How to Import Bikes to India

Importing bikes to India can seem daunting, but with some preparation and knowledge of the process, it can be straightforward. In this guide, we’ll walk you through all the key steps to successfully import motorcycles and scooters to India.

Whether you want to bring your own bike to India or import multiple vehicles for business, this guide has got you covered. By the end, you’ll be equipped with the information needed to navigate customs regulations and paperwork to get your bikes into the country. Let’s get started!

Overview of the Import Process

Here are the key steps we’ll cover to import two-wheelers into India:

1. Determine if your bike meets emission and safety standards
2. Calculate import duties and taxes
3. Find a reliable shipping method
4. Prepare import paperwork
5. Pass customs clearance
6. Register your vehicle

While this may seem complicated, taking it step-by-step will set you up for a smooth import process.

Step 1: Meet Emission and Safety Standards

The first thing you need to determine is whether your motorcycle meets Indian emission norms and safety standards mandated for imported vehicles.

India has strict regulations to control air pollution from vehicles. All imported two-wheelers must obtain clearance certificates showing compliance with:

• Bharat Stage (BS) emission norms – emission regulation standards set by the Indian government based on European regulations.
• AIS or Automotive Industry Standard codes – vehicle safety and quality standards.

To check if your bike meets the current BS VI norms and AIS 149 safety standards:

• Consult your vehicle manual or the manufacturer’s official website
• Contact the dealership where the motorcycle was purchased
• Reach out to the bike’s manufacturer directly

Without BS VI and AIS 149 compliance, your bike will not be road legal in India. Verify this first before going further with the import process.

Step 2: Estimate Import Duties and Taxes

Once you’ve confirmed standards compliance, it’s time to calculate the import duties and taxes you will need to pay to import your motorcycle. This includes:

Import Duties:

• Basic Customs Duty – 10% – 100% of the vehicle’s assessed value.
• Social Welfare Surcharge – 10% of the assessed custom duties.

Taxes:

Goods and Services Tax (GST) – 28% of the bike’s assessed value + any duties paid previously

Compensation Cess – Varies based on engine size and fuel type, levied in addition to GST:

Engine Size	Petrol Bikes	Diesel Bikes
Up to 350cc	3%	11%
350cc to 500cc	5%	13%
500cc and above	8%	15%

Table: Compensation Cess Rates for Imported Bikes

GST and customs duties are calculated based on your bike’s CIF (Cost, Insurance & Freight) value – this includes the cost of the vehicle itself plus shipping and insurance costs to port of entry in India.

How import duties are calculated on a imported bikes:

High-End Bikes

Assumptions:
CIF Price (Cost + Insurance + Freight): Rs 30,00,000
So Assessable Value (Customs) is Rs 30,00,000

Import Duties and Taxes:

1. Basic Customs Duty: 100% of the assessable value (As it falls under the highest slab for CBU motorbike imports) = Rs 30,00,000 x 100% = Rs 30,00,000
2. Social Welfare Surcharge @ 10% of BCD = 10% x Rs 30,00,000 = Rs 3,00,000
3. IGST @ 28% (18% + 10% surcharge) of assessable value + BCD = 28% x (Rs 30,00,000 + Rs 30,00,000) = 28% of Rs 60,00,000 = Rs 16,80,000

Total Import Duties: BCD + SWS + IGST = Rs 30,00,000 + Rs 3,00,000 + Rs 16,80,000 = Rs 49,80,000

Effective Duty %: Total Duties (Rs 49,80,000) / CIF Price (Rs 30,00,000) x 100 = 166%

So the total import duties on the high-end bikes work out to be a very high 166% in India, as it falls in the top slab bracket for CBU motorcycles.

Low-End Bikes

Assumptions:
CIF Price (Cost + Insurance + Freight): Rs 1,50,000
So Assessable Value (Customs) is Rs 1,50,000

Import Duties and Taxes:

1. Basic Customs Duty: 10% (Lower slab applicable for lower engine capacity bikes)
   = Rs 1,50,000 x 10%
   = Rs 15,000
2. Social Welfare Surcharge @ 10% of BCD = 10% of Rs 15,000 = Rs 1,500
3. IGST @ 28% of assessable value + BCD = 28% x (Rs 1,50,000 + Rs 15,000) = Rs 47,100

Total Import Duties: = Rs 15,000 + Rs 1,500 + Rs 47,100 = Rs 63,600

Effective Duty %: = Total Duties/CIF Price x 100 = 42.4%

So for lower-end imported bikes with smaller engine capacities, import duties work out to around 40-50% in total versus over 160% for premium models.

You must accurately estimate all import costs in advance to avoid surprises and plan your finances. Customs authorities may also ask you to provide documentation proving how you arrived at the declared CIF valuation.

Step 3: Choose Your Shipping Method

There are two main options to ship your motorcycle to India:

1. Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) Shipping

This specialized cargo shipping allows you to roll your bike onto a vessel as-is in a container slot. Main benefits:

• Door-to-port convenience
• Lower risk of damage
• No need to drain fuel or disconnect battery

2. Container Shipping

Your bike is securely packed and crated in a shipping container before transport. Key things to note:

• Need to prepare bike for transit first
• Higher risk of damage if improperly packed
• Customs may require container examination

Choose wisely between these based on costs, delivery time and convenience. Additionally, examine all policies offered by shipping companies before signing any contracts.

Step 4: Compile Your Import Documentation

Submitting accurate paperwork to Indian customs is crucial for quick clearance. You must provide:

• Bill of Lading – Issued by your shipping carrier with details of your bike’s transit to India
• Certificate of Origin – Identifies where your bike was manufactured
• Commercial Invoice – Lists the price paid for the vehicle, freight, and insurance costs
• Import General Manifest (IGM) – Submitted by vessel operators listing all cargo on the ship
• Incoterms – Indicates who will pay for insurance and freight
• Standards Compliance – BS VI and AIS 149 conformity certificates

Double check all documents for errors before submitting to avoid return delays. Some additional declarations may also be required like RBI’s Customs Clearance Permit.

Step 5: Pass Customs Clearance

On arrival at Indian ports, your bike will undergo:

1. Customs verification – To check import paperwork and duties/taxes paid
2. Visual inspection – To validate vehicle condition against declarations
3. Clearance approval – Vehicle released if all above are satisfied

This entire process usually completes within 72 working hours if all import conditions are duly met. Use this time to also get your bike insured as per local regulations.

In some cases, opening of shipping containers or strips downs of the vehicle may be required if physical examination is requested by customs authorities.

Step 6: Register Your Imported Vehicle

The final step is mandatory registration of your bike with the RTO before it can operate on Indian roads. Key documentation needed:

• Import clearance papers from customs
• Proof of valid insurance
• Roadworthiness certification from an Indian RTO-authorized testing agency
• Clear photocopies of your passport, visa, and overseas driving license
• Postal proof of local Indian residence

Once all documents are verified, the RTO will issue your bike a special registration plate with the letters ‘IMP’ to indicate imported vehicle status along with a monthly road tax payment requirement.

And that completes the import process! You can now ride freely across India. Remember to always keep your registration and insurance paperwork on the bike during use per local laws.

Stay safe on the roads and happy riding! Let me know if you have any other questions.