India is one of the largest maritime countries in the world, with more than 7,500 kilometers of coastline. The country's freight capacity has grown by more than 600 metric tons over the past few years and is expected to continue to grow in the years to come.
If you've been thinking about shipping to India, now is a good time to start. Still, you might be a little confused about how to ship your products to India and make sure everything is handled the right way.
If this happens to you, keep reading.
1. Preparation is key
It doesn't matter where you plan to ship the goods. If you want to make sure everything is intact and without any unnecessary obstacles, you need to make sure to prepare beforehand.
When preparing to ship your goods to India, you need to take some special steps, including the following:
- Know where you're shipping your goods and make sure you have the correct details about your contacts at that location
- Correctly spell the consignee's name when filling out shipping documents, and ensure that the consignee's address, phone number, and other contact information are correct
- Make sure all your items are properly packaged
- Make sure everything is listed on your invoice before you ship the goods out
A little preparation and planning goes a long way, especially when you're shipping items overseas.
2. Customs clearance
One of the most important shipping documents you need to complete is the customs documents associated with your shipment. Incorrect or incomplete customs documentation is a recipe for disaster, no matter how big or small your shipment is.
If you work with a professional shipping company, they will likely provide you with all the paperwork you need. However, be sure to check beforehand that you have filled out everything accurately. This will save you a lot of trouble later.
3. Prohibited and restricted items
Another way to avoid unnecessary and expensive shipping and prevent your shipments from being held up at customs is to make sure you have a thorough understanding of what items are prohibited and restricted.
Each country has its own rules on what can and cannot be brought into the country, and you need to know these before shipping anything.
4. Food Transportation Rules
You can ship food to India. However, you must take special measures when packing and preparing these items, including the following:
- Food should be in original packaging
- Packaging must be sealed
- Labels must list all ingredients in the food
- The shelf life of the food should be at least six months (from the date of shipment)
5. Costly mistakes to avoid
If you make certain mistakes during shipping, your company could end up losing a lot of money. Here are some of the most common (and costly) mistakes people make when shipping to India:
- Spelling mistake
- Incorrect address or contact information
- Failure to complete necessary customs paperwork
- Do not work with professional shipping companies
You might think it's in your best interest to avoid spending extra money working with a shipping company. If you've never shipped your goods overseas or to places like India before, it pays to have a professional (or team of professionals) at your corner. Like TJ chinafreight, they will give you the help you need to make sure everything goes smoothly.
Start shipping to India now
Shipping to India may seem daunting at first. However, the benefits definitely outweigh the costs, and it's not as difficult as you might think.
