Car Shipping Services from the UK to Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh

Vehicle Transport to Kakinada: The Logistics Route

Kakinada is a major industrial hub, but for personal vehicle imports, Indian Customs restricts entry to specific designated ports. Consequently, you cannot ship a car directly into Kakinada Deep Water Port for clearance.

Shipping International manages the compliant supply chain:

• Sea Leg (UK to Chennai): We ship your vehicle from Southampton or London Gateway to Chennai Port (INMAA). Chennai is the closest designated port for vehicle imports to Andhra Pradesh (approx. 600km from Kakinada).
• Customs Clearance: The vehicle undergoes the "Transfer of Residence" clearance process at Chennai Customs.
• Inland Leg (Chennai to Kakinada): Once cleared, we arrange a covered car carrier for the final delivery via National Highway 16 (NH16) directly to your door in Kakinada.

Service Options: RoRo vs. Container

We recommend specific shipping methods based on your vehicle type and budget.

Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) to Chennai

RoRo is the standard method for functioning vehicles.

• Route: Southampton to Chennai (via transhipment).
• Cost: Generally, the most economical option.
• Constraint: The vehicle must be completely empty. No personal effects are allowed inside.

Container Shipping (20ft & 40ft)

For high-value SUVs or relocation shipments, container shipping is often preferred.

• Security: The car is sealed in a steel container at our UK warehouse and not opened until it reaches the customs yard in Chennai.
• Personal Effects: You can load household goods inside the container alongside the vehicle. This is ideal if you are moving your home contents to Kakinada at the same time.

Import Regulations: Can You Ship Your Car?

India enforces strict restrictions on vehicle imports. You cannot simply ship a car to India for resale. Most individuals must qualify under the Transfer of Residence (ToR) scheme.

Key Restrictions (DGFT Rules)

• Right-Hand Drive (RHD): The vehicle must be Right-Hand Drive. Left-hand drive vehicles are strictly prohibited.
• Ownership Rule: To qualify for ToR, you must have owned and used the vehicle abroad (in the UK) for at least 1 year prior to your return to India.
• Age Limit: Generally, the car must not be older than three years from the date of manufacture, unless specific exemptions apply under ToR.
• Speedometer: Must display speed in Kilometres per Hour (km/h).

Customs Duty and Taxes

Be prepared for high taxation. Even under the Transfer of Residence, import duties are significant. The total tax incidence (Basic Customs Duty + Surcharges + IGST) often exceeds 160% of the vehicle's assessed value. Depreciation is allowed based on the car's age, but the landed cost in India remains high.

Documentation Requirements

To clear Indian Customs at Chennai, we require precise documentation before export:

• V5C Logbook: The original UK registration document proving ownership duration (min. 1 year).
• Original Purchase Invoice: Used by customs to assess the base value.
• Passport: Must show your entry/exit stamps proving residency in the UK for the required period (typically 2 years) and your final return to India for permanent settlement.
• Insurance Policy: Proof of insurance cover during the ownership period.

Why Choose Shipping International?

We understand the nuances of the UK-India trade lane.

• Designated Port Compliance: We route your cargo to Chennai to avoid rejection at non-designated ports such as Kakinada.
• Inland Haulage: Our partners in Chennai operate dedicated car carriers for the NH16 route, ensuring your vehicle arrives in Kakinada without adding mileage.
• Pre-Shipment Checks: We verify your documents against the latest DGFT public notices to ensure eligibility before you incur shipping costs.