Importing a new car to India — rules and requirements

Cars can be imported to India without a license, subject to the Government of India's guidelines. A "new" imported vehicle is one that has not been manufactured or assembled in India and has not previously been sold, leased, loaned, or registered for use in any country prior to import.

Technical specifications required for new vehicles

New imported vehicles must meet the following requirements:

• Speedometer calibrated in kilometres per hour
• Right-hand drive and controls (except two- and three-wheelers)
• Headlamp photometry suitable for "keep-left" traffic
• Imported directly from the country of manufacture

Compliance requirements

Imported vehicles must conform to the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and associated rules in force at the time of import. Importers must obtain a valid certificate of compliance under Rule 126 of the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989 from an authorised testing agency.

Approved ports of entry

New vehicle imports are permitted only through designated customs ports: Mumbai (Nhava Sheva), Kolkata, Chennai, ICD Tughlakabad, and Delhi Air Cargo.

Note for returning residents

The above conditions may not apply to individuals returning to India to settle permanently. Separate rules cover car imports by NRIs and customs duties on used vehicles — see our article on car imports for NRIs.