NRI Car Export: Simple Steps to Ship Your Vehicle Anywhere

If you’re an NRI thinking about sending a car back home, the paperwork and logistics can feel overwhelming. The good news is that the process is pretty straightforward once you know what’s required. Below you’ll find a practical roadmap that covers everything from documents to shipping choices, all written in plain language.

Key Documents and Customs Process

First things first – you need the right paperwork. The Indian customs office asks for a few core documents:

• Original Registration Certificate (RC) – proves you own the car.
• Insurance policy – must be valid for the export period.
• Bill of Lading – issued by the shipping company once the vehicle is loaded.
• Export declaration form (EX‑601) – filed online through the DGFT portal.
• Passport copy and NRI status proof – shows you are eligible for export.

After gathering these, you file the export declaration and pay any applicable customs duty. For personal vehicles, the duty is generally waived if you can prove NRI residency abroad for at least two years. Keep the receipt of duty payment (if any) handy; you’ll need it when the ship arrives at the destination port.

Choosing the Right Shipping Method

Two main options exist: container shipping and roll‑on/roll‑off (RoRo). Container shipping packs your car inside a 20‑ or 40‑foot container, protecting it from weather and theft. It’s more expensive but worth it for high‑value or classic cars.

RoRo is cheaper because the vehicle simply drives onto the ship’s deck and is secured for the voyage. It works well for standard sedans and SUVs, but you lose the extra layer of security a container provides.

To decide, compare quotes from at least three freight forwarders, ask about insurance coverage, and check the estimated transit time. Most exporters report a 2‑4 week transit from Mumbai to major ports like Dubai, Singapore, or London.

Don’t forget to factor in inland transport to the port. Many forwarders offer door‑to‑door service, picking up the car from your address and delivering it to the buyer’s doorstep abroad. This adds convenience but also a bit to the total cost.

Typical costs break down as follows: customs clearance (₹5,000‑₹15,000), freight charges (₹80,000‑₹200,000 depending on method and distance), and insurance (about 1% of the car’s value). Add a small buffer for port handling fees and paperwork surcharges.

One common mistake is forgetting to deregister the car in India before export. While you keep the RC for proof of ownership, you must inform the Regional Transport Office (RTO) that the vehicle is leaving the country. Failure to do so can lead to penalties later.

Finally, keep copies of every document in both digital and printed form. Customs officers and shipping agents often request a re‑submission, and having backups saves you from delays.

Exporting a car as an NRI is not a mystery – it just needs a checklist and a reliable freight partner. Follow the steps above, stay organized, and you’ll see your vehicle on the other side of the world without a hitch.