN Card * of Minor
- c) Passport of Minor
- d) Birth Certificate of Minor
* A separate address proof document will be required
Please provide any ONE of the following document as Id Proof of Parent / Guardian.
- a) Aadhar Card of Parent/Guardian
- b) PAN Card of Parent/Guardian
- c) Passport of Parent/Guardian
Please provide any ONE of the following address proof document in case the address on your KYC document does not match with the delivery address. The address on this document should match with the delivery address.
- a) Bank Account Statement
- b) Electricity Bill
- c) Hotel Booking Receipt
- d) Hostel / College Id card
Back to List of KYC Categories
KYC documents for a Proprietor
1) Import Export Code (IEC) of the Proprietorship Firm. If the Firm is exempted from IEC please select the category of exemption from drop down available on the KYC website.
2) Provide any ONE of the following documents as Id Proof.
- a) GST Certificate
- b) PAN Card
Provide any ONE of the following address proof document. The address on this document should match with the delivery address.
- a) Bank Account Statement
- b) Electricity Bill
- c) Telephone / Mobile Bill
- d) Rent Agreement
Authorized Dealer (AD) code is a proposed mandatory field in the Customs clearance system. Companies, Proprietorship and Partnership Firms are therefore required to submit the AD Code as a mandatory document for Customs Clearance. Therefore kindly submit any one of below documents.
- 1) Screenshot of AD code registration on ICEGATE
- 2) Shipping Bill Copy filed in ICES 1.5.
- 3) Bill of Entry Copy filed in ICES 1.5.
Back to List of KYC Categories
KYC documents for a Partnership Firm
1) Import Export Code (IEC) of the Partnership Firm. If the Firm is exempted from IEC please select the category of exemption from drop down available on the KYC website.
2) Please provide any ONE of the following documents as Id Proof.
- a) GST Certificate
- b) PAN Card
3) Please provide any ONE of the following address proof document. The address on this document should match with the delivery address.
- a) Bank Account Statement
- b) Electricity Bill
- c) Telephone Bill
- d) Lease / Rent Agreement
- e) Other Document
- 1) Screenshot of AD code registration on ICEGATE
- 2) Shipping Bill Copy filed in ICES 1.5.
- 3) Bill of Entry Copy filed in ICES 1.5.
Back to List of KYC Categories
KYC documents for a Company
1) Import Export Code (IEC) of the Company. If the Company is exempted from IEC please select the category of exemption from drop down available on the KYC website.
2) Please provide any ONE of the following documents as Id Proof.
- a) GST Certificate
- b) PAN Card
Please provide any ONE of the following address proof document. The address on this document should match with the delivery address.
- a) Bank Account Statement
- b) Electricity Bill
- c) Telephone Bill
- d) Lease / Rent Agreement
- e) Other Document
Authorized Dealer (AD) code is a proposed mandatory field in the Customs clearance system. Companies, Proprietorship and Partnership Firms are therefore required to submit the AD Code as a mandatory document for Customs Clearance. Therefore kindly submit any one of below documents.
- 1) Screenshot of AD code registration on ICEGATE
- 2) Shipping Bill Copy filed in ICES 1.5.
- 3) Bill of Entry Copy filed in ICES 1.5.
Back to List of KYC Categories
KYC documents for a Trust Foundation
1) Import Export Code (IEC) of the Trust Foundation. If the Trust Foundation is exempted from IEC please select the category of exemption from drop down available on the KYC website.
2) Please provide any ONE of the following documents as Id Proof.
- a) GST Certificate
- b) PAN Card
3) Provide any ONE of the following address proof document. The address on this document should match with the delivery address.
- a) Bank Account Statement
- b) Electricity Bill
- c) Telephone Bill
- d) Lease / Rent Agreement
- e) Other Document
Back to List of KYC Categories
KYC documents for a Foreign Nationals Residing in India
- Identity Proof 1 – Passport
- Identity Proof 2 – Visa / PIO Card
Address Proof - Please provide any ONE of the following address proof document. The address on this document should match with the delivery address.
- a) Address proof of relative/friend if staying with them
- b) Hotel Booking Receipt
- c) Rent Agreement
- d) Stay Visa
- e) Other Document
Back to List of KYC Categories
Categories of Imports and Export
Import status of commodities can be broadly categories as:
- Free Import - Commodities that do not require any special or license.
- Restricted Import - Commodities that require Import License
- Canalized Import - Commodities that are restricted for import and must be cleared through special agencies.
- Prohibited Commodities
- Special Schemes for Import
- Import of certain goods (that promote export, to special economic zones, etc) are granted special processes.
International parcel shipments sent to India using a major Carrier are imported in OBC (courier) / Express Mode.
Importing parcel shipments to India cleared via OBC/ Express Mode of Clearance
This express clearance process is faster and less restrictive than a freight clearance. However, it is limited to certain commodities, values and weight limits.
For formal clearance shipments, the importer is required to appoint a broker for clearance. Most often, the consignee grants clearance authority to the carrier (such as FedEx, TNT, DHL, UPS). All carriers charge brokerage fees for formal clearance.
To qualify for OBC/ Express Parcel Clearance to India:
- The package weight is less than 32 kilograms
- The shipment is valued under $1,500 US
- Restricted commodities cannot be cleared via OBC/ Express
- Any restricted commodity subject to licensing/permit requirements
- Animal/ animal parts, plants, perishable goods
- Chemicals cannot be cleared via OBC/ Express
- Jewelry cannot be imported via OBC / Express
Parcel shipments to India requiring a Formal/ Freight Clearance
All items that do not qualify for OBC/ Express Clearance require a “Formal Bill of Entry” for customs clearance through Indian Customs. Formal clearance requires a licensed Customs House Agent (CHA).
Importers can request their own CHA to clear the shipment or give the carrier to clear the item on their behalf. In both cases, customs clearance fees will be assessed.
Note: Clearance of formal entries can take 2 days or more.
Classifications of international shipments to India cleared as Express
Carriers classify the express shipments using a Courier Bill of Entry (CBE) in 3 groups:
Documents:Cleared within hours of arrival
Low Value:Shipments under INR.10000
Expedited clearance but at least 25% of shipments are subject to physical inspection.
Medium Value:Shipments over INR. 10000 but under Rs One Lakh ($101 USD to $1,500 US)
Subject to 100% of examination
Document Requirements when shipping to India
All commercial shipments require a TIN # (Tax Payer's Identification Number) of the consignee.
Check with the consignee to ensure the proper documents are included with your international shipment to India:
Formal customs clearance into India can be very demanding. re is a list of common requirements
- Signed Commercial Invoice
- Price list of the commodities in shipment
- Signed Packing List
- Purchase Order
- Authority letter from Consignee
- Copy of IEC/BIN Number required from importer
Declared Value and Preparation of the commercial invoice for shipments to IndiaWhen shipping parcel shipments to India, we stress the following notes when preparing your commercial invoice:
Valuation
Do not use the term "Value for Customs Purposes"
All items must be assigned a value. "Zero value” is not acceptable on any customs document for shipments to India.
Be careful to declare the true market value of the shipment. Undervalued shipments are subject to delays and fines.
Clearly delineate the “cost, insurance, freight” costs
If the breakdown of Cost, Insurance and Freight is not clearly provided on the invoice, customs may load the value of these categories as: -
- Insurance at 1.125%
- Freight at 20%
As mentioned above, all items must be assigned a value
The invoice must be signed
The Harmonized Tariff Number of the item must be included
For multi pieces shipments, the commercial invoices should itemize the contents per box.
Having complete invoice information is particularly important when sending international shipments to India. This includes full consignee information (including cell number and email).
Importing shipments to India containing warranty parts or replacement parts
Many of the international shipments delivered by Jet Worldwide contain replacement parts supplied under warranty. Free warranty articles can be exempt from duty and tax provided the defective articles were brought into India earlier and the private property of the importer.
Free warranty - articles supplied as replacement for defective ones
Defective articles returned for replacement are exempt from Duty and Tax provided the defective articles were brought into India earlier from places outside India and are private personal properties of the importer. Also, the part must be provided free of charge (including installation if applicable) in accordance with warranty agreement. The defective parts cannot be re-exported and must either be destroyed or surrendered to Indian Customs.
In addition to the signed invoice, an original “warranty letter” and triplicate Bill of Entry must be submitted.
Important Note before shipping replacement parts to your customer: Check the consignee (who will likely refer you to their customs broker) before sending the warranty replacement part to India.
Sending international shipments to India containing items necessary for carrying out repairs
Anther common item sent via international courier to India are items that are necessary to repair an item. Goods imported to India to carry out repairs, reconditioning, calibration, or maintenance can be exempt of duty and tax.
In order to be considered exempt from duty and tax, shipments sent to China containing items necessary to carry out repair must meet specific conditions. These include:
The repairs, reconditioning, re engineering, testing, calibration or maintenance (including service) is undertaken in accordance regulations outlined in customs regulations (part 65). It is important to clarify the exact regulations with the receiver and/or their customs broker before sending your international shipment to India.
Personal Effects
Personal effects cannot be sent via courier to India and are subjected to a formal process. If sending personal effects to India, we recommend contacting a moving specialist.
Sending international shipments to India containing samples
Commercial samples are broadly defined by Indian customs as items being sent to determine the marketability of item into India. All importers - from individuals and companies - can import samples.
As long as the item is not otherwise restricted, virtually all types of goods can be imported as duty free samples up to a value of INR 5000.
There are specific provisions that allow for duty free import of higher value items. The items mostly relate to “Export Oriented Units” or EOU. Another provision is made for consignees based at Export Processing Zones. If you wish to have your international shipment to India qualifies for a duty free provision, the specific provision must be mentioned on the AWB and commercial invoice.
There are several other ways for samples (and other goods) to be considered duty free. These include items sent to government sponsored events for display or demonstration.
Gifts shipped to India from Canada
All goods imported into India from abroad is subject to duty and tax and customs regulations. However, gifts with a value up to INR 10000 received from abroad by persons residing in India are exempt from duty and tax and restrictions under FT (D and R) Act. This exemption is allowed only for Bonafide gifts imported by air or post.
When sending gifts to India, the commercial invoice and air waybill must state that the good are gifts and being supplied free of cost.
We often remind our customs who wish to send an international shipment to India that jewelry cannot be sent. We also caution to be careful with the declared value as Indian customs may charge duty and tax if the value is deemed incorrect. To ensure the consignee does not pay duty/ taxes, it is best the shipper pay for the related clearance fees by selecting “delivery duty paid” option.
Getting quote for shipping between India and Canada
Jet Worldwide gives access to all companies seeking shipping quotes between India and Canada for parcels pallets, and online orders.
For a quote for shipping online orders, provide details including shipping volume, item(s) being shipped, average value and weight of each parcel. The more details the better :).
The contents of this post and all Jet Worldwide online content is for general information only
