India is emerging as one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, presenting a wealth of investment opportunities for Singaporean businesses. According to Statista, its real gross domestic product grew 8.15% in 20231, and along with the other BRIC countries – Brazil, Russia, India, and China – has strengthened its economy over the last few decades, making it an ideal market to conduct trade with.
However, to ensure a successful shipment to India, understanding the customs regulations of the country is key. India is particularly careful about the goods entering its borders, as well as the legitimacy of the importer. Therefore, when shipping from Singapore, you should anticipate a round of in-depth checks. DHL Express is an ideal courier service to assist you in navigating this comprehensive customs process and simplify the delivery of your goods, ensuring that your parcel to India reaches its destination on time and in an undamaged condition.
If you’re wondering how your Singaporean business can export to India, then you’re in the right place. Here’s our comprehensive guide on India’s regulations and what you need to know before sending a parcel from Singapore.
The economic relationship between Singapore and India has consistently been strong and cordial. In 2023, the bilateral trade between Singapore and India demonstrated robust growth, reaching USD 35.6 billion, an impressive increase of 18.2% from 2022.2
Singapore is also the fourth-largest exporter of goods to India, creating a compelling landscape for Singaporean businesses looking to expand their footprint.
For merchants keen to leverage this advantageous relationship, consider establishing contact with local retailers, exploring distribution channels, and effectively shipping and distributing your products within India. It is also crucial to gain a comprehensive understanding of India’s customs regulations, restrictions, the list of prohibited and restricted goods, and the essential documents required for a smooth courier to India.
Keep in mind the following items you can and cannot ship out of Singapore and into India. If proper prior research is not carried out, you might face delays in your shipments or have them rejected.
You can learn more about DHL’s list of prohibited and restricted items here.
When preparing your parcel for India, pay careful attention to documentation. Accurately creating your DHL Air Waybill and preparing a commercial shipping invoice are key steps. These documents ensure you present accurate information about the package, such as its actual value, which is crucial for preventing clearance delays.
If you are shipping restricted items, such as certain chemicals or specific machinery parts, a formal customs clearance will likely be required. In such cases, your consignee in India must provide the necessary paperwork to ensure the goods are permitted entry. Always verify with your consignee that all required documentation is prepared in advance to prevent any delays or disruptions to transit time for your shipment from Singapore to India.
To ensure your courier from Singapore to India has the smoothest possible journey, proactively prepare the following:
A commercial invoice is a mandatory document for all non-document shipments when shipping to India. It serves as a legal document between the exporter and the importer, detailing the goods being sold, their value, and the terms of sale. Customs authorities in India rely on this invoice to assess duties and taxes and to ensure compliance with import regulations. An accurate and complete commercial invoice helps prevent customs hold-ups and ensures a smooth entry for your goods into India.
Being aware of who your consignee is, is of paramount importance when shipping products to India. Here are some key points to note:
Read our detailed guide on KYC documents for each classification or organisation.
Before you send a parcel to India, the receiver must gather their KYC proof and provide it to your chosen courier, like DHL Express. The courier will then securely save the receiver’s details in their KYC database and use it for all future shipments to that specific address.
This process must be repeated each time you use a different courier, send goods to a new address, or when the receiver’s details change. Even if a business has multiple addresses, each location must be registered separately in your courier’s KYC database to ensure compliance.
Missing KYC documentation can cause significant delays for your shipment from Singapore to India. It may even lead to penalty fees. To ensure a smooth and timely process, it is highly recommended to ask your receiver if their KYC details are already known and updated with the courier. If not, advise your receiver to gather all necessary documents for submission before you send the parcel. Proactive communication here is vital for seamless clearance.
Open a DHL Express account for reliable shipping from Singapore to India
Open an AccountChecking if your goods are categorised as controlled or restricted goods before attempting to ship to India can prevent significant delays, hefty fines, and even the seizure or destruction of your parcel by customs authorities. To check if a good is restricted, search for the description, Harmonised (HS) code, or CA product code in the Singapore Customs Database. If a good is subjected to control, check in with the CA to receive full details on their licensing requirements. Here are some of the details below:
| Alcoholic Beverages |
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| Coal & firewood, Plants, Animal fur, Tobacco Products |
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| Computer software |
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| Cosmetics |
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| Drugs (with & without prescription) |
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| Fabrics & Textile articles |
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| Foodstuffs |
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| Mobile phones, Accessories, & Components |
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| Passports |
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| Telecommunication equipment |
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| Used /Refurbished / Secondhand Goods |
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To ensure your shipment reaches India in optimal conditions, package your goods properly. This involves choosing boxes of appropriate sizing, filling voids with foam peanuts, and labelling your package correctly. After packing your shipment, schedule your shipment collection before you hand over your parcel to a parcel service like DHL Express. You can contact our customer service, arrange for a pickup from MyDHL+, or drop off your shipment at any DHL Express service points in Singapore.
When a parcel enters India, it typically undergoes one of two types of customs clearance: express clearance or formal clearance. Understanding which process applies to your shipment to India is essential for preparing the correct documentation beforehand and ensuring a smooth journey.
Express clearance, also known as courier mode, is a streamlined process with minimal paperwork. This method is typically used for low-to-medium-value goods such as documents, gifts (up to 5,000 INR duty-free for personal gifts), and samples (up to 10,000 INR). Packages weighing up to 70 kg often qualify for this route. With all correct paperwork in place, you can generally expect your parcel from Singapore to India to be released on the same day. Required documentation typically includes the Air Waybill, Commercial Invoice, and KYC documentation, with a packing list or purchase order sometimes also needed.
In contrast, formal clearance, or freight mode, is reserved for high-value shipments (those valued at 100,000 INR or more), bulk goods, or regulated items, even if they are low-to-medium value. This process is more involved and often requires advance payment of duties, additional extensive paperwork, and typically the involvement of a customs broker to oversee the clearance process. The receiver has the option to use their own broker service or a broker provided by the courier. Additional documents are frequently required beyond the basic Air Waybill, Commercial Invoice, and KYC documentation.
To provide you with a seamless courier service from Singapore to India, DHL Express handles customs clearance and completion of declarations for you. Enjoy these added advantages when you choose DHL Express:
Partner with us for efficient courier services from Singapore to India and gain the assurance that your shipments will cross the border quickly and smoothly.
While shipping to India can be complex due to its detailed customs regulations and the strict requirement for consignee documentation like KYC and POA, with the right courier service like DHL Express, the process is made easier as we guide you through the requirements and handle many formalities.
Transit times for a parcel to India vary depending on the specific service chosen, the origin and destination within India, and customs clearance times. DHL Express typically offers expedited services that can deliver within a few business days, making it a fast courier from Singapore to India. However, delays can occur if documentation is incomplete or if goods are subject to extended customs checks.
With DHL Express, you can track your parcel using our advanced online tracking system. This system provides real-time updates, including notifications if your shipment to India is held by customs or if additional information is required. Our customer service team is also available 24/7 to provide assistance.
While not always mandatory, it is highly recommended to consider shipping insurance when you send a parcel to India, especially for high-value goods. Given the complexities of international shipping and customs procedures, insurance provides financial protection against potential loss or damage during transit, offering peace of mind for your shipment from Singapore to India.
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