Car Import Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Thinking about bringing a foreign car home? It’s not as scary as it sounds once you know the basics. This guide walks you through the real steps, the money you’ll actually spend, and a few shortcuts that save headaches.

How to Import a Car: Step‑by‑Step

First, pick the model you want and check if it’s allowed. India bans vehicles with engine capacity over 1,500 cc for personal use, so verify the specs early. Next, find a reputable exporter – most use online portals, but a local agent can handle paperwork for you.

After you’ve secured the seller, ask for a pro‑forma invoice. That document becomes the base for customs duty calculations. You’ll then need a Bill of Lading, a Shipping Certificate, and a Form 30 (the import clearance form). Submit these to Indian customs along with your PAN card copy.

Customs will inspect the car, verify the details, and assign a duty rate. Once cleared, you’ll receive a delivery order. Arrange for a port‑to‑door transport, and you’re ready to register the vehicle at the local RTO.

Costs You Can’t Ignore

Import duty is the biggest chunk. For a brand‑new car, it’s 100 % of the CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) value plus a 10 % cess. Used cars face a 125 % duty, but there are exemptions for certain categories like diplomatic imports or special economic zone (SEZ) shipments.

Don’t forget the ancillary fees: handling charges at the port (around ₹5,000‑₹10,000), inland transport (depends on distance), and registration taxes (roughly 15 % of the assessed value). A realistic budget for a mid‑range sedan often ends up at double the purchase price.

If you’re importing a high‑value exotic, consider hiring a customs broker. Their fee (≈ 2 % of the car’s value) can prevent costly mistakes and speed up clearance.

Finally, remember the ongoing costs. Imported cars may need specific parts that are pricier in India, and insurance premiums can be higher because of the vehicle’s market value.

Bottom line: plan for the duty, add a buffer for port and registration fees, and decide early whether a broker is worth it. With the right prep, importing a car becomes a manageable project rather than a nightmare.

Got more questions? Drop a comment, and we’ll help you sort out the details.