Import duties India
Wondering how import duties for India work? As the recipient of a parcel from India, you should expect costs such as import duties and VAT. In most cases you pay these costs, but you can of course agree otherwise with the sender. Read more below.
Is India part of the European Union?
No, India isn't part of the European Union. It's a country in South Asia and isn't part of Europe or the EU. That's why you pay import duties and possibly VAT. The European Union does want to pick up the thread on agreements to lower import duties. The amount of import duties is hard to work out in advance. The Dutch tax office (Belastingdienst) website shows a few worked examples of import duties (in Dutch).
ParcelParcel's import duties calculator
Get an instant estimate of the import duties and VAT for your shipment, with the right HS code and what to put on your customs invoice.
Calculate your import duties at the top of this page ↑
How do you make sure you or the recipient pays the import duties?
You do this by stating the correct commodity code, or HS code, on the customs invoice. That way customs can easily and correctly work out the import duties and other import taxes. By default, import duties are always charged to the recipient of your shipment. We've built a tool in MyParcelParcel that lets you look up HS codes easily from a description. This page shows how ParcelParcel's new HS code tool works.
With ParcelParcel you automatically get the right forms
When you book a shipment with ParcelParcel, you don't have to fill in any customs forms yourself. We've built our shipping platform so you can create a customs invoice in just a few clicks and automatically benefit from any trade agreements. That way you automatically get the right customs documents when they're needed. You don't have to fill in forms yourself: you can export to or import from India with one click. You'll receive the shipping labels in MyParcelParcel, plus the customs invoice for shipments that need customs clearance. Don't have a MyParcelParcel account yet? You can sign up for free. Creating a customs invoice while you book is free too. You only pay the shipping costs of the carrier you choose.
Sending a parcel to India?
Indian customs doesn't allow some products to be imported, and others need extra paperwork. Check our website for a list of goods that may cause problems and all other customs formalities for India (in Dutch). On our website you'll also find more information about sending a parcel to India.
More information?
If you have any more questions about import duties, VAT or customs clearance, contact us via Live Chat (weekdays 08:00-17:30). Our support specialists are happy to help. You can of course also contact us by phone or by email.
