Sending a parcel to India

Which items can't be sent to India?

India has strict import regulations, so certain items are prohibited or restricted. To avoid delays or confiscation, ensure your package does not contain the following:
 

Prohibited items to send to India in the post:

• Firearms, ammunition, explosives and fireworks
• Vape products
• Narcotics and opiates
• Human remains, including ashes
• Counterfeit currency and negotiable securities
• Printed materials, films, or photographs that could be deemed politically or culturally sensitive
• Syringes and medical devices such as stethoscopes
• Video game consoles operated by coins
• Refrigerators, digital cameras, wired phones, and television sets.

The above list is not exhaustive and additionally, certain food items may be restricted or require specific certifications. Wooden packaging, including crates, may also require special instructions.

Always check the latest Indian customs regulations before sending any goods. As well as checking Royal Mail guidelines, we recommend that you check the latest Indian customs regulations locally before sending any goods to ensure they are allowed.
 

Postage customs declarations and requirements for India

When sending gifts, good or items of value to India, you must include electronic customs data and a customs declaration form:

• For items up to £270, use customs form CN22.
• For items over £270, use customs form CN23 along with a clear plastic wallet (SP 126), available at any Post Office

If you use our Click & Drop service, we'll make this process as easy for you as possible as we generate all the customs form information for you. It's super simple - you provide us with the information as you move through the stages of buying this service online, and then when we provide your label or QR code, the customs documentation is automatically provided with it.

To help facilitate customs clearance, it is always recommended that you provide the recipient's contact details (email address and/or phone number) so that recipients are contactable if any information is missing or incorrect.

Contact details should be provided within the electronic customs data, or in the case of a CN23, on the physical declaration as well.

To ensure this information is protected do not write these contact details separately on the outside item.

Indian customs may charge import duties or taxes, which the recipient must pay before delivery.

Holding times for parcels that need to be collected will vary by location. If unpaid, the package will eventually be returned to the sender.

How to address mail and parcels to India

Mail and parcels to India can be addressed in English.

Always include the destination country name on the last line of the address in capital letters.

Addressing mail to urban areas in India:

• Name of addressee
• Profession, if any
• Number and/or name of the house and name of the street or road
• Post Box no, if any
• Name of the locality or mohall
• Name of the post town and PIN code
• Name of the district and state PIN code
• Country

An example of correct and complete Indian address is given below:

{Addressee name}

Engineer

Mandir Marg

Gole Market

New Delhi-110001

INDIA

Use the following top tips when sending mail to India

• The post town should be noted in block letters. It should also be underlined.
• The PIN code of the post town should be added below this.
• It is particularly important to note the district in cases where there is more than one
• If the name of the district is the same as that of the post town, the name of the state should be noted. Indications of route like 'via' should not be given.
• It's useful to note the sender's address in the lower left-hand corner on the address side, or failing that, on the back of the parcel.
• Where possible, include landline and mobile telephone numbers on the addressee.

For further information, please read the section on sending mail on the India Post website.
 

Packaging and size guidelines for sending parcels to India

To ensure seamless delivery, your parcel must meet Royal Mail's packaging guidelines:

Letters: Max weight 100g, dimensions 24cm x 16.5cm x 0.5cm

Large Letters: Max weight 750g, dimensions 35.3cm x 25cm x 2.5cm

Parcels: Max weight 2kg, total dimensions no greater than 90cm, with no single side longer than 60cm

Use strong, protective packaging to prevent damage in transit.
 

Keeping your parcel safe on its journey

Please make sure you package your parcel securely to avoid any issues.

Every letter, packet or parcel sent to India has to be stamped with the date stamps of at least two post offices and will experience friction in the mail bags during transit, so packaging it securely is a must.

Indian public holidays that may cause postal delays

Public holidays in India may impact delivery times. Key holidays include:

Republic Day: January 26th

Holi: March (varies by year)

Independence Day: August 15th

Diwali: October/November (varies by year)

Christmas Day: December 25th

During these periods, these are fewer staff on duty which may lead to potential delays in customs clearance and deliveries.
 

Final tips for sending a parcel to India

• Check India’s list of prohibited and restricted items to avoid customs issues
• Ensure you have completed the required customs data and affixed the customs declaration as required
• Ensure your package is properly labeled with the recipients phone number
• Choose the right Royal Mail service based on speed and cost
• Track your parcel if sending important or valuable items

Christmas posting using international services

As we approach the busiest time of year, international delivery services experience much higher volumes of parcels and letters. To help ensure your items arrive in time for Christmas, we strongly recommend posting as early as possible.

International delivery aims

You can find a list of our published delivery aims in our Country Guides.