For motorcycle enthusiasts and returning Indian residents, the desire to bring your bike back home is understandable. Whether it’s your Harley, Triumph, or a trusted commuter bike, riding a motorcycle you’re familiar with on Indian roads has its own appeal. However, shipping your motorcycle from the USA to India comes with its fair share of procedures, paperwork, and policies.
This blog will walk you through everything you need to know about importing your used motorcycle into India under the Transfer of Residence (T.R.) rules.
Understanding Transfer of Residence (T.R.) Rules
The Transfer of Residence (T.R.) facility is a provision made for Indian citizens returning from overseas after a minimum stay of two years. Under this rule, a used motorcycle can be brought into India with certain conditions and on payment of applicable customs duties. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the requirements and process.
Eligibility to Import a Motorcycle Under T.R.
To import a motorcycle under the T.R. clause, you must meet the following key conditions:
- One Motorcycle Per Person: You are permitted to import one used motorcycle per individual.
- Minimum Ownership: The motorcycle must have been in your possession for a minimum of one year before your return to India.
- Used Motorcycles Only: Only used motorcycles are allowed under T.R. New motorcycles are strictly prohibited.
- No-Sale Period: The imported motorcycle cannot be sold for a period of two years from the date of its customs clearance in India.
Applicable Custom Duty and Charges
The biggest cost involved in bringing your motorcycle to India is the custom duty. Here’s what you need to know:
- Customs Duty: A customs duty of 181% is charged on the depreciated value of the motorcycle.
- Valuation: The value of the vehicle is determined either by the Manufacturer’s Year Price List or through a Chartered Engineer’s valuation. Depreciation is calculated as per the customs-prescribed chart.
- Crating and Loading: The cost for crating and loading the motorcycle at warehouses in Dallas, NJ, or LA is approximately $1000 USD.
- Additional Crating Costs: Crating charges between USD 700–1000 (excluded from above costs) may also apply, depending on the size and type of motorcycle.
- Clearance Charges: There will be an additional clearance charge of approximately ₹55,000 INR on top of the standard household goods (HHG) clearance rates.
👉 Please Note: All rates mentioned here are approximate and subject to change at the time of booking.
This custom duty is non-negotiable and must be paid to obtain clearance for the motorcycle.
Documentation Required for Motorcycle Clearance
To ensure smooth and timely customs clearance, the following documents are mandatory:
Documents Provided by the Importer (You):
- Passport in Original
- Purchase Invoice
- Original Motorcycle (Foreign) Registration / Title
- Authority Letter – signed copy (format provided by the shipping company)
- AD Code Letter from Bank – signed copy (format provided by the shipping company)
⏱️ Time Frame for clearance: 8 to 10 working days.
Documents Provided by the Shipping Company:
- Bill of Lading (B/L) – confirms shipment details.
- Customs Declaration – prepared by the shipping company, signed by you.
- Formats for Affidavit, Authority Letter, and AD Code Letter.
Having these documents ready ahead of time will prevent unnecessary delays and extra charges at the port.
Important Considerations Before Shipping
Before deciding to ship your motorcycle from the USA to India, consider the following:
1. Cost Analysis
Importing a motorcycle is not a low-cost process. Between the high customs duty, clearance charges, shipping cost, crating, and insurance, expenses can run quite high. Compare the total import cost with the resale value of your motorcycle and its equivalent model in India.
2. Motorcycle Condition
Ensure your bike is in good working condition and complies with Indian road safety and environmental standards.
3. Insurance & Safety
Consider purchasing marine insurance to protect your bike during transit.
4. Timeline
The process of shipping, documentation, and clearance can take several weeks. Plan accordingly.
5. Port of Entry
Popular ports in India for motorcycle import include Mumbai, Chennai, and Delhi.
The Clearance Process: Step-by-Step
- Prepare the Motorcycle for Shipping (drain fuel, disconnect battery, crate securely).
- Submit Required Documents.
- Shipping and Tracking (Bill of Lading provided).
- Arrival in India & Customs Valuation.
- Depreciation Applied & Duty Calculation.
- Payment of Duty.
- Final Clearance.
Why You Might Choose to Ship Your Bike
Despite the costs and formalities, shipping your motorcycle can be worthwhile if:
- Your motorcycle has sentimental value or is a rare/high-end model.
- You’ve customized or modified it extensively.
- You plan to keep it long-term.
- You’re relocating permanently.
Conclusion
Shipping your motorcycle from the USA to India is a detailed process that requires proper planning, documentation, and awareness of customs regulations. Under the Transfer of Residence (T.R.) provision, bringing your used motorcycle is possible—provided it meets all eligibility conditions and you’re prepared for the associated costs.
Whether it’s your cherished cruiser, sports bike, or touring machine, transporting it safely and legally can be a rewarding decision if done right.
To ensure a smooth and stress-free shipment process, SFL Worldwide offers professional, door-to-door international shipping services. Our team is experienced in handling motorcycle imports, customs clearance, documentation, and all compliance requirements under T.R.
Disclaimer: The information on this website is provided for general purposes only. While we aim to keep the content accurate and reliable, we make no guarantees about its completeness or correctness. Any use of the information is at your own risk.
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SFL Worldwide is a top global logistics company delivering services in transportation, relocation, and freight forwarding. Since 2005, The company has handled domestic and international shipments. SFL helps its customers navigate through the complicated shipping regulations and documentation by providing professional advice. The company uses its network of 200+ partners to provide effective solutions to individuals and businesses. Its knowledge and experience give customers the assurance of safe, quick, and reliable global delivery, along with tracking available 24/7. Its ability to handle over 100,000 successful relocations worldwide is testimony to its reliability.
