Get a quote for shipping to India from the UK, including prices to ship furniture, boxes, bags and more.

 

India is one of our most popular shipping destinations with countless individuals and families making the move each year. As a fast-developing country, India is home to increasing opportunities and offers brilliant education and a low cost of living. Known for sights such as the Taj Mahal, its incredible cuisine and vibrant festivals, it’s no wonder it is such a popular expat destination.If you need to ship personal effects or household goods to India, you’ve come to the right place.

We have been shipping people’s belongings to India from the UK for over 40 years, and after all this time of organising and performing global shipments, our priorities have never wavered; to provide customers with exceptional service and cheap shipping costs from the UK to India.

We have designed our overseas shipping service to make your transition to life in India a simple one. It doesn’t matter if you are shipping a few boxes or a whole household and a car, we fully organise your UK to India shipment, including customs clearance and help with documents. Whether you are a UK migrant shipping your entire house contents, or an Indian expat returning home with a few suitcases, PSS will handle the entire process for you.

Shipping your belongings to India is easy with PSS


STEP 1
Home Survey or Quote

Get an online quote in 60 seconds or book a FREE home survey.

STEP 2
Help and Advice

Your dedicated Account Manager can help answer your questions and tailor your shipping requirements.

STEP 3
Quick and easy collection and shipping


Whether you are shipping boxes or furniture, choose either our self-packing or  professional packing service.


STEP 4
Customs clearance & delivery to your new home


On arrival our agents will take care of customs clearance and deliver to your door.

“Why choose PSS International in 2024?”

  • Free home or video survey
  • Independent, family run business with 40 years of experience
  • We only handle overseas removals & international shipping
  • Members of BAR Overseas Group
  • Protection by the BAR Advance Payment Guarantee Scheme
  • FIDI Global Alliance (Worldwide Moving Association)
  • FAIM Accredited (Removal Quality Assurance Standard)
Contact us

How can we help? Call 0800 988 3711

Our friendly team are on hand to answer any questions.

Shipping to India from the UK

From the moment you alert us of your interest, we allocate you a move coordinator to arrange your UK to India shipping from pre-home survey through to unloading of your boxes. Our reputation as the UK’s foremost personal shipping provider means we know what it takes to move the belongings of families, expats, travellers and students to India as part of a smooth and stress-free process.

We serve every Indian city and region, so rest assured your belongings will arrive safely wherever you are heading!

Some of the most popular cities for our India shipping service include:
Mumbai, Bengal, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Chennai, New Delhi, Jaipur, Patna, Lucknow, Indore, Agra, Kanpur and Surat.

What does our international shipping service to India include?

  • Door to door shipping service
  • Free home/video survey
  • Part or full load container removal service
  • Dedicated Move Manager
  • Help with documentation
  • Export quality packing materials
  • Choice of self-pack or professional packing service
  • Advice on customs requirements
  • Use of recognised accredited shipping lines
  • Customs clearance
  • Storage in UK or India if required

Shipping Services to India Reviews

Shipping to India cost calculator

Want to know how it will cost to move house to India? Our free online Shipping to India Cost Calculator will help you calculate the volume of household goods you want to ship and provide you with an estimate of the cost.

International Shipping cost calculator

How much are you shipping?

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The Ultimate Guide to Shipping to India

Below are answers to the most Frequently Asked Questions about shipping to India.

How Long Does Shipping From UK to India Take?

Shipping times to India can vary. Shared groupage shipping takes longer than shipping a full container load as different customers shipments need to be consolidated to fill one container.

Average Shipping Times to India from the UK

Port in India Full Container Load (FCL) Shared Container (Groupage)
All Destinations 6-8 weeks 8-12 weeks

NB: These are approximate sea freight shipping times to ports in India only. You will need to allow additional time for customs clearance and final delivery to your destination.

How Long Does Air Freight Shipping to India take from the UK?

For sending excess baggage or boxes to India by air freight allow approximately 7 – 14 days.

international-shipping

How Much Does Shipping to India Cost from the UK in 2024?

Considering the distance between the two, you may be pleasantly surprised at how cheap shipping is to India from the UK.

PSS calculates shipping rates to India from the UK on the chosen shipping method for sending goods to India.

We have large numbers of customers shipping belongings to India every year, and so we can extend very competitive shipping rates.

Typical Shipping Costs from UK to India 2024

Shipment Size Container Size Cost(GBP)
2-3 Large Boxes Groupage £410 – £635
5 Large Boxes Groupage £655 – £900
10 Large Boxes Groupage £850 – £1075
1 Bed House Shared Container £1915 – £2600
3 Bed House 20 ft Container £4000 – £5000
4 Bed House 40 ft Container £5797 – £6797

Although the cheapest way to ship to India is using part-load container shipping, you should consider that many items might be harder to get hold of in India. Therefore, when you add up the cost of sourcing and replacing your smaller pieces upon arrival, it is often cheaper and more convenient to ship a higher volume of goods.

We calculate part-load shipping quotes from the UK to India using the combined dimensions of your consignment and the space your belongings take up within the container.

For sole-use container shipping moves, your freight costs to India are determined by the size shipping container you use – 20ft or 40ft.

Cost of air freight shipping to India

If you need to send items to India urgently, we offer express air freight services. Air freight is our fastest shipping option, and for smaller quantities, it can be surprisingly cost-effective. We estimate our air freight prices on the weight and volume of your goods, so for consignments of more than a couple of boxes, sea freight shipping is much cheaper.

Your start and end destinations also add to the overall cost of shipping goods from the UK to India. With available ports across India, PSS go the extra mile for convenient international delivery. However, the further that your items have to travel, the higher your India shipping quote will be.

Cheapest shipping quotes to India

We endeavour to provide the most affordable shipping costs to India. Due to the volume of goods we ship every year and the number of customers we help move to India, we have the ability to offer cheap international delivery shipping solutions.

If you receive a cheaper estimate than that offered by PSS, check that they include a full door to door service and make sure all extra costs are included. Also, ensure that they are a fully accredited shipping company with FIDI or BAR Overseas to receive the best price and service.

Get an accurate price for shipping to India

The surest way to receive an accurate shipping quote is through a free home survey. Our home surveys are intended to provide customers with a clear-cut and detailed shipping quote from the UK to India before they agree to anything.

What size Shipping Container do I need for India?

Whether your load requires a full or shared container shipping to India is entirely dependent on the quantity or combined dimensions of your goods.

Shared Shipping Containers to India (Groupage)

For small moves, we load items into a shared shipping container from the UK to India alongside the boxes of other PSS customers, this is also known as groupage service.

Part-load container shipping (also called LCL – Less than Container Load) is a convenient way to send a single box of clothing, personal goods and sports equipment, or even smaller furniture items and the household contents from a one-bed flat. You only pay for the container space you use.

Full-Load Container Shipping from the UK to India

If you have a much larger load to send to India, our Full Container Load (FCL) shipping option is useful, also known as sole-use container shipping to India.

If you are exporting a large family home of personal items and furniture, PSS will provide a 20ft or 40ft shipping services container designated for your sole use.

The cost of container shipping to India from the UK depends on the chosen size of the shipping container. Both of our 20ft and 40ft shipping containers have plenty of space and it is up to you how you fill it.

A 20ft shipping container is big enough for the contents of the average three-bedroom home and a 40ft shipping container is usually big enough to fit the contents of a four-bedroom house and a car.

The quote includes our professional packing service.

Another advantage of a sole use shipping container is that it leaves immediately on the next available ship heading for India. You don’t have to wait for other PSS customers to fill the container.

For more information visit our India container shipping page.

What Can/Can't I Ship to India?

Regardless of how you travel into India, you and your possessions must pass through customs upon arrival. India has an uncompromising list of items that are either prohibited or on restricted entry into the country, which you should observe before your consignment is shipped or risk facing refused entry or prosecution.

Also, you must ensure that you thoroughly clean any outdoor items before shipping.

What Items are prohibited to Ship to India?

Prohibited imports to India include:

  • Psychotropic substances and narcotic drugs
  • Pornographic and obscene materials
  • Pirated or counterfeit goods and any goods infringing the intellectual property rights
  • Antiquities
  • Chemicals referenced in Schedule 1 to the Chemical Weapons Convention of U.N. 1993
  • Indian coins covered by the Art Treasure Act 1972
  • Wild life products including specific seashells, exotic birds, human skeleton, wild animals and their products, beef, tallow, fat/oil of animal origin
  • Literature or maps that incorrectly show

What Items are Restricted to Ship to India?

Restricted imports to India where pre-approval may be required are:

  • Firearms and ammunition
  • Plants and their products, such as fruit and seeds
  • Endangered species of animal or plants, alive or dead
  • Gold and silver other than ornamentals
  • Radio transmitters not approved for normal use
  • Medicines and drugs
  • Vintage products, replicas of weapons or antiques
  • Sand and soil
  • Goods intended for commercial purpose – for profit, gain or commercial use

Literature or maps that incorrectly show Indian external boundaries have been shown incorrectly, in view of the Government of India

What type of shipping company should I use?

When exporting sentimental items or valuable furniture overseas, you need to have full trust in the worldwide shipping company you choose. There are a few signals to look for that can help determine the best global shipping companies to India.

Accreditations and associations are the soundest signs of how trusted a firm is and how secure their solutions are. PSS’ continued efforts and dedication to shipping to India from the UK is echoed in our memberships and achievements:

  • FAIM Accredited – the only globally recognised independent quality assurance standard for the international moving industry.
  • FIDI Global Alliance Members – offering customers with same superior standards in India as in the UK.
  • British Association of Removers Members – the leading British quality standard and ensures customers financial protection with the BAR Advance Payment Guarantee Scheme.
  • Movers Trading Club (MTC) – Members of this organisation join together to negotiate the best service and shipping rates with leading international shipping companies. Members are therefore able to offer lower shipping rates to customers.

PSS International Shipping Services to India

We offer a full menu of shipping services options to India, whether you are sending personal items, furniture, extra boxes, pets or vehicles, our India movers have a solution ready and waiting for you:

There are three main types of shipping service:

Sea Freight Container Shipping to India from the UK

Sea freight is the most common and economical method of shipping your household effect and other belongings to India. It is a door to door service and our team of experienced packers can take care of all the packing and loading of the container for you. Costs are calculated by volume and so it is the preferred method for large and heavy items.

Standard Air Freight Shipping

Our standard air freight shipping service is ideal for when you have boxes, suitcases and other smaller items that you need to arrive in India quickly. Some people choose to send the bulk of their items by sea freight and the belongings they need more urgently by air. This service is often used by tradesmen and business people wishing to ship tools and other items to India so they can begin work immediately.

Our standard air freight service takes around 7 – 14 days to arrive in India.

Express Air Freight and Fast shipping from the UK to India

If you need to ship items to India urgently, we advise using our priority Express Air Freight Service. This is similar to our air freight service but similar to the speed of a courier. Whilst more expensive, it is still much cheaper than airline excess baggage fees to India.

Shipping Personal goods to India from the UK

Shipping personal effects from the UK to India is easy with PSS. We send personal items to India for hundreds of customers each year, from shoes and clothing, toiletries and makeup, to sports equipment, tech and musical instruments, your shipping options are limitless.

Shipping Parcels and Small Packages to India

For smaller packages, it may be best to use Royal Mail – especially for parcels weighing less than 2kg. For larger or multiple boxes, you can save money by using a personal shipping service like that from PSS.

Shipping Goods and Freight to India

At PSS International we specialise in personal shipping services for individuals relocating to India.

If you wish to ship commercial or non-personal items to India, then it is best to contact a freight-forwarder.

Shipping Furniture to India

If you are moving house to India and have furniture or have large items to ship then our furniture shipping service is ideal for you.

We can give you an estimate for your move via a home or video survey so we can organise the appropriate sized shipping container. It does not matter if you are just shipping one peice of furniture with a few boxes or the entire contents of your house, we will be able to help.

Our experienced packers will ensure your furniture including beds, sofas, tables, chairs, cupboards etc. are professionally export wrapped for their journey. We can also help with disassembly and reassembly upon request.

For more details visit our furniture shipping to India page or complete the form for an online quote.

Shipping Luggage and Excess Baggage to India from the UK

Using PSS to ship boxes, luggage, suitcases and excess baggage to India cuts out the exorbitant fees charged by airline carriers, but it also makes your journey to India more manageable by reducing the amount of luggage you have to haul.

We will supply you with boxes in a variety of sizes, or you can use your own bags and suitcases.

Whether you have one box, two suitcases or ten loads of excess baggage, our baggage shipping to India is the most convenient service!

You can choose between shipping your luggage economically by sea freight or if time is of the essence you use our air freight service for your excess baggage.

The whole process for shipping your extra bags is very easy. You can get a quote and book online using the baggage shipping page.

Shipping Boxes to India

Our box shipping service is perfect if you are shipping small items to India from the UK. PSS will send your boxes in a shared container (groupage) along with those from other customers, so you only pay for the space you use.

We can supply a variety of boxes and carton sizes, including packing and wrapping materials such as bubble wrap. You can choose from economy size shipping cartons, smaller book cartons or larger tea cartons. We also have custom cartons for larger items such as bicycles and TVs.

You can choose to ship your personal effects in boxes by sea freight or air freight, depending on urgency.

For information visit our box shipping to India page or use our online box shipping cost calculator.

Shipping Cars and Other Vehicles to India

PSS provides a range of shipping options to make car shipping to India possible regardless of your vehicle. Whether you want to send a car to India in a container of its own or with other personal and household items, our India vehicle shipping services make it possible.

In addition to shipping cars, we can assist with shipping other types of vehicle to India, such as motorcycles, bikes, caravans, motorhomes and boats.

Options including shipping your car in a container on its own or in a larger container with your other household belongings. You can also use a roll-on / roll-off (RORO) or lift-on / lift-off (LOLO) for your vehicle. You can find more details on our car shipping page or speak to one of our advisers for more details of which is the most appropriate method for you.

Shipping Pets, Dogs and Cats to India

Pet shipping to India can be unnerving for any pet owners, and pet relocation is a very niche service. There are also many regulations and processes involved in pet relocation. Therefore, we work with trusted partners who specialise in transporting animals from the UK to India. Whether you want to take your cat or dog to India, you can entrust PSS and our partners to relocate them safely.

Visit our migration services page for details of the pet relocation companies we trust and recommend for shipping to India.

Packing your Items for Shipping to India

PSS provides two packing options, the first and most commonly chosen option being a full professional packing service. However, if you prefer, you can self-pack with our “You Pack We Ship” service.

Professional Packing Service

When you choose our professional overseas packing service, a specialist team will arrive at your home on the day of your move to pack the necessary items in robust packing materials and moving boxes ready for sending to India. For furniture, we offer a full export wrapping service to guarantee items are well protected.

We can also provide custom made wooden crates and antique wrapping for the more delicate items.

Our packing teams create an inventory to ensure our customer is aware of every item that is being shipped to India.

Self-Pack Service

If you are only sending a small number of items in boxes or suitcases, you can choose to self-pack your belongings in the comfort of your own home. “You Pack, We Ship” is an increasingly popular option among PSS customers.

We understand the importance of the safe handling when delivering your goods to India, so we still provide all moving boxes, tea cartons and packing materials such as bubble wrap when you self-pack.

When you are ready, we collect your boxes and deliver them to your new home in India.

Where in India do you ship to?

We have regular shipments going to all the major ports in India and provide a door to door shipping service from anywhere in the UK to anywhere in India.

As we strive to provide you with the quickest and cheapest shipping method, we might not always ship to the port nearest to your final destination; especially if we can ship it to another Indian port faster and cheaper.

Examples of ports and cities we ship to in India include:

  • Mumbai
  • Delhi
  • Kolkata
  • Hyderabad
  • Chennai
  • Bangalore
  • Surat
  • Jaipur
  • Lucknow
  • Indore
  • Kanpur
  • Thane
  • Bhopal
  • Patna
  • Agra

Customs Guide for shipping personal effects to India

Duty Free Entry will apply if you meet the following:

  • If you possess an Indian national, foreign national or working employment visa.
  • The importer has lived outside of India for 2 years or more and has not visited India for more than 180 days within that 2 year period.
  • Foreign nationals must have a resident business or work visa.
  • If your intention is to arrive in India before your belongings, it is important that your goods must be shipped from the UK within 1 month of your arrival to qualify for duty free entry. If you are transporting a vehicle this will be 6 months.
  • Importer/owner must be in India during the customs clearance process.
  • Owned and used the household goods for a minimum of 12 months before importing your goods to India.

 

Items NOT Duty Free:

  • Alcohol such as wine & spirits etc.
  • New items will be charged at a duty rate of 35%.
  • Electronic appliances (old or new) are subject to duty at 15% of their value.
  • Typical items are, TV, DVD player, theatre system, dishwasher, Hi-Fi, domestic refrigerator above 300 litres, deep freezer, microwave, video camera, portable photocopiers.

 

For more details we recommend you read our FIDI Customs Guide for India and speak to our team.

Do I Need Marine Shipping Insurance or Shipment Protection Cover to India?

It is highly encouraged to take out marine shipping insurance or shipment protection cover before you ship your personal effects or household goods to India.

Although it is doubtful to experience difficulties when shipping items from the UK to India, it is still wise to have shipment protection cover when sending goods overseas, especially for belongings of significant financial value.

PSS International presents very flexible Shipment Protection Plans. You can cover your whole shipment or choose specific items you wish to protect.

Your PSS Move Manager will explain the different options available and guide you through completing the Shipment Protection Valuation form.

What is the Best Way to Send Boxes to India?

Whether you are taking one, a few or even multiple boxes to India then our box shipping service is the best way for you to ship your boxes.

We provide boxes and packaging materials and deliver them to your address in the UK.

You’ll then pack all your personal possessions or household items and call us when you are ready for them to be collected.

 

There are three shipping options for your boxes. The method you choose depends on costs and urgency.

  1. Sea Freight: your boxes will be sent in a shared shipping container with other people’s boxes and belongings moving to India. This is the cheapest, but the slowest method.
  2. Air Freight: If you need your belongings to arrive sooner then air freight can be a good option.
  3. Express Air Freight: If your shipment is needed urgently then express air freight is the best option, however, this will be more expensive.

Your dedicated Move Manager will help you with all the required paperwork and answer any questions you may have.

You can then take time to enjoy a stop-over on your journey home to India whilst we take care of transporting your boxes.

 

Our partner company in India will notify you when your ship arrives, take care of customs clearance and deliver your boxes at a time that’s convenient for you.

They can also arrange storage for you if you are not yet ready to take delivery.

How Long Does it Take to Ship Boxes From the UK to India?

Average shipping times to India from the UK

Method Sea Freight Air Freight
Shipping Time 8-12 weeks 7-14 days

 

The table above gives you an estimate of how long it will take to ship your boxes to India. Delivery times will vary depending on where in India you are moving to.

Please note: These times are for arrival in your destination port, You will also need to allow additional time for customs clearance.

How Much Does it Cost to Ship Boxes to India from the UK?

The cost will depend on the volume of boxes you are shipping and whether you are using sea or air freight.

To get an initial price we recommend using our free online cost calculator. Our Move Managers will also be able to tailor your quote to meet your personal requirements.

PSS is widely regarded as the cheapest and best company for shipping your items to India. We are confident that we can give you a very good quote without compromising on service.

Please note that sea freight costs are based on volume whereas air freight rates are calculated by volumetric weight–a combination of weight and volume.

Do You Have Bike Cartons/Boxes for Shipping Bicycles to India?

Yes. Whilst you can buy a specialist bike box, we can provide you with a strong cardboard bike carton for shipping your bicycle to India.

You will need to dismantle some parts of your cycle such as the pedals and ensure it is thoroughly cleaned for India customs, but taking your bike with you is very easy.

How to Ship Tools and Ship Toolboxes to India

Our service is perfect for sending your work tools and toolboxes to India. You’ll need to ensure they are thoroughly cleaned before transportation and well wrapped to protect them.

If you need your tools quickly, we recommend you use our air freight service. Otherwise, your tool box can be sent via sea freight.

Please speak to your Move Manager if your toolbox is very heavy, we have a special service for overweight items.

Please note: Some items such as batteries and gas canisters can be restricted or prohibited. Call us for more details.

Common Questions About Moving to India

Why Move to India From the UK?

Known for its culturally rich and vibrant environment, India, the low cost of living makes this fascinating nation a popular place to move from the UK. As a fast-growing economy, many British expats move to India to seek out new opportunities. To find out more about our India moving services get in touch or take a look at our blog on everything you need to know about moving to India.

Where is the Best Place to Move in India as an Expat?

There are plenty of options for UK citizens wanting to live in India. Many people flock to the cities of Delhi, Bangalore and Mumbai for their rich culture and thriving activity. Many people also move to Kolkata and New Delhi in particular.