Minimum Weight Requirement
All UK to India shipments have a minimum chargeable weight of 15kg. If your parcel is lighter, you will still be charged at the 15kg rate. Always consolidate items where possible to maximise value.
Send a Parcel to India from the UK
Everything you need to know about sending a parcel from the UK to India — shipping costs, customs rules, prohibited items, and expert tips to help your shipment arrive safely.
Get a QuoteYour Guide to Sending a Parcel from the UK to India
If you have never shipped to India before, this guide walks you through what matters most: how long delivery takes, what customs expects, what you cannot send, and how pricing works. We cover door-to-door delivery to major cities including Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and Chennai. Rates start from £3.95/kg with a 15kg minimum — but getting the paperwork and packing right is just as important as the price.
Things to Consider Before Sending a Parcel to India
Before you book your shipment, here are the key things every sender should know:
Customs Documentation
India requires accurate customs declarations for all inbound parcels. Commercial shipments need a full commercial invoice with HS codes. Personal gifts should be clearly labelled as such to potentially qualify for duty-free entry.
Allow Extra Time
Transit to India typically takes 5–10 working days, but Indian customs can hold parcels for inspection. Avoid sending time-sensitive items without buffer time, especially during Indian public holidays.
Declare the Correct Value
Indian customs actively checks declared values, particularly for electronics. Undervaluing goods is a criminal offence and can result in confiscation, fines, or the parcel being returned.
Pack for Long-Haul
Parcels to India travel long distances and pass through multiple handling points. Use double-walled boxes, adequate internal padding, and secure all flaps with strong tape. Fragile items should be individually bubble-wrapped.
Restricted Items in India
India restricts the import of currency, gold, satellite equipment, and certain religious materials. Electronics attract high duties. Always check the latest CBIC (Central Board of Indirect Taxes) guidelines before shipping.
Shipping Rates from the UK to India
Rates are based on actual or volumetric weight, whichever is greater. Use our volumetric weight calculator to check your parcel before booking.
United Kingdom → India
£3.95/kg (min. 15kg)
Rates are based on actual or volumetric weight, whichever is greater. Minimum chargeable weight is 15kg.
Understanding Customs for India
India has specific customs regulations that apply to all international parcels. All shipments entering India are subject to assessment by Indian Customs (CBIC). It is important to accurately declare the contents and value of your parcel to avoid delays, fines, or confiscation.
- All parcels must have a completed customs declaration form (CN22 or CN23).
- Clearly state whether the shipment is a gift, personal use, or commercial goods.
- Import duties in India vary by product category — the recipient is responsible for any applicable taxes.
- Personal gifts with a value under INR 5,000 (approx. £50) may qualify for duty-free entry.
- Commercial shipments require a commercial invoice with HS codes, value, and country of origin.
- Electronics, mobile phones, and high-value items attract higher import duties in India.
Items Prohibited from Shipping to India
India has strict import restrictions in addition to standard international courier prohibitions. Always check before packing.
✅ What You Can Send
- Clothing, textiles, and fashion items
- Books, documents, and printed materials
- Non-perishable food items in original sealed packaging
- Personal care and beauty products (non-flammable)
- Household goods and personal effects
- Electronic items (declared at full value)
❌ What You Cannot Send
- Currency, gold bars, and precious metals
- Firearms, weapons, and ammunition
- Narcotics and controlled substances
- Counterfeit or pirated goods
- Satellite phones and certain radio equipment
- Perishable food and live animals
- Flammable liquids and aerosols
- Items with religious or political content that may be offensive
If you are unsure whether your item can be shipped, please contact our support team before booking.
Frequently Asked Questions — UK to India
Transit times typically range from 5 to 10 working days depending on the destination city and customs clearance. Metro cities like Mumbai and Delhi tend to be faster. Customs delays can occasionally extend this.
The minimum chargeable weight for UK to India shipments is 15kg. If your parcel weighs less, it will still be charged at the 15kg minimum at £3.95/kg.
Possibly. India charges import duties based on the category and declared value of goods. Personal gifts under INR 5,000 (approx. £50) may be duty-free. Electronics and commercial goods typically attract duties. The recipient is responsible for paying any applicable customs charges.
You can send non-perishable, commercially packaged food items to India. Items must be in their original sealed packaging and have a best-before date clearly displayed. Homemade or perishable food cannot be sent.
Once your parcel is collected, you will receive a tracking number via email. You can use this on our Track Shipment page to monitor your delivery in real time from the UK to its destination in India.
Yes, but they must be declared at full retail value. India charges import duties on electronics. The recipient may be required to visit a customs facility for clearance of high-value items such as laptops or mobile phones.
You will need a completed customs declaration form (CN22 for items under £270, CN23 for items over £270). For commercial shipments, a commercial invoice with HS codes is also required. Our team can assist with documentation.