Most personal effects damage we see is not caused by handlers — it is caused by under-packed boxes. Indian Customs will also reject mixed, unmarked or vaguely labelled shipments. This is the checklist our customer team gives every first-time shipper.
Step 1: Pick the right boxes
- Use double-walled cardboard boxes rated for 30 kg+. Single-walled supermarket boxes will collapse.
- Aim for boxes between 20 kg and 25 kg each — easier to lift and stack.
- Avoid boxes larger than 60 × 60 × 60 cm. Anything bigger increases volumetric weight without adding capacity.
Step 2: Pack by category, not by room
Indian Customs wants a clean inventory. Group items by category — books in one box, kitchenware in another, clothes in another. Mixed boxes ("kitchen + clothes + electronics") trigger longer inspections.
Step 3: The inside packing
- Wrap fragile items in bubble wrap or thick newspaper — at least 2 layers.
- Fill all gaps with packing paper, towels or clothes. If you can hear movement when you shake the box, repack it.
- Place heavy items at the bottom, lighter items on top.
- For glass and ceramics: bubble wrap individually, then nest in a soft layer.
Step 4: Sealing and labelling
- Use 50 mm packing tape (not Sellotape). Tape every seam, top and bottom, in an H-pattern.
- Number each box on at least 3 sides ("Box 1 of 6", "Box 2 of 6"…).
- Add a clear "FRAGILE" mark in red where applicable.
- Include consignee name, full Indian address, mobile and Aadhaar/PAN on a printed label inside one of the boxes.
Step 5: Build the inventory
Every box needs a line on your packing list. The format we send to Indian Customs:
Box 1 — Clothes, 18 kg, declared value £80. Box 2 — Books, 22 kg, declared value £45. Box 3 — Kitchenware, 14 kg, declared value £60.
Declare honestly. Under-declaring leads to seizure and a re-assessment penalty.
Step 6: Photograph everything
Take photos of each box before sealing — open and closed. If anything is damaged or queried later, the photos are your insurance evidence.
Step 7: Pre-departure final check
- No lithium batteries, power banks, laptops, phones or tablets.
- No food, no dairy, no fresh produce.
- No aerosols, perfumes over 100 ml, paints, gas cylinders or matches.
- No firearms, no ammunition (including ceremonial).
- Inventory printed, signed and ready to hand to the driver at collection.