Shipping to India from Portugal

India applies Basic Customs Duty (BCD) at 0–20% depending on HS code, plus 10% Social Welfare Surcharge on the BCD, plus IGST at 18% (standard) on the total assessable value. The combined effective import cost for most manufactured goods is 28–42%. There is no EU-India FTA, so EU goods face full MFN rates. Medicines and medical equipment face lower rates (0% BCD + 5% IGST).

IEC (Import Export Code) is India's mandatory 10-digit registration code for all commercial importers and exporters, issued by DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade). Every commercial import into India requires the Indian importer to have an IEC. Without it, customs clearance cannot proceed. Always collect your Indian buyer's IEC before shipping — include it on the commercial invoice.

Indian customs (CBIC) uses a risk-based system. 'Green channel' shipments (low-risk, trusted importers): same-day clearance. 'Yellow channel' (document check only): 1–3 days. 'Red channel' (physical examination): 3–10 days. Most commercial first-time imports go through Yellow or Red channel. Always build 3–7 extra days buffer for India beyond express transit time.

All food imports require the Indian importer to hold a FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) import licence for their business. Labels must comply with FSSAI standards — in English or Hindi, with specific information including nutritional facts, FSSAI licence number of the importer, country of origin and best before date. Some food additives permitted in the EU are restricted in India — check FSSAI positive lists for your product.

Not yet — EU-India BTIA (Broad-based Trade and Investment Agreement) negotiations were relaunched in June 2022 after a decade-long pause. Progress is ongoing across goods, services, investment, intellectual property and sustainable development chapters. Until the BTIA is concluded, EU goods face India's full MFN tariff rates — making India a more expensive import destination than Japan (EPA 0%) or Canada (CETA 0%).

DHL Express, FedEx and UPS accept parcels up to 70 kg per piece to India. Maximum dimensions: typically up to 274 cm on the longest side and 330 cm girth. However, for commercial shipments above certain values or weights, Indian customs may treat the parcel as cargo freight requiring a formal Bill of Entry and potentially a full import clearance via a licensed customs broker. Shipments under 70 kg in weight and with a value low enough to avoid formal entry are processed most smoothly via express carriers.

Indian address format: Recipient Name / Street Number + Street Name / Area/Locality / City + State / PIN Code / INDIA. Example: Priya Sharma / 42 MG Road, Koramangala / Bengaluru, Karnataka / 560034 / INDIA. Key points: Indian PIN (Postal Index Number) codes are 6 digits — the first digit identifies the postal zone and the first 3 digits identify the district. Major cities: Mumbai (400xxx), Delhi (110xxx), Bengaluru (560xxx), Chennai (600xxx), Hyderabad (500xxx). Always include the state name. Adding the recipient's Indian mobile number is essential — Indian couriers call before delivery.

Indian customs uses a three-channel system: Green (auto-cleared), Yellow (document check — 1–3 days), Red (physical examination — 3–10+ days). Most commercial first-time imports go through Yellow or Red. If held in Red channel: the Indian importer or their customs broker visits the CBIC examination shed, presents documents (IEC, GSTIN, invoice, packing list), and goods are physically inspected. Common hold reasons: incorrect HS code, under-declared value, missing BIS certification, or products in restricted categories. Resolution: provide complete documentation promptly; delays accumulate storage charges.

India prohibits commercial import of: used clothing and textiles (prohibited for commercial import); e-waste and used electronics without Environment Ministry clearance; drones above 250g without DGCA approval in India; satellite communication devices without WPC (Wireless Planning and Coordination) licence. BIS certification under the Compulsory Registration Order is required for electronics (mobile phones, laptops, tablets, LED products, etc.) without which commercial import is prohibited. Single-use plastics are banned. All food requires FSSAI importer licence.

Given India's high customs examination rate and extended processing times, insurance is strongly recommended for all India-bound shipments over €200. Add declared value insurance at checkout on Cargosender — standard IATA carrier liability (approximately €22/kg) is inadequate for most commercial goods. Customs holds are not covered by transit insurance — insurance covers loss or damage during transport. If goods are held by CBIC for extended periods, the risk of incidental damage increases. Ensure declared value on the commercial invoice matches the insured value.

DHL Express provides full tracking to Indian delivery addresses, with the strongest last-mile visibility in Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru and Chennai. FedEx and UPS similarly track to delivery. After customs clearance, some carriers use local Indian delivery partners (Blue Dart — DHL's domestic brand, FedEx India, Delhivery) for last-mile. Track via the carrier's international portal and the Indian carrier portal separately if tracking shows 'out for delivery' locally. Indian recipients expect a delivery call ahead — include mobile number when booking.

India's domestic parcel infrastructure is rapidly developing but international express parcels to India are typically delivered to the recipient address rather than to collection points. DHL Express Blue Dart, FedEx India and UPS India deliver to business and residential addresses. Failed deliveries result in collection card or carrier contact for re-delivery scheduling. In urban areas (Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Bengaluru), delivery success rates are high. For rural and tier-2/3 city addresses, allow extra transit time and ensure the mobile number is current.

GSTIN (Goods and Services Tax Identification Number) is a 15-digit Indian business identifier used for GST purposes. For B2B shipments to Indian companies, always collect your buyer's GSTIN in addition to their IEC number. The GSTIN enables Indian B2B importers to reclaim IGST (import GST, typically 18%) paid on the import as input tax credit — reducing the effective import cost significantly. Without GSTIN, the Indian buyer cannot reclaim IGST. Include both IEC and GSTIN on your commercial invoice for B2B Indian shipments.

Yes — India has extensive remote area surcharges. Deliveries to northeastern states (Assam, Nagaland, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh), Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Andaman & Nicobar Islands attract significant remote area surcharges (€20–€60+) and extended transit. Major metro cities (Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Pune) have no remote surcharges. Peak season surcharges apply during Diwali (October–November) and Indian financial year-end (February–March). All surcharges are included in Cargosender quotes.

Indian business addresses in commercial districts (Mumbai BKC, Delhi Connaught Place, Bengaluru Whitefield/Electronic City) have high first-attempt delivery rates. Residential deliveries to gated communities and apartment societies may require security desk sign-off — always include the recipient's mobile number so the courier can coordinate access. DHL Express Blue Dart calls residential recipients before delivery. Deliveries during major Indian festivals (Diwali, Holi, Eid) can be delayed as businesses and post offices operate reduced hours. Rural Indian addresses require very specific local directions — GPS coordinates are useful for delivery drivers in areas without established street naming.