🇺🇸Shipping from United States to India🇮🇳
Quick Answer
Cheapest option
Asendia
$20.16/kg
7-14 days
Fastest option
UPS
1-3 days
$49.21/kg
Duty-free under
$0
VAT / Sales Tax: 18%
↓ Scroll down for full carrier comparison
Data as of April 2026
Shipping Cost Examples
Phone / documents (0.5 kg)
$15.12
Asendia
7-14 d
Clothing 2kg
$29.23
Asendia
Box 5kg
$50.4
Asendia
Heavy 10kg
$84.66
Asendia
from $20.16/kgfrom 1 days19 carriersde minimis $0
kg
Billed at: 1 kg
Currency:
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Type:
19 results
Asendia~ EstimatedCheapest3.0 ★regional
Standard
Delivery Time
7–14 days
Estimated Price
$20.16
Tracking: Yes
Landmark Global~ Estimated3.0 ★regional
Standard
Delivery Time
5–12 days
Estimated Price
$22.28
Tracking: Yes
Pitney Bowes~ Estimated3.0 ★regional
Express
Delivery Time
3–7 days
Estimated Price
$23.88
Tracking: Yes
Pitney Bowes~ Estimated3.0 ★regional
Standard
Delivery Time
5–12 days
Estimated Price
$23.88
Tracking: Yes
Passport Shipping (Passport Global)~ EstimatedFastest3.0 ★regional
Express
Delivery Time
1–3 days
Estimated Price
$25.11
Tracking: Yes
Passport Shipping (Passport Global)~ Estimated3.0 ★regional
Economy
Delivery Time
5–10 days
Estimated Price
$25.11
Tracking: Yes
GlobalPost (by Auctane)✓ Verified3.0 ★regional
Standard
Delivery Time
6–10 days
Estimated Price
$26.78
Tracking: Yes
GlobalPost (by Auctane)✓ Verified3.0 ★regional
Economy
Delivery Time
10–20 days
Estimated Price
$26.78
Tracking: Yes
USPS✓ Verified3.5 ★postal
Priority Mail International
★ 1.3(5.4K)Delivery Time
6–10 days
Estimated Price
$26.88
Tracking: Yes
USPS✓ Verified3.5 ★postal
First-Class Mail International
★ 1.3(5.4K)Delivery Time
7–21 days
Estimated Price
$26.88
Tracking: No
Aramex Shop & Ship~ Estimated3.0 ★regional
Shop & Ship Express
Delivery Time
3–7 days
Estimated Price
$28.41
Tracking: Yes
Aramex Shop & Ship~ Estimated3.0 ★regional
Shop & Ship Standard
Delivery Time
7–14 days
Estimated Price
$28.41
Tracking: Yes
EMS✓ Verified4.0 ★postal
EMS Express
★ 2.5(340)Delivery Time
3–7 days
Estimated Price
$32.14
Tracking: Yes
FedEx✓ Verified4.5 ★international
International Priority
★ 1.3(11.8K)Delivery Time
1–3 days
Estimated Price
$44.3
Tracking: Yes
FedEx✓ Verified4.5 ★international
International Economy
★ 1.3(11.8K)Delivery Time
4–6 days
Estimated Price
$44.3
Tracking: Yes
DHL Express✓ Verified4.0 ★international
Express Worldwide
★ 1.4(30.2K)Delivery Time
2–5 days
Estimated Price
$45.21
Tracking: Yes
DHL Express✓ Verified4.0 ★international
Economy Select
★ 1.4(30.2K)Delivery Time
4–8 days
Estimated Price
$45.21
Tracking: Yes
UPS✓ Verified3.7 ★international
Express Saver
★ 1.3(14.5K)Delivery Time
1–3 days
Estimated Price
$49.21
Tracking: Yes
UPS✓ Verified3.7 ★international
Expedited
★ 1.3(14.5K)Delivery Time
3–5 days
Estimated Price
$49.21
Tracking: Yes
Rates are estimates based on published tariffs. Actual rates may vary depending on account type, surcharges, fuel adjustments, and package dimensions. Contact carriers directly for exact quotes.
Delivery Date Estimate
April 11, 2026
Estimated arrival
April 13, 2026 — May 11, 2026
Business days only (excludes weekends and holidays)
Rates aggregated from public carrier data, updated weekly. How we collect data
Import Duty Calculator
$
Shipping Insurance Comparison
$
Item value| Carrier | Included | Premium | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| DHL Express | Yes ($100) | 2.5% | Basic coverage included. Extended up to $50,000 |
| FedEx | Yes ($100) | 2.8% | Declared value coverage. Max $50,000 per package |
| UPS | Yes ($100) | 2.7% | Declared value. Max $50,000. High-value surcharge above $5,000 |
| EMS | Yes ($50) | — | Basic SDR-based compensation only. No premium option |
| USPS | Yes ($5) | 3% | Priority Mail Express includes $100. Extra insurance up to $5,000 |
| Royal Mail | Yes ($50) | 2.5% | Consequential loss cover. Max £2,500 for international |
| Aramex | No | 3% | Optional insurance. Covers damage and loss |
| SF Express | Yes ($30) | 2% | Basic coverage included for declared value |
| DPD | Yes ($520) | — | Standard liability €520. No premium insurance option |
| Japan Post | Yes ($200) | — | Registered mail includes coverage up to 200 SDR |
Track Your Shipment
After shipping, use your tracking number on the carrier's website:
Price Changes (30 days)
| Carrier | Previous | Current | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| AsendiaStandard | $20.76 | $20.16 | -2.9% |
| Landmark GlobalStandard | $23.39 | $22.28 | -4.7% |
| Pitney BowesExpress | $25.55 | $23.88 | -6.5% |
| Pitney BowesStandard | $25.55 | $23.88 | -6.5% |
| Passport Shipping (Passport Global)Express | $23.6 | $25.11 | +6.4% |
| Passport Shipping (Passport Global)Economy | $23.6 | $25.11 | +6.4% |
| GlobalPost (by Auctane)Standard | $25.17 | $26.78 | +6.4% |
| GlobalPost (by Auctane)Economy | $25.17 | $26.78 | +6.4% |
Compared to rates from 30 days ago
Import Duty Rates: India
Indicative rates for common product categories
| Category | HS Code | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | HS 85 | 10-20% |
| Clothing | HS 61-62 | 20-30% |
| Footwear | HS 64 | 20-35% |
| Food products | HS 01-24 | 5-100% |
| Machinery | HS 84 | 0-10% |
| Cosmetics | HS 33 | 10-20% |
| Books | HS 49 | 0% |
| Toys | HS 95 | 20-60% |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on HS code. Use the calculator below for your specific item.
Customs Clearance
CBIC (Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs) manages customs. ICEGATE is the e-filing portal. Bill of Entry required for all commercial imports. Personal imports via India Post handled at Foreign Post Offices.
Processing time3-14 days
De minimisDe minimis threshold for IN: $60. Shipments valued below this amount are exempt from import duties.
What to actually expect
Full customs guide for India →Bureaucratic but improving. ICEGATE system for e-filing. Informal payments sometimes reported at smaller ports. Duties are among the highest globally, especially on electronics and consumer goods. Customs can hold postal parcels for weeks at Foreign Post Offices in Delhi and Mumbai.
Required Documents
✓For export from US: Commercial invoice
✓packing list
✓bill of lading/airway bill
✓Shipper's Export Declaration (for goods over $2
✓500)
✓EEI filing via AES for controlled items
✓For import into IN: Commercial invoice
✓packing list
✓bill of lading
✓certificate of origin
✓import license (IEC number required)
✓BIS certification for electronics
✓FSSAI certification for food
Where to obtain documents
Certificate of origin: FIEO (Federation of Indian Export Organisations) and local chambers issue certificates. Preferential certificates under SAFTA, India-ASEAN FTA, India-Korea CEPA, India-Japan CEPA. Import licenses: IEC (Importer Exporter Code) mandatory for all commercial imports. Import licenses for restricted items under ITC (HS) classification. BIS certification required for electronics, toys, and many consumer goods.
Trade: United States & India
$120B+ annual trade. Key goods: gems, pharmaceuticals, IT services, machinery, textiles. India is a major emerging trading partner for the US.
Key imports into IN: Petroleum, gold, electronics, machinery, palm oil, diamonds, fertilizers, chemicals. Key exports from US: Electronics, machinery, aircraft, vehicles, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, petroleum products, agricultural goods (soybeans, corn). India charges GST of 5-28% depending on the product category. The de minimis threshold is INR 5,000 for gifts between individuals. India Post handles last-mile delivery for most postal shipments. Customs clearance can take 5-10 days. BIS certification is required for many electronics imports.
Shipper Experience
Based on user reports, shipping from US to IN typically takes 10-21 days via postal services. Express carriers (DHL, FedEx) deliver in 5-8 days. Customs clearance may add 2-5 days. Recommend using express for valuable shipments and preparing all documents in advance.
Prohibited & Restricted Items
⚠Prohibited for export from US: Firearms without export license
⚠narcotics
⚠Cuban-origin goods
⚠certain agricultural products
⚠counterfeit goods
⚠hazardous materials
⚠obscene materials
⚠Prohibited for import into IN: Narcotics
⚠firearms
⚠counterfeit currency
⚠pornographic materials
⚠maps depicting incorrect Indian borders
⚠certain animal products
⚠ivory
Special Items Guide
| Category | Restrictions |
|---|---|
| Lithium batteries | Only installed in device. Standalone prohibited by air carriers. |
| Alcohol | Restricted or prohibited. Import license typically required. |
| Food | Phytosanitary certificate may be required. Perishables: express only. |
| Medications | Up to 3-month supply with prescription. Commercial import needs license. |
| Art & antiques | Export permit may be needed. Insurance strongly recommended. |
| Electronics | Check voltage. Some countries require CE/FCC certification. |
Trade Agreements
US and IN are both members of the following trade agreements: WTO. These agreements may provide reduced or zero customs duties on qualifying goods. Be sure to obtain a certificate of origin to take advantage of preferential tariff rates.
VAT / GST
VAT/GST rate: 18% GST. Applies to: Assessable value (CIF + duty + social welfare surcharge). GST rates vary: 5%, 12%, 18%, 28% depending on product category. IGST applies to imports.
Shipping from United States to India: Overview
We found 19 shipping options from United States to India. The cheapest option is Asendia (Standard) starting from $20.16 for 1 kg. The fastest delivery is Passport Shipping (Passport Global) in 1–3 days. Express carriers (DHL, FedEx, UPS) offer fast delivery with tracking, while postal services provide more affordable rates.
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Import rules for India
Duty-free threshold
Duty applies from $0
VAT / Sales Tax
18%
Average duty rate
10%
Note: GST applies; high duty on electronics
Customs rates are approximate and may vary by product category. Check with local customs for exact rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to ship from United States to India?
The most affordable option for shipping from United States to India is typically Asendia (Standard), starting from approximately $20.16 for a 1 kg package. Postal services generally offer the lowest rates, while express couriers are faster but more expensive.
How long does shipping from United States to India take?
Delivery times from United States to India range from 1 to 21 days depending on the service. Express services (DHL, FedEx, UPS) typically deliver in {min_days}-3 days, while economy options may take 10-{max_days} days.
Can I track my package from United States to India?
Yes, most carriers offer package tracking for shipments from United States to India. Express services provide real-time tracking updates, while economy postal services may have limited tracking.
Will I need to pay customs duties when shipping to India?
Import duties and taxes may apply when shipping to India. The duty-free threshold is $0. Above this value, you may need to pay VAT (18%) and import duties (average 10%). Check with local customs for exact rates.
What items are prohibited when shipping to IN?
Items prohibited for import into IN include: Narcotics, firearms, counterfeit currency, pornographic materials, maps depicting incorrect Indian borders, certain animal products, ivory. Always check the latest regulations before shipping.
What documents are needed to ship from US to IN?
To ship from US to IN you will typically need: Commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin, import license (IEC number required), BIS certification for electronics, FSSAI certification for food. Specific requirements depend on the type of goods and shipment value.
Are there trade agreements between US and IN?
Yes, US and IN share the following trade agreements: WTO. These can reduce or eliminate customs duties on qualifying goods when a proper certificate of origin is provided.
How does customs clearance work when shipping to IN?
India charges GST of 5-28% depending on the product category. The de minimis threshold is INR 5,000 for gifts between individuals. India Post handles last-mile delivery for most postal shipments. Customs clearance can take 5-10 days. BIS certification is required for many electronics imports. Customs clearance is typically faster when documentation is complete and accurate. Use courier services for expedited clearance.
What is the de minimis threshold for IN?
The de minimis threshold for IN is $60. Shipments valued below this amount are exempt from import duties, though VAT/GST may still apply.
What is the VAT/GST rate for imports into IN?
VAT/GST rate: 18% GST. Assessable value (CIF + duty + social welfare surcharge). GST rates vary: 5%, 12%, 18%, 28% depending on product category. IGST applies to imports.
How does RateShips compare shipping rates?
We collect published rate data from 134+ carriers weekly and display them side by side so you can find the cheapest and fastest option for your specific route.
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