Importing a car from Dubai to India may seem complicated, but with some preparation and knowledge of the process, it can be a smooth endeavor. This guide will walk you through all the key steps involved in bringing your dream car from the UAE to Indian soil.
Whether you’re looking to import a luxury vehicle unavailable in India, or simply hoping to save some money, reading this blog post will equip you to navigate this process. We’ll discuss the paperwork required, customs procedures, shipping logistics, and tips to make it an easy ride.
So buckle up, and let’s hit the road to understand how to cruise through importing cars to India!
Step 1: Choose and Purchase Your Car in Dubai
The first step is using your time in Dubai to find the right wheels. Here are key things to consider:
- Vehicle options: Dubai has a vast auto market with brands and models you may not find in India. Visit dealerships and car shows to find one suiting your taste and budget.
- Rules for expat cars: Certain Dubai-registered vehicles can only be owned by expat residents. Ensure the car you pick can be imported under your name.
- Inspect thoroughly: Carefully check for accident history, mileage, performance, etc. This saves future headaches.
- Retain purchase documents: Keep invoices, ownership certificates, registration papers, insurance docs, etc. These will be needed later.
Spending time upfront to find the ideal set of wheels sets you up to smoothly drive it home to India!
Step 2: Arrange for Shipping Logistics from Dubai to India
Once you finalize the car purchase, it’s time to ready it for its voyage to India. This involves:
Paperwork for Export Clearance
- Cancel Dubai registration: Inform the dealer and cancel any UAE vehicle registration.
- Export code from customs: Apply for a vehicle export code from Dubai Customs. This confirms export approval.
- Certificate of origin: Obtain a certificate of origin from the dealer/manufacturer stating details like year, make, model, etc.
Finding the Right Shipping Method
- RORO shipping: Common method transporting cars in enclosed containers loaded onto vessels. Convenient but expensive.
- Shared containers: Cheaper option to load your car with other vehicles. But risk of damage is higher.
- Insurance: Ensure appropriate marine insurance coverage before shipping.
Prepping Your Vehicle
- Clean thoroughly: Ensure the car is sparkling clean inside-out before shipment to best spot any damages later.
- Check fluid levels: Top up essential fluids – coolant, brake fluid, wiper fluid – before the trip.
- Disconnect battery: Disconnect and tape battery terminals to prevent discharge during transit.
Carefully arranging the shipping logistics is vital to help your shiny car arrive safely on Indian shores!
Step 3: Handle Customs Clearance Formalities in India
The arriving vehicle will be held at the destination port until cleared by customs. Here are the procedures to smoothly finish customs clearance:
Key Import Paperwork
- Import declaration: Filed by port agent mentioning car details, arrival notice from shipping line, etc.
- Dubai export certificate: Certificate of origin and export code documents from Dubai.
- Bill of lading: Lading document issued by shipping agent.
- Invoice and valuations: Ensure purchase invoice matches declared customs value.
- Authority letters: Letters issued to port agent authorizing clearance formalities.
Pay Import Duty
- High duty: Import tax in India is very high – around 195% on foreign vehicles! Be prepared to pay this hefty price.
- Road tax: Additionally, pay road tax ranging 10-20% depending on car cost and type.
- Penalties: Incorrect declarations or codes will attract penalties. Carefully file right paperwork.
By correctly completing customs processes, you can soon hit Indian roads in your luxury Dubai-imported car!
Step 4: Register and Drive Your Imported Car in India
The final leg of the import journey involves:
Getting Registration Certificate and Plates
- Apply for NOC: Issue goes to RTO confirming import code, duty payments, and recommending registration.
- Assignment of registration number: Once road-worthiness certificate obtained, the RTO will allot a registration number. This enables…
- Applying for registration certificate and plates. Voila! The car can now proudly bear Indian number plates!
Insurance and Inspections
- Special insurance policy: Regular insurance policies may not cover imported vehicles. Get suitable coverage.
- Emission testing: Imported vehicles undergo emission testing before getting fitness certificate for Indian roads.
And that checks off everything! With that, put the pedal to the metal and drive off into the sunset in your prized foreign beauty!
Key Tips for a Smooth Import Experience
Here are some additional suggestions to help your import journey shift gears smoothly:
- Work with experts: Hire an experienced import agent and customs broker to handle procedures accurately.
- Confirm import codes: Double and triple check the 8-digit import code for your vehicle before shipment. Wrong codes lead to hiccups.
- Be thorough with paperwork: Carefully prepare and carry all original paperwork to avoid customs hassles or penalties.
- Inspect thoroughly: Check your vehicle thoroughly for damage on arrival before clearance procedures.
The more diligent you are, the fewer speed bumps you’ll face during the import drive. So stay focused on the journey, and your swanky Dubai-ride will cruise its way to your Indian garage!
