How To Import Foreign Cars To India - Procedure, Guidelines (2024)

Importing Foreign Cars To India:

As mentioned earlier, the guidelines for importing a foreign vehicle to India are pretty strict as compared to other countries. Only those foreign vehicles will be allowed to ply on Indian roads that fulfil every rule of compliance. Here is a list of details for different types of foreign cars:

Conditions For Importing Foreign Cars To India:

Rules To Import A New Car:

The rules for importing a brand-new vehicle to India are different from rules for importing a used vehicle. The following conditions must be met to import a new car:

  • The car should be manufactured or assembled outside India.

  • The car must be imported only from the country where it was built.

  • The car must be new in every sense. It must not be previously sold, loaned, registered, or leased before being imported to India.

  • The vehicle must be right-hand drive.

  • The headlights of the car should be such that they are suitable for illuminating the left side of the road

  • The speedometer should show speed in kilometres and not miles

  • Importing a car is only possible via naval docks situated in Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata. Thus, the car should be brought to India via any of these ports only.

Rules To Import A Used Car:

The rules for importing a used car to India are quite strict and it may take more time for the process to complete. Here are the guidelines:

  • The manufacturing year of second-hand imported cars should not be more than 3 years.

  • The vehicle must be right-hand drive.

  • The headlights of the car should be such that they are suitable for illuminating the left side of the road.

  • The speedometer should show speed in kilometres and not miles.

  • Importing a car is only possible via naval docks situated in Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata. Thus, the car should be brought to India via any of these ports only.

  • The car should be either loaned, leased, registered or sold.

  • It is important that the vehicle is roadworthy. Thus, it should have a roadworthiness certificate and its validity should be at least 5 years.

Banned Vehicles:

Banned vehicles cannot be imported to India. A person needs to make sure that the vehicle being imported does not have the following specifications:

  • Cars that have an engine capacity ranging from 1,000cc to 2,500cc.

  • Heavy-duty two-wheelers or bikes that have an engine capacity ranging from 50cc to 500cc.

  • Scooters that have an engine capacity ranging from 250cc to 800cc.

Transfer Of Residence:

India allows foreign nationals or Non-resident Indians (NRIs) to import one vehicle while shifting permanently to India. The vehicle can be a car or two-wheeler, new or used. Here are the other conditions for the import of a car/bike under “transfer of residence”:

  • The foreign national/NRI should not have stayed in India for at least 2 years before the transfer.

  • The person should have a plan of residing in India for at least one year after the transfer.

  • The person should not have gone through the process of “transfer of residence” for at least three years before the current transfer process.

  • This process can be carried out by only one member of the family. He/she needs to fill the Transfer of Residence Form for the purpose.

  • The car/bike should be imported within six months of shifting base to India.

  • The sale of an imported vehicle is prohibited for at least two years after the transfer. Thus, the person should wait for 2 years in order to sell the vehicle.

  • No restriction of being new or used if the engine capacity of the vehicle is between 75cc and 500cc.

  • If the engine capacity of the car being imported is more than 1,600cc, then it should be registered for at least 1 year before the import.

Who Can Import Commercial Vehicles To India?

Commercial vehicles need to fulfil additional criteria to be imported to India. The rules are strict for commercial vehicles because passengers may travel via imported passenger cars, multi-utility vehicles, or jeeps. Here are the set of profiles that can import such vehicles into the country:

  1. The foreign national/NRI who has not resided in India for at least 2 years before the import. He/she should own a vehicle for at least 1 year.

  2. Relatives i.e. legal heirs/successors of a person who died abroad and has left a vehicle in their possession.

  3. People who are physically challenged.

  4. Business entities existing in India that have foreign equity participation.

  5. Foreign business entities that have a branch office in India.

  6. Religious, missionary, or charitable trusts that are legally registered in India and follow the said rules laid down by the State or Central Government.

  7. Any Honorary Consuls that is recommended by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India.

  8. Any journalist possessing the accreditation certificate from the Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Govt. of India.

Also, read: Why are Imported Cars So Expensive?

Procedure For Import Of Foreign Car:

There are two ways in which you can get the car imported to India. The vehicle can be imported either directly from the manufacturer or through an agent. You need to arrange the required documents and follow up on the process by yourself. On the other hand, an agent will help you get the car imported to India and help you till you get the car registered in the country.

Paperwork And Documentation:

The following paperwork will be required for importing a vehicle to India.

  • Invoice of the vehicle

  • Insurance policy

  • GATT Declaration

  • Bank Draft

  • Bill of Lading or Sea Waybill

  • Import License

  • Purchase Order/Letter of Credit

  • Test report

  • DEEC (Duty Exemption Entitlement Certificate) / DEPB (Duty Entitlement Pass Book) / ECGC (Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India) or other documents as required.

Note that more documents might be required while actually completing the process of import.

Also, read:

Things To Consider Before Importing A Car Into India:

Importing a vehicle to India is a time-consuming process, thus it is important to consider certain things before you begin the process. Here is a list of things you should be aware of before importing a vehicle to India:

  • Import Duty on cars

You may need to pay approximately 165% of the car’s cost, car insurance, and freight (CIF) value as import duty.

  • Import Duty on bikes

You may need to pay approximately 116% of the bike’s cost, insurance, and freight (CIF) value as import duty.

  • Registration

The vehicle needs to be registered in India at the nearest RTO. The charges for registration and road tax are not included in the import duty. These charges depend upon the type and cost of the vehicle.

Also, read: Insurance for Rental Cars

Frequently Asked Questions:

Where should a vehicle be submitted after import?

How To Import Foreign Cars To India - Procedure, Guidelines (1)

One can submit the imported vehicle for testing at any of the following agencies:

a. Vehicle Research and Development Establishment (VRDE), Ministry of Defence, Ahmednagar

b. Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), Pune

c. Central Farm and Machinery Training and Testing Institute, (CFMTT) Budni, Madhya Pradesh

It is necessary for the imported vehicle to be tested in order to check its compliance with the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989, Exim Policy, 2001, and Central Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.

Can left-hand drive vehicles be imported to India?

How To Import Foreign Cars To India - Procedure, Guidelines (2)

It is possible to get a left-hand drive vehicle imported to India, however mostly a vehicle manufacturer has the permission to do so. The car should be used only for testing and research purposes.

What is the hom*ologation of vehicles?

How To Import Foreign Cars To India - Procedure, Guidelines (3)

hom*ologation of vehicles is a process through which an authority certifies that a vehicle is fit for use and that it satisfies all the criteria set down for use.

How much does it cost to import a car to India?

How To Import Foreign Cars To India - Procedure, Guidelines (4)

The overall cost for importing a car to India will amount to 150 to 200% more than the cost of the car.

Can we import car engines to India?

How To Import Foreign Cars To India - Procedure, Guidelines (5)

Yes, car engines can be imported to India. It is easier to get a new engine imported as compared to a used one. Also, certain criteria including that the engine should be between a specific range should be fulfilled, else heavy penalties are imposed on the buyer.

Can an NRI import a car to India?

How To Import Foreign Cars To India - Procedure, Guidelines (6)

NRIs who have not resided in India for at least 2 years can import a car into the country. Depending upon the car being new or old, they may need to own it for at least 1 year before the import.

How can I import a vintage car to India?

How To Import Foreign Cars To India - Procedure, Guidelines (7)

Cars manufactured after January 1, 1950, can be imported as vintage cars to India. The process of importing these cars is similar to importing a recently-manufactured vehicle. However, remember that the import is allowed only for actual users.

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How To Import Foreign Cars To India - Procedure, Guidelines (2024)

FAQs

Can I import any car to India? ›

There are no restrictions if the vehicle is either new or used as long as the car/bike has an engine capacity between 75cc and 500cc. If the imported vehicle has an engine capacity of over 1,600cc, it has to be registered for at least 1 year before it can be imported into the country.

Can I drive a foreign registered car in India? ›

Foreign vehicles entering into or plying in India will have to carry a valid registration certificate, driving licence or international driving permit and insurance policy.

What is the 25 year import rule? ›

A motor vehicle that is at least 25 years old can be lawfully imported into the U.S. without regard to whether it complies with all applicable FMVSS. Such a vehicle would be entered under Box 1 on the HS-7 Declaration form to be given to Customs at the time of importation.

How do I register an imported car in India? ›

The imported vehicle needs to be registered at the nearest RTO office. There are two types of registrations to be done at the RTO office, Temporary Registration and Permanent Registration. Temporary registration is needed to transport the vehicle from the port to the owner's residence or the testing center.

How do I import a foreign car? ›

To import a car to the United States, the US Customs and Border Protection requires the following documents:
  1. original bill of lading.
  2. bill of sale.
  3. Foreign registration or US title.
  4. Letter of approval from the NHTSA.
  5. EPA Form 3520-1.
  6. DOT Form HS-7.

What is the Tax on imported cars in India? ›

Presently, India imposes a 100% customs tax on imported cars with Cost, Insurance and Freight (CIF) value exceeding USD 40,000. For vehicles with CIF below USD 40,000, you will be charged 60% import duty. Import tax on cars in India for used vehicles is 125%.

Can I import left hand car in India? ›

NEW DELHI: Nearly a year after relaxing the testing norms for cars imported by individuals, the government has now decided to allow carmakers to import left-hand drive vehicles into India albeit only for testing and research purposes.

Can I temporarily import car to India? ›

Yes, I imported my BMW R1200GS on a temporary carnet to india during the end of 2010 and did a fabulous trip. The carnet procedure is not too complicated provided your designated clearing agent in India knows his job.

Can I buy a car in USA and bring it to India? ›

Foreign or Indian nationals are allowed to import one car on transfer to India. However different conditions apply to Foreign and Indian nationals. Foreign nationals are not permitted to sell the vehicle in open market. Custom duty is leived @103% of the c.i.f value of the car assessed by customs.

What cars can you not import? ›

What Cars are Illegal in the US?
  • 1990 BMW M3 Sport Evolution III.
  • 1993 Jaguar XJ220-S.
  • 1993 Lamborghini Strosek Diablo.
  • 1996-2001 Lotus Elise S1 and the 2000 340R.
  • 2002 Morgan Le Mans '62 Prototype.
  • 1999 Nissan Skyline R34 GT-R V-spec.
9 Aug 2022

Can I import a car from 1997? ›

If the vehicle is at least 21 years old, there are no EPA compliance requirements upon importation. A motor vehicle that is at least 25 years old can be lawfully imported into the U.S. without regard to whether it complies with all applicable DOT Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).

Why is it 25 years to import a car? ›

The 25-Year Import Rule

This also meant that any car that was 24 years or younger was illegal to import to the United States. This allowed car collectors to keep the old cars they had and continue importing if they desired. As tastes shifted, 25 years become too long to wait to keep car enthusiasts happy.

What are import duties in India? ›

q 5 major ad-valorem rates of basic customs duty, namely 5%, 15%, 25%, 35% and 45% have now been reduced to 4 major ad-valorem rates of basic customs duty, namely, 5%, 15%, 25% and 35% . C Duty increase on agricultural, horticultural items.

Why import duty is so high in India on cars? ›

Why are imports taxed heavily? Tax on imports in India are high because of India's policy of encouraging local/homegrown industries. This is called import substitution industrialisation (ISI), a trade policy that is all about substituting imports with domestic manufacturing and production.

What is RTO full form? ›

The full form of RTO is the Regional Transport Office or Road Transport Office. RTO is the Indian Government's organization responsible for keeping an automobile data system and driver database for various Indian states. An RTO is set up in every state and provides driving licenses and vehicle registration documents.

What cars can be imported this year? ›

The epic and eligible cars to import now that it's 2022
  • Alfa Romeo Spider/GTV (3.0L 24V V6) vs Fiat Coupe (20V Turbo)
  • Nissan R'nessa GT Turbo vs Toyota Caldina GT-T.
  • Toyota Aristo (S160) vs Nissan Laurel (C35)
  • Nissan GT-R Nismo 400R (R33) vs Honda NSX Type S.
  • Holden Commodore SS (VT) vs Ford Falcon GT (EL)
6 Jan 2022

Can I buy car from another country? ›

You would need to furnish invoice of the car, insurance policy, GATT declaration, bank draft, import license, Bill of Lading or Sea Waybill, purchase order, test report, DEEC (Duty Exemption Entitlement Certificate) / DEPB (Duty Entitlement Passbook) / ECGC (Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India) or any other ...

Is importing a car cheaper? ›

Finally, certain models are sometimes available in the U.S. but are actually cheaper to import. Importing cars to the U.S. can be expensive, but with the help of a knowledgeable customs broker you can get your model into the U.S. without any problems.

What is the GST for cars? ›

GST on cars and bikes are kept under the 28% bracket and a list of cess to be levied on a different kind of automobile has also been declared by the Indian government. Cess has been levied on different kinds of automobiles ranging from 1 to 15%.

Which country has the highest import tax on cars? ›

The countries with the highest import tariffs for Cars are Maldives (111%), India (106%), and Iran (90%). The countries with the lowest tariffs are Mauritius (0%), Hong Kong (0%), Japan (0%), Singapore (0%), and Switzerland (0%).

How much does it cost to ship a car to India? ›

Car Transportation Cost: Distance-Based
DistanceCar Transportation Charges
Up to 400 KmRs 3,000 – 5,000
400 – 800 KmRs 4,000 – 7,000
800 – 1300 KmRs 5,000 – 9,000
1300 – 1900KmRs 6,000 – 10,000

Can left-hand drive convert to right? ›

Converting a vehicle from left-hand drive (LHD) to right-hand drive (RHD) is entirely legal in the U.S. RHD conversion is not a simple mechanical project. You should only let a professional complete the conversion for you.

Are left sided cars legal in India? ›

No. It is illegal to drive LHD vehicle in India. Actually you can't register a LHD vehicle in India. However if you have an old LHD vehicle which was registered some years ago, it's perfectly legal to drive it.

Is left side steering legal in India? ›

No . Indian government does not allow left side steering driving in india because people of roads may get confusion about the position of driver when we used to see him on right side of vehicles.

Can I ship my car to India? ›

From the U.S., it usually costs from $2,200 to $5,600 to ship a car to India. Most cars transported to the area come by way of a shipping container, which can accommodate most standard cars. For larger vehicles that do not fit in a container, the costs are generally higher.

What is carnet pass? ›

The ATA Carnet permits duty free temporary admission of goods into a member country without the need to raise customs bond, payment of duty and fulfillment of other customs formalities in one or a number of foreign countries.

Can NRI take their car to India? ›

Non-resident Indians (NRIs) are allowed to import one vehicle when moving back to India permanently. You must have lived in the foreign country for at least two years to undergo the 'transfer of residence' process.

Can we import Ford Mustang in India? ›

India imports most of its Ford mustang from China, United States and United Arab Emirates. The top 1 import markets for Ford mustang are India. India is the largest importer of Ford mustang and accounts for 267 shipments.

Can we import Toyota century in India? ›

In order to import a brand new car to India, one must have to satisfy the conditions of the procedure like- the model should be manufactured or assembled out of India, the car must be imported from its country of origin.

What is ATA Carnet India? ›

Definition. - In these regulations "ATA Carnet" means ATA Carnet issued in accordance with the Customs Convention on ATA Carnets by any Issuing Authority affiliated to the International Bureau of Chamber of Commerce and guaranteed in India by the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

What does JDM stand for? ›

Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) refers to Japan's home market for vehicles and vehicle parts.

What modifications are illegal on cars in India? ›

So, go through the car modifications listed below that are deemed to be illegal in India:
  • Tinted Window Glass With Lower Than 50% Visibility. ...
  • Installing Loud and Fancy Horns. ...
  • Using Designer Registration Plate. ...
  • Installing Loud Exhaust Pipes. ...
  • Modifying Lights Beyond Permissible Guidelines. ...
  • Using Oversized Alloy Wheels.
8 Aug 2022

Can you import diesel? ›

According to sources, fuel oil or furnace oil is a freely importable item whereas high speed diesel can be imported only by State Trading Enterprises (STE) which are basically public sector oil and petroleum firms. "The diesel attracts duty of Rs 18- Rs 19 per litre.

What cars will be legal to import in 2022? ›

  • Alfa Romeo 156. Alfa Romeo. Launched in late 1997 and built until 2005, the 156 isn't the prettiest car in the world. ...
  • Honda Civic Type R. Honda. ...
  • Holden Commodore (VT) GM. ...
  • Subaru WRX STi Type R (two-door) Subaru. ...
  • Renault Kangoo. Renault. ...
  • BMW M Roadster (European spec) BMW. ...
  • Ford Puma. Ford. ...
  • Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution. Mitsubishi.
19 Jan 2022

Can I import a RAM 700 to US? ›

Yes, there's a RAM being sold outside America, and Americans can't touch it. It's the RAM 700.

What is a foreign car? ›

Instead, foreign cars are vehicles whose headquarters are in countries outside the United States, regardless of whether they are made inside or outside of the United States. Foreign cars include: Honda. Toyota. Volkswagen.

Can I import a right hand drive car? ›

Importing. Though importing may seem like a great way to obtain a RHD car, US law prohibits consumers from importing any vehicle that's less than 25 years old. Any RHD import you see that's less than 25 years old is illegal and could be impounded, seized, or destroyed.

Can you import a modern car? ›

Since the passage of the Imported Vehicle Safety Compliance Act in 1988, car enthusiasts in the United States have been able to import any car from a foreign country as long as it's at least 25 years old.

What is an import car? ›

Imported cars are vehicles that have been brought over here from another country and can make great purchases.

Who pays import duty seller or buyer? ›

Import duties and taxes should be paid by the Seller under the DDP INCOTERM.

How much is customs clearance fee in India? ›

Most small agents will charge you around Rs. 4000-5000 for a small consignment clearing service,which is only thier agency charges as for all the actual charges that have to be paid to the customs department will be in excess of about 5000 onwards.

How much can I import without paying duty in India? ›

The Government has exempted gifts items received from foreign country to persons residing in India from the whole of custom duty under Foreign Trade Act. In the present scenario, import of goods up to the value of Rs. 5,000/- is allowed as gift, duty free.

Can I import Tesla car to India? ›

Currently, India levies 100 per cent tax on the imported cars of price more than $40,000 (Rs 30 lakhs), inclusive of insurance and shipping expenses, and cars less than $40,000 are subject to 60 per cent import tax.

Why is GST so high on cars? ›

Road Tax and Motor Vehicle Tax are not included in the table because they are state based taxes. The taxation system before GST was too high, i.e., the tax had to be paid at multiple stages of production until the vehicle is purchased by someone. Due to this the customer had to pay tax on the already paid tax.

Can we import used cars from Dubai to India? ›

The person who is importing the car should be based abroad for at least two years or more to be eligible to import used cars. Once the NRI imports the car, he cannot do so for five years or more. The car should be paid for with foreign exchange and spare parts will require a separate license.

What is an RTO code? ›

RTO means a Registered Training Organisation. RTO code means the registration identifier given to the RTO on the National Register. Scope of registration means the training products for which an RTO is registered to issue AQF certification documentation.

How many RTO are there in India? ›

You will be surprised to hear that there are more than 1,100 RTOs across the country.

What is the full name of MVI? ›

The full form of MVI is Motor Vehicle Inspector.

Can I buy a car in USA and bring it to India? ›

Foreign or Indian nationals are allowed to import one car on transfer to India. However different conditions apply to Foreign and Indian nationals. Foreign nationals are not permitted to sell the vehicle in open market. Custom duty is leived @103% of the c.i.f value of the car assessed by customs.

Can I import left hand car in India? ›

NEW DELHI: Nearly a year after relaxing the testing norms for cars imported by individuals, the government has now decided to allow carmakers to import left-hand drive vehicles into India albeit only for testing and research purposes.

Can we import Ford Mustang in India? ›

India imports most of its Ford mustang from China, United States and United Arab Emirates. The top 1 import markets for Ford mustang are India. India is the largest importer of Ford mustang and accounts for 267 shipments.

How much does it cost to ship a car to India? ›

Car Transportation Cost: Distance-Based
DistanceCar Transportation Charges
Up to 400 KmRs 3,000 – 5,000
400 – 800 KmRs 4,000 – 7,000
800 – 1300 KmRs 5,000 – 9,000
1300 – 1900KmRs 6,000 – 10,000

Why import duty is so high in India on cars? ›

Why are imports taxed heavily? Tax on imports in India are high because of India's policy of encouraging local/homegrown industries. This is called import substitution industrialisation (ISI), a trade policy that is all about substituting imports with domestic manufacturing and production.

Is importing a car cheaper? ›

Finally, certain models are sometimes available in the U.S. but are actually cheaper to import. Importing cars to the U.S. can be expensive, but with the help of a knowledgeable customs broker you can get your model into the U.S. without any problems.

What are import duties in India? ›

q 5 major ad-valorem rates of basic customs duty, namely 5%, 15%, 25%, 35% and 45% have now been reduced to 4 major ad-valorem rates of basic customs duty, namely, 5%, 15%, 25% and 35% . C Duty increase on agricultural, horticultural items.

Can left-hand drive convert to right? ›

Converting a vehicle from left-hand drive (LHD) to right-hand drive (RHD) is entirely legal in the U.S. RHD conversion is not a simple mechanical project. You should only let a professional complete the conversion for you.

Are left sided cars legal in India? ›

No. It is illegal to drive LHD vehicle in India. Actually you can't register a LHD vehicle in India. However if you have an old LHD vehicle which was registered some years ago, it's perfectly legal to drive it.

Is left side steering legal in India? ›

No . Indian government does not allow left side steering driving in india because people of roads may get confusion about the position of driver when we used to see him on right side of vehicles.

In which country Mustang is cheapest? ›

Canada is the Cheapest Country to Buy a Ford Mustang, Toyota RAV4 - The Car Guide.

Can we use Dubai cars in India? ›

The person who is importing the car should be based abroad for at least two years or more to be eligible to import used cars. Once the NRI imports the car, he cannot do so for five years or more. The car should be paid for with foreign exchange and spare parts will require a separate license.

Can we drive Dubai cars in India? ›

Here, we are going to focus on the process of transporting your car from the UAE to India temporarily – permits, fees, deposits and taxes vary depending on the destination country. First things first, you must be a resident of Dubai. Your residence visa, and UAE driving licence are mandatory documents for the process.

Can I ship a car to India? ›

From the U.S., it usually costs from $2,200 to $5,600 to ship a car to India. Most cars transported to the area come by way of a shipping container, which can accommodate most standard cars. For larger vehicles that do not fit in a container, the costs are generally higher.

Can I transport my car by plane? ›

Yes, shipping a car across the country by plane is expensive. In some cases, it costs more than the average cost of a new car. However, it is definitely a viable option for the more affluent clients wishing to ship exotic cars. Shipping a car on a plane is fast, safe and reliable.

What is the import duty on luxury cars? ›

Currently, India levies 100% tax on imported cars priced above $40,000 (about 30 lakh) and 60% on cars priced less than that. Moreover, luxury vehicles attract a goods and services tax (GST) of up to 50%, and another 15% in registration tax.

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