Car Shipping from the UK to Delhi

Vehicle Transport to New Delhi: The Logistics Route

New Delhi is located over 1,400 kilometres from India’s primary sea ports. Consequently, shipping a car to the capital requires a seamless transition from ocean freight to inland haulage. We manage the entire process, ensuring your vehicle moves from the UK terminal to the final customs depot in the National Capital Region (NCR).

The Sea Leg: UK to West Coast India

We ship vehicles from Southampton or London Gateway to the major ports on India’s West Coast. The two primary entry points are:

• Nhava Sheva (Mumbai): The traditional gateway. Ideal if you plan to drive the car north or use a car-carrier truck.
• Mundra (Gujarat): A modern, efficient private port with excellent rail connectivity to Northern India.

The Inland Leg: Rail or Road to Delhi

Once the vessel arrives, the vehicle must move inland.

• Containerised Rail (ICD Tughlakabad): If you ship via container, we can route the box directly by rail to ICD Tughlakabad (TKD). Customs clearance happens in Delhi, closer to your final destination.
• Car Carrier (Road): If you ship via RoRo to Mumbai, the car must be cleared at the port and then loaded onto a transporter truck for the journey to Delhi.

Service Options: RoRo vs. Container

We offer two primary methods for shipping cars to India, selected based on the vehicle’s value and your final destination preference.

Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo)

RoRo is the standard method for functioning vehicles. Your car is driven onto a specialised vessel and secured below deck.

• Pros: Cost-effective for the sea leg.
• Cons: RoRo service ends at the coastal port (Mumbai/Mundra). You must clear customs there and arrange separate transport to Delhi. You cannot load personal items in the car.

Container Shipping (20ft & 40ft)

For high-value cars or "Transfer of Residence" moves, container shipping is superior. We load and secure the vehicle at our UK warehouse.

• Pros: The container can travel "In Bond" by rail directly to Delhi (ICD TKD or ICD Dadri). This avoids driving the car through multiple states.
• Personal Effects: You can load household goods inside the container alongside the vehicle.

View our sea freight services for container specifications.

Import Regulations: Can You Ship Your Car?

India enforces some of the world's strictest vehicle import laws. You cannot simply ship a used car to India for resale. Most imports must qualify under the Transfer of Residence (ToR) scheme.

Key Restrictions (DGFT Rules)

• Right-Hand Drive (RHD): The vehicle must be RHD. Left-hand drive vehicles are prohibited.
• Speedometer: Must display speed in Kilometres per Hour (km/h).
• Age Limit: Generally, cars must be new. Used cars are restricted unless imported by an individual relocating to India who has owned the car abroad for at least 1 year.
• Emission Standards: The vehicle must meet current Indian emission standards (Bharat Stage VI).

Customs Duty and Taxes

Be prepared for high costs. Indian import duties on vehicles are significant, often ranging from 125% to over 200% of the CIF value (Cost, Insurance, and Freight). Duties apply even to used cars imported under Transfer of Residence, though depreciation may be calculated.

Documentation Requirements

To clear Indian Customs, we require specific documentation before the ship sails:

• V5C Logbook: The original UK registration document proving ownership for at least one year (for ToR).
• Original Purchase Invoice: Used to assess the vehicle’s value for duty.
• Passport & Visa: Proof of residency in the UK and a valid entry to India.
• Testing Certificate: Proof that the vehicle meets Indian safety and emission standards (unless exempt under specific diplomatic or ToR clauses).

Why Choose Shipping International?

We understand the specific hurdles of the UK-India trade lane.

• ICD Connectivity: We can issue a Through Bill of Lading to New Delhi (Tughlakabad), simplifying the logistics chain.
• Pre-Shipment Checks: We verify your documents against the latest Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) notices to prevent cargo rejection.
• Insurance: Carrier liability is limited. We provide comprehensive marine insurance covering the sea voyage and the inland transit to Delhi.