Importing Foreign Cars to India: A Guide on Procedures and Rules

Have you ever dreamt of bringing a sleek foreign car to the bustling streets of India? The good news is that it's quite possible. However, it's not as simple as driving the car off a ship. There are rules and steps you need to follow, as well as a list of criteria to meet and charges to pay. Additionally, the owner must comply with legal mandates for motor vehicles in India, such as having vehicle insurance that covers a minimum of third-party liabilities.* If you have a passion for foreign cars and a desire to drive them on Indian roads, then read on to know more about the process involved.

Conditions for Importing a Foreign Car

First, let’s look at the conditions set down for new and used foreign cars to be imported to India.

Conditions for Importing New Foreign Cars

1. The car should be manufactured or assembled in a country other than India.
2. The import must occur from the country where the car was built.
3. The vehicle must be brand new, not having been previously sold, loaned, registered, or leased.
4. It should be right-hand drive, with headlights suitable for illuminating the left side of the road.
5. The speedometer should display speed in kilometres, not miles.
6. Importing is feasible only through naval docks in Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata; hence, the car should be imported through these ports only.

Conditions for Importing Used Foreign Cars

1. The manufacturing year of the imported used car should not exceed three years.
2. The vehicle must be right-hand drive, with headlights and speedometer conditions similar to that for new cars.
3. Like new cars, importing is possible only through specified naval docks.
4. The car must have been loaned, leased, registered, or sold.
5. The vehicle must be roadworthy and certified as such for at least five years. Also, note that cars with engine capacities ranging from 1,000cc to 2,500cc are not allowed to be imported.

Additionally, heavy-duty bikes with engine capacities between 50cc and 500cc and scooters with engine capacities ranging from 250cc to 800cc are also not allowed for import. If you are importing a permitted two-wheeler, make sure to follow all legal specifications and insure it with the right car insurance policy.

Conditions for Importing a Car While Shifting to India

Foreign nationals or Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) are allowed to import one vehicle while shifting permanently to India. Conditions for such imports are as follows:

1. The person should not have resided in India for at least two years before the transfer.
2. A plan to reside in India for at least one year post-transfer is necessary.
3. The person should not have availed the ‘transfer of residence’ process for three years before the current transfer.
4. Only one family member can undertake this process, by filling out the Transfer of Residence Form.
5. The car should be imported within six months of shifting to India.
6. The sale of the imported vehicle is prohibited for at least two years after the transfer.
7. If the engine capacity of the vehicle is between 75cc and 500cc, then no restrictions of being new or used shall apply.
8. If the engine capacity is more than 1,600cc, a process to register it should be completed at least a year before the import is to take place.

Also Read: Top 10 VIP Cars in India: The Ultimate Guide to Luxury on Wheels

Who Can Import Vehicles to India

• Individuals & NRIs – Indian residents and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) can import vehicles under specific conditions.
• Foreign Diplomats & Embassies – Diplomats and foreign embassies can import vehicles under diplomatic privileges.
• Automobile Manufacturers – Companies with manufacturing or assembly operations in India can import vehicles for testing or research.
• Government & Research Organizations – Vehicles imported for government or research purposes may be allowed under special provisions.
• Tourists & Temporary Visitors – Foreign nationals can bring vehicles temporarily under the Carnet de Passage scheme.
• Companies & Corporates – Businesses can import vehicles for commercial use, provided they comply with legal requirements.

Procedure and Documentation for Import

Cars can be imported directly from the manufacturer or through an agent. The following documents will be required:

• Invoice papers
• car insurance document
• GATT Declaration
• Bank draft
• Bill of Lading or Sea Waybill
• Import license
• Purchase order or letter of credit, as applicable
• Other documents as required and applicable.

If you take the help of an agent, they may help you throughout the process, until your car is registered within the country.

Also Read: How To Protect Your Car From Rats And Other Rodents

Things To Consider Before Importing A Car Into India

Before initiating the import process, remember the following points:

1. Import duty on cars varies based on the CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) value, with a 100% customs tax for values over USD 40,000. For used vehicles, the import tax rate is 125%.
2. The vehicle needs to be registered at the nearest RTO in India. Charges for registration and road tax are excluded from the import duty.
3. For the import of commercial vehicles, only certain persons and institutions are eligible.
4. Once the car has been imported, it must be submitted to a recognised testing centre to ensure its compliance with prevailing motor vehicle laws.

Thus, the process of importing a foreign car to India is somewhat complex. To protect such a heavily procured car, one must insure it with the right vehicle insurance policy.

* Claims are subject to terms and conditions set forth under motor insurance policy.

Conclusion

Importing a foreign car to India involves strict regulations, including manufacturing origin, right-hand drive compliance, and designated import ports. Used cars must be under three years old, and specific engine capacities are restricted. NRIs and foreign nationals can import one vehicle under specific conditions. The process requires extensive documentation and high import duties, up to 125% for used cars. Additionally, registration and compliance testing are mandatory. To safeguard your imported vehicle, securing comprehensive insurance is essential.

FAQs

1. Where should a vehicle be submitted after import?

After import, the vehicle must be submitted to the nearest customs port for clearance. It will undergo inspection, duty assessment, and verification as per the Central Motor Vehicles Rules. Once cleared, the owner must register it with the Regional Transport Office (RTO).

2. Can left-hand drive vehicles be imported to India?

Left-hand drive vehicles can be imported into India, but they must be converted to right-hand drive before registration. Additionally, they must comply with Indian safety and emission standards under the Motor Vehicles Act.

3. What is the homologation of vehicles?

Homologation is the process of certifying that a vehicle meets the required safety and environmental standards in a particular country. In India, imported vehicles must be homologated by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) or other authorized agencies.

4. How much does it cost to import a car to India?

Importing a car to India can cost 100%–165% of the car’s value, including customs duty, GST, registration charges, and homologation fees. Costs vary based on the car's engine capacity, age, and CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) value.

5. Can we import car engines to India?

Yes, car engines can be imported to India, but they must comply with emission norms and customs regulations. Import duties apply, and clearance from the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) may be required for road use.

6. Can an NRI import a car to India?

Yes, an NRI can import a car to India under certain conditions. The car must be new or used (not older than three years) and comply with Indian regulations. Import duties and homologation requirements apply before registration with the RTO.

7. Where should a vehicle be submitted after import?

After arrival, the imported vehicle must be submitted to the customs department for clearance and verification, followed by registration at the local RTO.

8. Can we import car engines to India?

Yes, car engines can be imported, but they must comply with the Central Motor Vehicle Rules (CMVR) and environmental regulations set by the government.

9. Can I import my own car to India?

Yes, you can import your car to India, but it must meet homologation requirements, emission norms, and customs regulations. Import duties apply.

10. Can an NRI import a car to India?

Yes, NRIs can import a car under the baggage scheme if they have lived abroad for at least two years. The car must be registered in their name for at least one year.

11. How can I import a vintage car to India?

To import a vintage car (over 50 years old), you need approval from the Ministry of Commerce and must comply with customs regulations, including applicable import duties.

*Standard T&C apply.

Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes. Please consult an expert before making any related decisions. Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.