🛳️ How to Import a Foreign Car in India: Process, Tax, RTO Rules (2025 Guide)
Importing a foreign or luxury car in India is a dream for many automobile lovers. In this 2025 guide, we explain the legal process, required documents, customs duties, and RTO formalities involved in importing a foreign car to India.
🚗 Why Do People Import Cars to India?
- To own premium luxury cars not available in India.
- Desire for advanced EV models like Tesla, Lucid, etc.
- Better build quality, unique features, and international designs.
📦 Types of Vehicle Imports in India
There are 3 types of vehicle imports:
- CBU (Completely Built Unit): Fully built car shipped and imported.
- CKD (Completely Knocked Down): Car comes in parts and is assembled in India.
- SKD (Semi Knocked Down): Partially assembled cars imported and finished locally.
📋 Eligibility & Legal Requirements
- Only Indian citizens can import cars for personal use.
- Vehicle must be right-hand drive.
- Vehicle must comply with BS6 emission norms.
- Speedometer must display in km/h.
- Manufacturing year should be current or previous year only.
💸 Custom Duty and Taxes on Imported Cars
Importing a car attracts high taxes. Here’s the breakdown:
- Basic Customs Duty: 60% - 100%
- IGST (GST): 18%
- Compensation Cess: 15%
- Road Tax & Registration Charges: As per state norms
Total tax can range from 100% to 180% of car’s value.
📝 Documents Required for Importing Car
- Proforma invoice / Purchase invoice
- Bill of Lading / Shipping bill
- Insurance documents
- Passport and ID proof
- Customs clearance certificate
- Pollution Certificate (if applicable)
🛃 Customs Clearance Process
The process is handled at the port where the car arrives:
- Declare the car with all original documents.
- Submit Form 30/34 for import approval.
- Pay customs duties through bank or authorized channel.
- Get stamped clearance receipt from Customs Department.
🛺 RTO Registration Process After Import
After customs clearance, the vehicle needs RTO registration:
- Get Vehicle Fitness Certificate from RTO.
- Submit customs & pollution certificates.
- Fill Form 20 (Application for Registration).
- Pay Road Tax and registration fees.
- Get HSRP number plate issued.
⚠️ Important Things to Know Before Importing
- Imported cars are costly to maintain and repair.
- Spare parts may not be available easily.
- Service centers might not support foreign brands.
- Insurance premiums are much higher.
🔗 Internal Resources
📌 Final Words
Buying and importing a foreign car is a rewarding but costly and complex process. Make sure to follow all RTO, customs, and environmental compliance rules. If you're unsure, hire a reliable customs clearing agent to handle the process efficiently.
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