Asia PacificShipping Heavy Equipment to India
India is one of the world's largest and fastest-growing markets for heavy equipment. Massive infrastructure projects, mining operations, and industrial expansion drive significant demand across this vast nation.
Main Ports
- Nhava Sheva (JNPT)
- Port of Mundra
- Chennai Port
Shipping Methods
- RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off)
- Flat Rack Container
- Breakbulk
Key Regulations
- BIS Standards
- Import License (IEC)
- Pre-Shipment Inspection
Common Cargo
- Mining Equipment
- Construction Machinery
- Industrial Equipment
Main Ports in India
Nhava Sheva (JNPT)
Major Seaport
Port of Mundra
Major Seaport
Chennai Port
Major Seaport
Kolkata Port
Major Seaport
Visakhapatnam Port
Industrial Port
Shipping Routes & Transit Times to India
| From (US Port) | To | Service | Est. Transit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houston, TX | Nhava Sheva (Mumbai) / Mundra | Container / Breakbulk | 32–48 days |
| New York / NJ | Nhava Sheva / Chennai | Container / RoRo | 30–45 days |
Transit times are indicative port-to-port estimates and vary by carrier, season, and sailing schedule.
U.S. Departure Ports for Shipping to India
We ship to India (Nhava Sheva (JNPT)) from every major U.S. port. Typical ocean transit is 22-32 days.
Gulf Coast
East Coast
Import Duty, VAT & Taxes for India
India's vehicle duties are among the world's highest, but used capital machinery is far more reasonable. New CBU cars carry roughly 60–110%+ effective duty (BCD + AIDC + IGST + cess) and used cars 125–165%; used industrial machinery is typically 7.5–10% basic duty plus 18% IGST on a depreciated value.
- Import Duty
- Cars ≈110–165%; used capital machinery 7.5–10% basic customs duty
- VAT / Sales Tax
- IGST 18% (28% + cess on cars)
- Other Taxes & Fees
- AIDC and compensation cess apply to cars; used-machinery duty uses depreciated valuation (CBIC Circular 25/2015)
Source: CBIC / DGFT (Foreign Trade Policy) · Last verified: June 2026
Used Vehicle & Equipment Age Limits
Used cars must be right-hand-drive, BS-VI compliant, and under 3 years from manufacture, imported only via Mumbai — practically limited to specialty / Transfer-of-Residence cases. Used machinery under 10 years is freely importable with a Chartered Engineer Certificate (5-year residual life); older than 10 years needs DGFT authorization.
Source: DGFT Foreign Trade Policy / CBIC · Last verified: June 2026
Import Regulations & Requirements
BIS Standards
Bureau of Indian Standards certification may be required for certain equipment.
Import License (IEC)
Importer-Exporter Code required for all commercial imports.
Pre-Shipment Inspection
Certain goods require pre-shipment inspection and certification.
Required Documentation
Customs & Clearance Notes for India
What makes India tricky
- Right-hand-drive, BS-VI, and the 3-year rule make used-car import impractical for most.
- Machinery is valued on a depreciated basis and requires a Chartered Engineer Certificate.
- A licensed Customs House Agent (CHA) and an Import Export Code (IEC) are required.
- Used machinery needs a Chartered Engineer Certificate (CEC) for valuation and residual-life confirmation.
Seasonality & Scheduling
The monsoon (June–September) can affect west-coast port operations; plan project cargo around it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Plan your shipment to India
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