Importing Personal Effects on Transfer of Residency (TOR) in India

Importing personal effects on Transfer of Residency (TOR) in India can be a complex process, but with the right documentation and planning, it can be done smoothly. Below is a general overview of the process of importing personal effects under TOR regulations in India:

Process of Importing Personal Effects under TOR

1. 1. Obtain a PAN Card: A Permanent Account Number (PAN) card is a unique identification number issued by the Indian Income Tax Department and is required for customs clearance. The PAN card can be applied for online or through a physical form available from the nearest PAN service provider.
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3. 2. Obtain a Bill of Lading: A Bill of Lading is a document issued by the shipping company that serves as a receipt for the goods and proof of ownership. It is required for customs clearance.
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5. 3. Obtain a TOR Certificate: A Transfer of Residency (TOR) certificate is issued by the Indian Mission in the importer’s country of residence. It certifies that the importer has been residing outside India for at least two years immediately preceding the date of importation of the goods.
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7. 4. Obtain a Customs Declaration Form (CDF): The Customs Declaration Form (CDF) is a declaration filled by the importer or their representative and submitted to the customs department. It contains details about the importer, the goods, and their value.
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9. 5. Obtain a Packing List: A Packing List details the contents of each package and the number of items in each. It is used for customs clearance and helps ensure that all items have been correctly received.
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11. 7. Obtain an Inventory of Personal Effects: This is a detailed list of all personal items being imported, including descriptions, values, and quantities of each item. It helps customs verify the items being brought under TOR regulations.
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13. 8. Obtain Customs Clearance: After all required documents have been submitted, the importer or their representative must clear the goods through customs. The customs department verifies the documents, and the goods are released after payment of applicable duties and taxes.
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15. 9. Obtain a Delivery Order: Once customs clearance is completed, a Delivery Order is issued to the importer or their representative, serving as the official release order for the goods.