Moving to the USA from India? Here’s how shipping works
Moving abroad can feel like charting new territory—but understanding how shipping works takes the mystery out of it. If you're planning a move from India to the USA, here's a clear, friendly guide to what happens behind the scenes, step by step, so your personal belongings land safely with you.
1. First Steps: Packing Up in India
When your move is confirmed, a team visits your home in India to survey and schedule a pickup. Your belongings are carefully packed—furniture wrapped, dishes boxed, electronics secured—with everything labeled and inventoried. This step ensures accuracy when filing customs documents and helps prevent mix-ups later.
2. Getting Your Documents Ready & Indian Customs Clearance
Before anything leaves Indian soil, your shipment needs official paperwork: an inventory list, export declarations, visa or immigration proof, and proof of ownership for used items. If you're relocating a workspace or family pets, additional licenses or health certificates will be required.
Before your goods can leave India, they must pass through Indian customs, where export documents are checked and verified.
Do’s:
-
Declare all items honestly, even if they are personal or secondhand.
-
Get a professional packing list with item descriptions, values, and quantity.
-
Prepare necessary paperwork like passport copies, visa or immigration proof, purchase receipts (if applicable), and an inventory list.
-
Declare pets or commercial goods (e.g., office items) separately with relevant certificates.
Don’ts:
-
Don’t pack restricted items like ivory, endangered wood, or soil samples.
-
Don’t undervalue items to reduce duties—it’s a red flag.
-
Don’t leave the packing to untrained helpers; missing documents can hold up your move.
Pro Tip:
Export clearance is smoother when you're physically present in India or have signed authorization with a relocation expert.
3. Choosing the Right Shipping Mode
Sea Freight
Ideal for larger volumes, this is the cost-effective option for household goods. You’ll opt for a full container (FCL) or share space with others (LCL). Shipping times range from about 3 to 7 weeks depending on port activities.
Air Freight
Faster and best for urgent or fragile items, air freight typically delivers within 7 to 14 days—but costs are significantly higher by weight.
When you're shipping from India to USA, selecting your method wisely can save time, money, and risk.
4. The Journey & U.S. Customs Clearance
Transit
Your cargo travels by ship or flight. Sea containers dock at major U.S. ports like New York or Los Angeles, while air freight arrives at hubs such as JFK or Chicago O’Hare.
U.S. Customs
Once your shipment lands in the U.S., U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reviews all documentation and may inspect the contents. This step is thorough—and not knowing the rules can result in hefty fines or long delays.
Do’s:
-
Declare used items clearly, including electronics, clothing, books, and kitchenware.
-
Provide your full immigration status (visa, green card, student visa, etc.).
-
If shipping pets, provide USDA and CDC-compliant vaccination and health records.
Don’ts:
-
Don’t try to sneak in alcohol, tobacco, or luxury goods without declaring them.
-
Don’t ship anything resembling controlled substances, herbal medicines, or powders—these are closely scrutinized.
-
Don’t assume your pet can travel without paperwork—every animal must meet state-specific import laws.
If customs finds questionable items or incomplete data, delay or fines are possible. Declaring everything clearly helps your shipment clear quickly.
5. Final Delivery: Moving Into Your New Space
Once customs clears your shipment, U.S.-based delivery teams take over. Your household goods—or corporate inventory—will be unloaded, unpacked, and placed in your new home or office. You’ll be walked through each room to ensure everything arrives safely and accounted for.
6. What You Can’t Ship (or Should Declare)
Knowing this list avoids delays, legal trouble, or rejected shipments:
Prohibited Items
-
Explosives, ammunition, fireworks
-
Flammable liquids or aerosols
-
Perishable foods, live plants, or soil
-
Narcotics or banned substances
-
Pornographic materials, firearms
Restricted Items (with Required Documentation)
-
Used lithium batteries (phones, laptops, e-bikes)
-
Animal products, ivory, certain handicrafts
-
Cultural artifacts needing import permits
-
Medicines or supplements that require documentation
-
Wooden furniture (must be treated to international standards)
Missing or mislabeling items—even seemingly benign ones—can result in seizure. Always check before packing.
7. Specialized Services You Might Need During Your International Move
When you're shipping from India to USA, every move is unique. Whether you're an expat professional, a pet parent, or relocating an entire business team, your needs go beyond just packing boxes. Here's how:
Pet Relocation: Because Pets Are Family Too
Moving with your furry friend? Relocating pets to the USA from India involves more than booking an extra ticket. It includes:
-
Veterinary clearances, vaccinations, and microchipping
-
IATA-compliant travel crates and airline coordination
-
Import permits and quarantine rules (based on U.S. state regulations)
-
In-transit care and final delivery to your new address
A trusted mover like Pikkol helps handle everything—so your pet travels safely and stress-free.
Corporate Shifting: Office Moves Across Borders
If you're moving from India to USA for work—or coordinating a company transfer—corporate moves come with their own checklist:
-
Packing and safe transport of workstations, equipment, and IT servers
-
Documentation of commercial assets for U.S. customs
-
Insurance coverage for high-value electronics
-
Coordination with U.S. offices and flexible delivery scheduling
Pikkol supports companies with end-to-end corporate shifting services, making international transitions smooth for teams and executives alike.
8. Tips for a Smooth Move
-
Book 8–10 weeks in advance, especially before busy seasons.
-
Take photos of everything before packing—useful for insurance claims.
-
Label boxes clearly and maintain a digital inventory.
-
Never choose shipping based on price alone. Very cheap quotes often hide hidden fees.
-
Review your moving contract carefully—know what’s covered and what isn’t.
-
Use secure payment methods and keep all receipts.
-
Request real-time tracking or regular updates during transit.
-
Confirm your customs-exempt status for used household goods.
Final Thoughts:
Shipping your life across continents may seem daunting. But with careful planning, reliable documentation, and trust in the moving process, it becomes manageable. Whether you’re shifting to USA from India for personal, pet-related, or corporate reasons, understanding how shipping works—and the DO’s and DON’Ts—can make all the difference.
From secure packing to customs clearance, whether you're relocating your home, business, or even your pets, choosing a reliable international moving partner is crucial. At Pikkol, we simplify shifting to USA from India with:
-
Personalized service
-
Clear documentation support
-
Real-time tracking
-
Door-to-door delivery
-
Pet and corporate moving specialization
No matter the scale or complexity of your move, we make sure everything arrives on time and in perfect shape.
Let’s make your shifting to USA from India stress-free.
Get a Quote or Talk to a Move Expert.
FAQ’s:
What’s the fastest and most affordable shipping option from India to USA ?
-
Air freight delivers in ~7–14 days but at a high per‑kg cost.
-
Sea freight (FCL/LCL) is cheaper for bulky loads but takes ~25–45 days.
-
For small parcels, economy courier (India Post, Aramex) takes ~5–10 business days
Can I ship just a few boxes, or must I take a container?
Absolutely—you can ship a few boxes via economy courier, LCL sea freight, or air freight.
What items are usually delayed or flagged by U.S. Customs?
Customs often inspects:
-
Imported food, soil, or plant material
-
High-value electronics and luxury goods
-
Medications, supplements, and battery‑powered electronics
-
Wooden furniture without ISPM-15 pest treatment
How long does customs clearance in India and the U.S. take?
-
India export clearance usually completes in a day or two if paperwork is accurate.
-
U.S. import clearance may take from 1–5 days—longer if your items are flagged or documents are incomplete.
Can I ship my pet or my office equipment too?
Yes. Pet relocations require veterinary certificates, vaccinations, and safe crates (IATA standards). For corporate shifting, you'll need commercial documentation, insurance, and detailed packing lists for equipment.