ⓘ This page is auto-translated

정착 가이드

Korea-India international moving and customs clearance - moving luggage preparation, prohibited items, TR customs clearance, and company selection

By ARAZIA India Desk10 min read

Preparing for an international move between Korea and India — Pile of packed moving boxes — MoveON moving (CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons)

Once the decision to take up a post in India is made, the next biggest task after a visa and a house isMovingno see. International moving between Korea and India is not just a matter of packing and sending.Select shipping method → Select items → Customs clearance (TR: Transfer of Residence) → Local deliveryThis is a several month long project. In particular, India is a country with strict customs regulations and many document requirements, so if you check in your luggage without preparation, you can end up stranded at a port or inland container depot (ICD) for weeks.

This article is based on Korean expatriates and their families posted to Delhi-NCR, including Delhi, Gurgaon, and Noida.Selection criteria for sea and air transport, how to decide between what to bring and what to buy locally, prohibited and restricted items, TR customs clearance conditions and documents, international moving company selection checklist, post-arrival inspection and claimsWe have organized the entire international moving process in order.

Specific figures such as customs clearance tax rates and duty exemption limits change frequently according to Indian government notices. Please refer to the figures in this article as approximate ranges as of 2026, and final confirmation should be made through the official website of the Customs Authority of India (CBIC) and a contracted moving company.

01Sea or Air? — Starting with the big picture of international moving.

The first decision of the Korea-India international director wasTransportation methodno see. It is largely divided into sea transport (containers) and air transport, with sea transport using an entire container.Full Container Load (FCL)and loaded with other cargoLCL (small quantity mixed)It is divided into:

method	Duration required (from door to door)	characteristic
Maritime FCL	Approximately 2 to 3 months	Exclusive use of 20ft container. Suitable for family moves that involve moving the entire household, including furniture and appliances.
Sea LCL	Approximately 2~3 months+α	Since you are charged based on volume, it is economical if you have less luggage. Due to being mixed with other cargo, the schedule varies greatly.
air transport	Approximately 1 to 3 weeks	It is fast, but the cost per volume and weight is much higher than by sea. Focusing on necessities needed for initial settlement

In actual experience, the most realistic combination is‘Essentials are baggage + air, the rest is by sea’This is a dualization strategy. Items needed within the first week of arrival, such as bedding, basic kitchen tools, and children's items, are sent first as checked baggage and small amounts of air cargo, while furniture and large home appliances are sent in sea containers. Sea cargo usually departs from Busan or Incheon, passes through Mumbai's Nhava Sheva Port, etc., and moves to Delhi's Inland Container Depot (ICD) before being cleared for customs clearance, so based on Delhi NCR standards, sufficient inland transportation and customs clearance period must be allowed even after departure.

If you are an expatriate moving with the support of the company, before startingThe company's moving assistance regulations (container size, air freight limits, whether insurance is included)Check it out. This is because the support limit determines the total amount of luggage.

International moving air transport in India — Loading air cargo on a cargo plane — Urgent necessities can be delivered by air in approximately 1 to 3 weeks, but the cost per volume is much higher than by sea. · Trepel Airport Equipment (Attribution, Wikimedia Commons)

02Preparing to move – what to take, what to buy locally, what to leave behind

Since international moving costs are ultimately a matter of volume, you need to divide your items into three parts before packing. The judgment criteria is‘Is it difficult to find in India?’and‘Is the cost of moving cheaper than buying a new one?’There are two things.

Home appliances — Look at frequency and A/S rather than voltage

India's electricity230V/50HzThe voltage is similar to Korea (220V/60Hz), butthe frequencies are different. Most modern electronic products are voltage-free (100-240V, 50/60Hz), so there is no problem, but some home appliances with motors may experience performance degradation or malfunction due to frequency differences, and adapters are also required because the plug shapes are different. Also, it is often difficult to receive formal A/S for Korean home appliances in India. India is an environment with frequent power outages and voltage fluctuations, so it may be safer to purchase large home appliances locally.Guide to power outages and electricity assessments in IndiaIt was covered in detail in .

Food - Do not put it in your moving bag, but source it locally.

I understand the desire to put a few boxes of red pepper paste and ramen in a container, but food products can be subject to quarantine, which is a common cause of customs clearance delays and companies are reluctant to do so. Since Delhi NCR already has a well-established Korean food ingredients infrastructure,Guide to Korean supermarkets and grocery shopping in IndiaIt is better to resolve it locally by referring to .

Packing list – half of the customs clearance documents

Put a number on each boxContents in EnglishCreate a packing list as indicated. This is the basic document for customs clearance.
If you take photos of the contents of each box, you can use them for both responding to customs inquiries and damage claims.
For expensive electronic products such as laptops and cameras, keep the model name and serial number separate.

03Prohibited/restricted items from being brought in - If you don't know, you'll get stuck in customs clearance

The most dangerous thing in Indian customs clearance is 'one item you don't know about'. If a prohibited item is found, it is not only the item.Customs clearance of the entire container has been halted.Inspection and storage fees can snowball. Representative items are organized by type as follows.

division	item	note
Prohibited from being brought in	Drugs, pornography, wildlife products (ivory, etc.)	subject to criminal punishment
Prohibited from being brought in	Electronic cigarettes (including liquid)	India prohibits the manufacture, import, and sale of electronic cigarettes by law.
Permit required	satellite phone, some wireless communication equipment	No entry without prior permission - confiscated if detected.
Permit required	drone	Subject to Indian Civil Aviation Authority (DGCA) regulation. It is safe not to bring in without prior approval.
Restrictions/reports	Alcohol, Tobacco	Tax exemption for approximately 2 liters of alcohol and 100 cigarettes per adult (subject to change as of 2026). Excess taxation at high rates
Restrictions/reports	Gold, precious metals, high value foreign currency	Subject to reporting if certain standards are exceeded. In principle, foreigners are also restricted from bringing in Indian rupee cash.
subject to quarantine	Animal foods such as plants, seeds, soil, meat, dairy products, etc.	Quarantine procedures are the main cause of customs clearance delays

Something on an ambiguous borderline'New product'no see. The TR customs clearance benefits, which will be explained later, apply to 'used goods', so if a large number of new products or unopened boxes come with tags, they are suspected of being commercial cargo rather than moving luggage and are subject to taxation and inspection. Realistic advice is to at least unpack and use new items you have purchased before taking office. For prescription drugs, bring a copy of the prescription and opinion, and check the official website of the Customs Board of India (CBIC) for the latest regulations for each item.

04TR (Transfer of Residence) clearance — conditions and documents for tax exemption benefits

In India, there are people who move their residence to India.Bringing in used household goods and personal items tax-free or at a reduced rate.There is a system that allows you to do this. NormalTR (Transfer of Residence) customs clearanceIt is generally called this, and the moving luggage of foreign expatriates appointed with work visas are also generally handled within this framework.

Basic structure of TR customs clearance

Wide scope of tax exemption— General household items such as used clothing, kitchenware, bedding, furniture, books, etc. (personal & household effects)
Taxable even if used— TV, refrigerator, air conditioner, dishwasher, etc.Home appliance items separately designated by Indian Customs. Depending on the item, tariffs of approximately 15 to 40 percent may be imposed, and the tax rate may fluctuate from time to time as of 2026.
condition— Detailed requirements, such as period of residence abroad and planned period of stay in India, vary depending on status and visa type, so be sure to check with the moving company and the latest CBIC notice to determine whether it applies to your case.

Preparing documents (even if the company acts on your behalf, the original is yours)

Original/copy of passport (including India entry stamp page)
Copy of work visa, employment verification document
English packing list (box number and contents must match)
Bill of Lading (B/L) or Air Waybill (AWB)
Customs declaration and customs clearance power of attorney — forms provided by the company

The most important practical point istimingno see. TR customs clearance is carried out only when the shipper enters India, and according to regulations, the cargo must arrive within a certain period of time before and after the shipper enters the country. If the cargo arrives before you, customs clearance cannot be opened.DemurrageIt accumulates on a daily basis, and there are procedures that require the original passport during customs clearance, so it becomes difficult if it overlaps with a long-term business trip. Calculate the departure date, shipment date, and expected arrival date with the company and create a schedule.

Cargo ship anchored at Mumbai Port, India — Korea-India maritime transport TR customs clearance — Sea cargo moving from Korea often passes through Navasheba Port in Mumbai and is cleared through customs at the Inland Container Depot (ICD) in Delhi. · Photo Division, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, (Public domain, Wikimedia Commons)

05Selecting an international moving company – quote comparison and checkpoints

The quality of international moving is actually determined by the selection of the company. No matter how great the Korean section’s pavement is,Customs clearance and delivery capabilities of local partners in IndiaIf this is not enough, the final section will be delayed by several weeks and additional costs will be charged. The quote must beAt least 3 locations based on visit and inspectionGet it and compare.

Quote Comparison Checklist

Door-to-Door Coverage— Make sure to clearly check whether the quote is from your doorstep in Korea to your doorstep in India, or up to arrival at the port. Make sure you get written information on whether customs duties, inspection fees, and storage fees are included or separate.
International Certifications and Performance— Membership in international networks such as FIDI and IAM (International Association of Directors) and, in particular,Recent performance on India (Delhi NCR) routesAsk. India has high customs clearance difficulties, so route experience is quality.
Local partner information— Check which company handles customs clearance and delivery on the Indian side, and whether the contact point is a Korean company or a local partner when a problem arises.
insurance— Check whether it is an all-risk policy that broadly compensates for damage or loss during transportation, and whether the insurance value is reported based on market price. If you lower the insurance value, you will save on insurance premiums, but your compensation in the event of an accident will also be reduced accordingly.
communication— Whether you are notified of the progress at each stage of shipment, departure, arrival, and customs clearance, and whether customer service is available in Korean, greatly determines actual satisfaction.

The lowest price quote is usually given for a reason. It is often safer to compare on a total basis, as packaging materials are often of lower grade, mixed schedules are unfavorable, or local costs are often ‘extra’.

Indian Port Container Terminal Officials Meeting — Indian International Director Customs Clearance and Logistics Administration — Indian port and customs administration requires complex procedures and documents, so selecting a company with extensive local customs clearance experience is key. · Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (GODL-India, Wikimedia Commons)

06After arrival — from customs clearance to unboxing inspection and claims

When the cargo arrives in IndiaCustoms clearance → Inland transportation → Delivery reservation → Bringing in/Opening → Inspection/ClaimThe final stages proceed in the following order. Even if documents are complete, customs clearance may take several days to several weeks depending on inspection assignment and port/ICD circumstances, so you should calculate temporary accommodation (baggage + flight baggage) for this period in advance.

Things to do before the day of delivery

Society (apartment complex) pre-registration— In many Indian apartments, the entry and exit of moving vehicles and workers must be registered in advance with the Management Office (RWA), and in some cases, there are separate rules for moving days and times or freight elevator use. Once the delivery date is set, notify the management office immediately.
deployment plan— Marking each box number and which room it will be placed in on your packing list will greatly reduce confusion on the day.

Opening inspection and damage claims

If possible, openIn the presence of company workersAnd if damage or loss is discovered, a photo is taken on the spot and recorded on the acceptance confirmation.
Insurance claimsDeadline for submissionThis is usually a set amount, so don't delay and check the entire box within a few days after delivery. Photos of each box taken before departure serve as decisive evidence at this time.

After moving in, the next step is to inspect the house itself. Instructions for checking the condition of electricity, water, and furniture and recording defects are:Indian house moving checklistWe have summarized it here, so please use it later. Don't rush and keep records of the final steps of your multi-month international move — that's the best way to get started on your settlement in India.

Useful tips

The packing list includes photos and sets of each box.

Create a packing list that numbers each box and lists the contents in English. Take a photo of the contents of each box and upload it to the cloud. Three problems are solved in one effort: responding to customs clearance inquiries, proving damage claims, and finding items after arrival.

Calculate your entry itinerary and cargo arrival.

TR customs clearance is carried out only when the shipper enters India, and the cargo arrival time must be within a certain period of time before and after the shipper's entry. If cargo arrives first, storage fees are accumulated on a daily basis, so make a schedule and manage the departure date, shipment date, and expected arrival date with the company.

Open the packaging of newly purchased items and use them once.

TR benefits apply to ‘used items’. If you receive a large number of new products or unopened boxes with tags, they may be suspected as commercial cargo and subject to taxation and inspection, so it is safe to at least open and use newly purchased items before taking office.

Marine transportation during the monsoon season requires additional moisture protection.

Sea cargo arriving during the monsoon season from June to September passes through hot and humid environments. Damage can be greatly reduced by adding plenty of desiccant to leather/wooden furniture, books, and clothing boxes, and by requesting vacuum packaging for items susceptible to mold.

Estimates are compared based on visit inspection.

Estimates made over the phone or with photos only increase the size on site and are likely to result in additional charges. Receive on-site inspection quotes from three or more places and compare them based on the total amount including customs duties, inspection fees, and storage fees.

Common pitfalls and how to solve them

Prohibited and permitted items such as electronic cigarettes, satellite phones, and drones are found in the moving luggage, and customs clearance of the entire container is halted.

→

India prohibits the import and sale of electronic cigarettes by law, and satellite phones and drones cannot be imported without prior permission. Before packing, the rule is to share the list of prohibited and restricted items with all family members, and to remove ambiguous items after checking with official information from the company and CBIC.

If the cargo arrives in India before you, customs clearance cannot be opened and storage fees (demurrage) continue to pile up.

→

TR customs clearance is premised on the shipper's entry into India. When making a shipment schedule, calculate backwards based on your entry date, and if there is a possibility that your appointment schedule may be delayed, delaying the shipment will be cheaper than the storage fee.

Designated home appliances such as TVs, refrigerators, air conditioners, etc. are brought in without knowing that they are taxed even if they are used, resulting in unexpected tariffs.

→

Home appliances designated by Indian customs may be subject to tariffs of approximately 15-40%, even if they are used (subject to change as of 2026). Compare import tariffs, local new product purchase price, and A/S availability to decide whether to bring it back.

If the packing list is poor or different from the actual contents, customs inspection takes longer and customs clearance is delayed for several weeks.

→

An English packing list with matching box numbers and contents is the basis for customs clearance documents. On the day of packing, check the list prepared by the company yourself and do not add or remove items later.

I signed a contract based on the lowest price quote, but they said the local cost in India was 'separate' and charged me additionally after arrival.

→

Please specify in writing the door-to-door scope, whether customs, inspection, and storage fees are included in the quotation, and information about the local partner in India. Risks are greatly reduced by checking membership in international networks such as FIDI and IAM and the performance of Delhi-NCR routes.

Latest updates

India maintains a total ban on manufacturing, importing and selling electronic cigarettesIndia prohibits the manufacture, import, and sale of electronic cigarettes by law, and this policy continues to be maintained. It is safe to not put both liquid and cigarette type devices in your luggage or luggage.
There is a trend to reduce moving due to improvements in the local procurement environment.As the home appliance and furniture distribution network, online shopping, and Korean food material infrastructure in large Indian cities continue to improve, the number of expatriate families is increasing by procuring large luggage locally and reducing the amount of international moving.

FAQ

What is TR (Transfer of Residence) customs clearance?

This is India's customs clearance system that allows people moving their residence to India to bring in used household goods and personal effects duty-free or at a reduced rate. Moving items for foreign expatriates appointed on work visas are also usually handled within this framework. Detailed requirements, such as the period of residence abroad, vary depending on status and visa type, so you must check with the moving company and the latest notice from the Customs Board of India (CBIC).

How long does an ocean move from Korea to India take?

It is safe to take approximately 2 to 3 months from door to door. 부산·인천 출항 후 뭄바이 나바 셰바 항 등을 거쳐 델리 내륙컨테이너기지(ICD)로 이동해 통관하는 구조라, 항해 기간 외에 내륙 운송과 통관 기간이 추가되기 때문입니다. There is great variation depending on the time and port conditions.

Can I put foods like kimchi or ramen in my moving luggage?

Not recommended. Food products can be subject to quarantine, which is a common cause of customs clearance delays, and products containing meat and dairy ingredients are especially prone to problems. Delhi NCR is well-equipped with Korean marts and online Korean food malls, so local procurement is a realistic answer.

Do I have to pay customs duties if I bring a Korean TV or refrigerator?

Home appliance items designated by Indian customs, such as TVs, refrigerators, and air conditioners, even if used, are excluded from TR duty exemption and may be subject to tariffs of approximately 15-40% (subject to change as of 2026). In India, the electricity frequency is 230V/50Hz, which is different from Korea, and after-sales service is often difficult, so it is best to compare tariffs and local purchase prices before making a decision.

What happens if my moving luggage arrives in India before me?

TR customs clearance is carried out only when the shipper is in India, so if the cargo arrives first, customs clearance cannot be opened and storage fees (demurrage) are accumulated on a daily basis. It is safer to calculate the shipment schedule based on the person's entry date and delay the shipment if there is a possibility that the appointment schedule may change.

References & links

Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs of India (CBIC)Korea Customs Service Embassy of the Republic of Korea in India (Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Embassy)FIDI International Federation of Directors Indian Government Official Portal