Q559. Suggestions for those

availing Transfer of Residency

concessions . . .

Question: Hello Mr Chand Hope your well. I am in the process of moving back to India after living in the UK for the last 18 years. I hold a British Passport and also have a OCI as well. Please can you tell me what I have to do once I land in India if I bring back (shipping) all my personal and some of my household things. As a OCI holder am I allowed to bring back (by shipping) my personal and household things? Do I have to inform the Customs people @ the airport that I have things coming by ship? Is there a time limit that I have to stay in India before I can travel abroad again if I ship things? (Just in case). Any help/advice you can give will be really appreciated. Many thanks in advance J Answer: If you are shipping your personal & household items, your shipper will help prepare the customs documentation required. Take a itemized list of what you are shipping. Suggestions: • On arrival in India, even if you are not carrying any dutiable goods, do not walk out through the Green Channel. Those utilizing Transfer of Residency, should walk out through the Red Channel. This is where you will find the Customs officers to speak to. • Yes! you should inform the Customs official at the airport of your intent to avail Transfer of Residency concessions and that you have a shipment coming. • A customs broker in India can help speed up clearance of your shipment when it arrives and will probably save you time and money. • After taking transfer of residency you can leave India anytime. The only catch is that you cannot claim Transfer of Residency again for at least three years. There used to be a requirement for those availing Transfer of Residency Customs concessions to stay in India for a minimum of one year after taking Transfer of Residency, However this has now been abolished. More Info on Transfer of Residence More information on Transfer of residence is available on this website in an article with the title: ‘TRANSFER OF RESIDENCE TO INDIA - CUSTOMS DUTIES IN INDIA’ to see the article click HERE Also check out answer to question number 554 titled ‘Where can NRI apply for Transfer of Residency’