Complete Guide to Customs, Costs and Delivery Times

Delivery Times to India

Delivery times to India vary depending on the carrier and service level you choose:

• DHL Express: 3 to 5 working days
• FedEx International Priority: 3 to 6 working days
• UPS Worldwide Saver: 4 to 7 working days
• Economy services: 7 to 14 working days

DHL tends to have the strongest network across India, with reliable delivery even to smaller cities and towns beyond Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore. If your parcel is going to a major city, all three carriers perform well, but for more remote areas DHL is often the safer choice.



Customs Documentation for India

India has stricter customs procedures than many other countries, and incomplete paperwork is the single biggest cause of delays. Every parcel needs a completed customs declaration (CN22 for items under £270 in value, or CN23 for higher-value items), which must include:

• A clear, specific description of every item (avoid vague terms like "personal items")
• The declared value of each item in GBP
• Whether the parcel is a gift or commercial goods
• The recipient's full name, address, and a contact phone number
• Your name and return address in the UK

For gifts, Indian customs allows items valued under approximately £45 (₹5,000) to be cleared without import duty in many cases, though this can vary and duty officers have discretion. Anything declared above this threshold may attract import duty and GST charged to the recipient on arrival.

Our team at Postal & Courier Etc can help you complete customs forms correctly and advise on declared values to minimise delays at Indian customs.

What You Cannot Send to India

India has a long list of restricted and prohibited items, and customs enforcement can be strict. Items that are commonly prohibited or restricted include:

• Cash, cheques, and bank documents
• Gold, silver, and precious stones (strict import restrictions apply)
• Alcohol and tobacco products
• Pornographic or obscene material
• Maps and literature that could be considered sensitive to national security
• Ivory and items made from endangered species
• Counterfeit or pirated goods
• Plant material, seeds, and soil without phytosanitary certification
• Drones (require special import licences)
• Lithium batteries shipped on their own, not packed with a device

If you are sending electronics, food items, or anything you are unsure about, bring it into our Kentish Town store and we will check before you book your shipment.



Packing Tips for India

Given the longer transit times and additional handling during customs inspection, extra care with packaging matters:

• Use a sturdy, double-walled box avoid lightweight or reused packaging
• Wrap each item individually, especially electronics and fragile goods
• Fill all empty space with packing material to prevent shifting
• Place a copy of your invoice or gift note inside the box as well as attached outside, in case the external copy is removed during inspection

We stock all the packaging materials you need boxes, bubble wrap, and tape at our North London store.

Approximate Costs

Costs to India depend on weight, dimensions, and the carrier chosen, but as a general guide:

• A 1kg parcel typically costs between £25 and £45 depending on service speed
• A 5kg parcel typically costs between £55 and £90
• Heavier parcels (10kg+) often see better value with UPS due to weight-based pricing

The best way to get an accurate price is to bring your parcel in or request a free quote online — we compare DHL, FedEx, and UPS rates in real time so you get the best price for your specific parcel.



Common Reasons for Delays

To avoid your parcel getting held at customs in India, double-check the following before you ship:

• The declared value matches the actual value of the goods (under-declaring can cause delays and penalties)
• The recipient's phone number is included  Indian customs sometimes contacts recipients directly
• The item description is specific, not generic
• No prohibited items are included, even accidentally (check medication, supplements, and electronics carefully)

Send Your Parcel from Kentish Town

At Postal & Courier Etc, we send parcels to India every week and know exactly what Indian customs requires. Whether you are sending a birthday gift, festival package, or documents to family, we will help you pack it properly, complete the right paperwork, and choose the most reliable carrier for your destination.

Get a free quote or visit us at 58 Chetwynd Road, Kentish Town, London NW5 1DJ. Open Monday to Friday, 10am to 5pm. Call us on 020 7267 3131.