How to Ship TV to India

True story. When I moved back to India, I plugged my US Xbox straight into an Indian wall socket.

Puff. Smoke. Done.

That was an expensive lesson.

And it taught me to be more careful about bringing electronics to India. TVs, in particular, are one of the most asked-about items in our BacktoIndia WhatsApp groups.

“Should I ship my 65-inch Samsung?”

“Is it cheaper to buy a TV here or bring it from the US?”

“How much customs duty will I pay?”

“Can I just carry it on the flight?”

I’ve heard these questions hundreds of times. And the answers aren’t always straightforward.

Here’s everything you need to know about shipping your TV to India – the honest version.

Should You Even Ship Your TV? (The Math Most People Skip)

Before you start looking at shipping options, do the math first. Many NRIs assume their US TV is a great deal. And sometimes it is. But sometimes, it’s not.

When shipping your TV makes sense:

• You have a premium TV (OLED, QLED, 65 inches or larger) that costs significantly less in the US
• You’re already shipping a container of household goods (the marginal cost of adding a TV is low)
• You have a TV with features or models not easily available in India
• Your TV is practically new and selling it in the US would mean a huge loss

When buying new in India makes more sense:

• Your TV is under 55 inches (the price gap between US and India has narrowed significantly for smaller sizes)
• Your TV is more than 3-4 years old (technology has moved on, and you’ll lose on customs duty on depreciated value)
• You don’t have the original box (shipping without it is risky and insurance won’t cover damage)
• You’re shipping just the TV by itself (standalone shipping + customs can exceed the cost of a new Indian TV)

A quick example:

A 65-inch Samsung OLED TV that costs $1,200 in the US might sell for Rs 1,50,000+ in India.

Shipping cost (sea freight, door-to-door): $150-300 Customs duty (approximately 38.5% of assessed value): $200-450 Step-down transformer: Rs 2,000-4,000

Total cost of bringing it to India: roughly $1,550-1,950 (Rs 1.3-1.6 lakh)

Buying the same model new in India: Rs 1.5 lakh+

In this case, shipping makes sense – barely. But add in the risk of damage during transit, no warranty in India, and the hassle factor, and it becomes a closer call.

For smaller TVs (under 55 inches), the math almost never works out. Just sell it in the US (or give it away) and buy fresh in India.

If you’re debating what else to bring versus buy, our guide on things to buy before moving covers this decision for all types of items.

Understanding Customs Duty on TVs

This is the part that surprises most people. You can’t bring a TV to India duty-free, even if you’re permanently relocating.

TVs attract customs duty regardless of your situation – whether you’re visiting, returning permanently, or shipping under Transfer of Residence.

Current Customs Duty Structure (2026)

TVs fall under a special category that attracts a concessional duty of approximately 38.5% (combined basic customs duty + GST + other levies) under the Transfer of Residence rules.

Here’s how it works:

Scenario	Duty Rate	Notes
Transfer of Residence (used TV)	~38.5% on depreciated value	Depreciation allowed based on age
Regular import (new TV)	18% GST + 10-20% basic customs duty	Can go up to 30%+ for large smart TVs
Carried as checked baggage	Same duty applies	Must declare at customs

How Depreciation Works for Used TVs

If you qualify for Transfer of Residence (more on this below), customs will apply depreciation to determine the value of your used TV before calculating duty. This can save you a decent amount.

Depreciation rates:

• Year 1: 16%
• Year 2: 12%
• Year 3: 10% (approx)
• Year 4 onwards: declining further

So a TV that’s 3 years old might be assessed at roughly 62% of its original price (after ~38% total depreciation). The customs duty is then calculated on this lower value.

Example: A TV originally worth $1,000, now 3 years old:

• Depreciated value: $620
• Customs duty at 38.5%: approximately $240

That’s significantly less than the $385 you’d pay on a brand new TV of the same value.

How Customs Assesses Your TV’s Value

Here’s something important to know. Customs doesn’t always accept your purchase receipt at face value. They often assess the TV based on the current Indian market price of the same or similar model.

So if your TV model sells for Rs 80,000 in India, that might be what they use to calculate duty – not the $500 you paid for it in the US two years ago.

Community members have reported that customs duty assessment can vary depending on the port, the city, and frankly, the officer handling your case. Keep all receipts, invoices, and documentation handy regardless.

For more on how customs works for returning NRIs, check our guide on customs duty on gold – different item, but the Transfer of Residence process is similar.

Transfer of Residence: The Key to Lower Duty

If you’re permanently returning to India, Transfer of Residence (TR) is your best friend for shipping household goods, including TVs.

What is Transfer of Residence?

TR is a facility provided by Indian customs for people transferring their residence to India after living abroad. It allows you to:

• Import used personal and household articles duty-free up to Rs 5 lakh aggregate value
• Import specific items (including TVs) at a concessional rate of 38.5% duty
• Get depreciation benefits on used items

TR Eligibility

To qualify for Transfer of Residence:

• You must have stayed abroad for a minimum of 2 years immediately before your return
• Your total visits to India during those 2 years should not exceed 6 months
• You should not have claimed TR concessions in the past 3 years
• Only one unit of each item per family is allowed (so one TV, one washing machine, etc.)

The total combined value of all items under TR should not exceed Rs 5 lakh. But the TV, being a listed item, is assessed for duty separately at the concessional rate.

Important: A shortfall of up to 2 months in your stay abroad can be excused by customs authorities in special circumstances (terminal leave, vacation, etc.).

If you’re planning your move back and want to understand the full TR process, our return to India from USA checklist has a section on this.

The Four Ways to Ship a TV to India

Option 1: Checked Baggage on Your Flight

This is the simplest method and what many NRIs in our community actually do.

How it works: You pack the TV, check it in as oversized baggage at the airport, and collect it at your destination in India.

Pros:

• Arrives with you (no waiting weeks for delivery)
• No separate freight booking or customs broker needed
• You handle it through regular airport customs

Cons:

• Most airlines cap checked baggage at 55-inch TVs (some won’t accept TVs at all)
• Risk of damage is high if not packaged extremely well
• Overweight and oversized baggage fees can be steep ($100-300+)
• You still pay customs duty at the Indian airport

Tips from community members:

• Call your airline in advance and confirm they accept TVs as checked baggage
• Use the original box with original foam inserts – this is critical
• Add extra bubble wrap around the screen
• Mark the box “FRAGILE – THIS SIDE UP” on all sides
• Some airlines like Qatar Airways and Emirates are more accommodating with oversized items than US domestic carriers

One community member shared: “I carried 2 Samsung smart TVs (50-inch and 40-inch) via Qatar Airways as checked baggage. Paid around Rs 10,000 customs after negotiating for 2 hours. Plus bought a step-down converter for Rs 10,000. Felt worth it versus selling them for $100 each in the US.”

Option 2: Ship as Part of Household Goods (Sea Freight)

This is the smartest option if you’re doing a full household move anyway.

How it works: You include the TV in your household goods container being shipped by sea. The shipping company handles packaging, freight, customs clearance, and door-to-door delivery.

Pros:

• Most cost-effective when bundled with other household items
• Professional packing and crating by the shipping company
• Customs clearance handled under Transfer of Residence
• Insurance available (but only with original box in most cases)
• Can ship any size TV

Cons:

• Takes 60-120 days door-to-door by sea
• You won’t have the TV for 2-4 months after arriving in India
• Need to plan well in advance

Approximate costs (TV as part of a larger shipment):

• The marginal cost of adding a packaged TV to an existing container shipment is relatively small ($100-200 for the additional volume)
• Customs duty still applies (~38.5% on assessed value under TR)
• Insurance typically included in the shipment rate

Recommended shipping companies from the US to India:

• Universal Relocations (26+ years experience, specialize in electronics)
• SFL Worldwide (door-to-door, customs clearance included)
• Gandhi Shipping (competitive rates, door-to-door service)
• Writer Relocations (large corporate mover)

For a full guide on moving your household, check our shipping to India from USA article.

Option 3: Air Freight (Standalone)

If you want the TV in India quickly but can’t take it as checked baggage.

How it works: You book air freight through a cargo carrier or logistics company. The TV is shipped as air cargo and delivered to your address in India after customs clearance.

Pros:

• Fast – typically 4-10 business days
• Good for urgent needs
• Professional handling

Cons:

• Expensive – air freight charges based on actual weight or dimensional weight (whichever is higher)
• A 55-inch TV weighs about 50 lbs and has large dimensions, so expect $300-600+ in freight alone
• Customs duty on top of shipping costs
• Not all carriers accept TVs via air due to damage risk (SFL Worldwide, for example, doesn’t ship TVs by air for this reason)

Best for: People who need the TV quickly and don’t mind paying a premium.

Option 4: Sea Freight (Standalone)

Shipping the TV by itself via ocean freight.

How it works: The TV is packed, crated, and shipped in a shared container (LCL – Less than Container Load) or as part of a small shipment.

Pros:

• More affordable than air freight
• Professional crating available
• Insurance options
• Can ship any size

Cons:

• Takes 60-70 days (or more) door-to-door
• Standalone sea shipping for just a TV isn’t very cost-effective (LCL rates + customs clearance fees + duty add up)
• Need to plan months in advance

Best for: People shipping the TV along with a few other items but not a full household container.

Packing Your TV Properly

This is where most damage happens. A TV screen is incredibly fragile. One bump, one drop, one stack of heavy boxes on top, and you have a very expensive piece of broken glass.

If You Have the Original Box

Use it. The original manufacturer’s box with the original styrofoam inserts is designed specifically to protect your TV. Nothing else comes close.

• Place the TV in the styrofoam molds
• Add extra bubble wrap around the screen area
• Close the box and seal with strong packing tape
• Consider double-boxing (place the original box inside a larger box with padding between)
• Mark “FRAGILE” and “THIS SIDE UP” on all sides

Important: Most insurance companies require the original box for TV shipping claims. If you don’t have the original box and the TV gets damaged, your insurance claim may be denied.

If You Don’t Have the Original Box

This gets trickier. Many shipping companies will not provide insurance coverage without the original box.

Options:

• Universal Relocations offers a custom “Universal TV box” for approximately $100
• You can buy TV shipping boxes on Amazon US (search for your specific TV size)
• Some professional packing services will build a custom wooden crate for your TV

If packing yourself without the original box:

• Wrap the screen in multiple layers of anti-static bubble wrap
• Protect all corners with foam corner protectors
• Place the TV inside a snug-fitting double-walled corrugated box
• Fill all gaps with packing peanuts or crumpled paper
• The TV must be packed upright – never lay it flat
• Pack the stand, remote, cables, and power cord separately in labeled bags
• Label the box on all six sides: “FRAGILE – ELECTRONICS – KEEP UPRIGHT”

Will Your US TV Work in India?

Good news on this front. Most modern TVs (made after 2015-2016) are multi-voltage and support 100-240V input with 50/60Hz frequency.

Check the back of your TV or the power specifications on the manufacturer’s website. If it says:

• INPUT: 100-240V, 50/60Hz – You’re good. Just get a plug adapter for India (Type D) and you’re set. No transformer needed.
• INPUT: 120V, 60Hz – You’ll need a step-down transformer to convert India’s 220V to 110V.

Most Samsung, LG, Sony, TCL, and Hisense TVs sold in the US since 2016 are multi-voltage. But always verify your specific model before assuming.

What about the broadcast system?

India uses the PAL broadcast standard while the US uses NTSC. However, this only matters for old analog TVs. All modern smart TVs support both PAL and NTSC, plus they stream content via apps (Netflix, Disney+, YouTube) which is resolution-agnostic. This is a non-issue for any TV made in the last decade.

What about warranty?

Here’s the catch. Samsung, LG, and Sony do not honor US warranties in India. If your TV develops a problem after shipping, you’re on your own. This is worth considering – especially for expensive TVs where a repair could cost a significant amount.

Our guide on whether to take your electronics covers the warranty question for other devices too.

Step-by-Step: Shipping Your TV to India

Here’s the complete process, step by step.

Step 1: Decide If It’s Worth Shipping

Do the math as described above. Compare the US purchase price + shipping + customs duty + transformer cost against buying new in India. If the savings are significant (especially for 55-inch+ TVs), proceed.

Step 2: Check Voltage Compatibility

Look at the back of your TV for the power input specifications. Multi-voltage (100-240V) means you only need a plug adapter. Single voltage (120V) means you need a step-down transformer.

Step 3: Choose Your Shipping Method

Method	Best For	Timeline	Cost (approx)
Checked baggage	TVs up to 55 inches, immediate need	Same day	$100-300 (airline fees) + customs duty
Part of household shipment (sea)	Any size, already moving household goods	60-120 days	$100-200 marginal + customs duty
Air freight (standalone)	Urgent delivery, willing to pay premium	4-10 days	$300-600+ freight + customs duty
Sea freight (standalone)	Not in a hurry, cost-conscious	60-70 days	$150-300 freight + customs duty

Step 4: Package Securely

Use the original box if available. If not, get a professional packing service or a custom TV box. Never ship a TV without proper packaging.

Step 5: Arrange Shipping

If going through a shipping company:

• Get quotes from 2-3 providers
• Confirm insurance coverage and terms
• Provide accurate dimensions and weight
• Ask about customs clearance services

If carrying as checked baggage:

• Confirm airline policy for TVs
• Book oversized baggage in advance
• Arrive early at the airport

Step 6: Prepare Documents

For customs clearance in India, you’ll need:

• Original passport
• Purchase invoice or receipt for the TV
• Packing list with description and value
• If claiming TR: Proof of stay abroad (visa, work documents)
• If shipping separately: Airway bill or Bill of Lading
• Power of Attorney (if someone else is clearing customs on your behalf)

Step 7: Declare at Indian Customs

Whether arriving with the TV or shipping it separately, you must declare the TV to Indian customs.

If carrying as baggage:

• Declare on the ATITHI app or Form CBD-I (available on icegate.gov.in) at least 3 days before arrival
• Walk through the Red Channel at the airport
• Pay assessed duty

If shipping separately:

• Your shipping company or customs broker handles the clearance process
• You may need to provide documents remotely or visit the customs office (most companies handle this for you)
• Duty is paid before the TV is released for delivery

Step 8: Set Up in India

Once your TV arrives:

• Check for any transit damage immediately
• If multi-voltage, just plug in with an Indian plug adapter
• If 120V only, use a step-down transformer (we recommend AXVOLT or Maxine – check our transformer guide)
• Use a surge protector – Indian power can fluctuate

Common Questions

How much customs duty will I pay on a TV?

Approximately 38.5% of the assessed value under Transfer of Residence. For regular import, expect 18% GST plus 10-20% basic customs duty. Customs may assess value based on the Indian market price of your TV model, not just your purchase receipt.

Can I avoid customs duty on my TV?

No. TVs are specifically listed as duty-attracting items even under Transfer of Residence. There is no way to legally avoid customs duty on a TV brought to India.

Can I carry two TVs to India?

Under Transfer of Residence, only one unit of each item is allowed per family. You can technically bring more, but the second TV will be assessed at the full (non-concessional) duty rate and may face additional scrutiny.

What if my TV gets damaged during shipping?

If you have insurance and the TV was packed in the original box, file a claim with the insurance provider. Without the original box, most insurers won’t cover damage. Always document the TV’s condition with photos before shipping.

Do I need BIS certification to bring a TV to India?

For personal use under Transfer of Residence or as accompanied baggage, BIS certification is typically not required. It’s mainly a concern for commercial imports. However, regulations can change, so check current rules before shipping.

Can I ship a TV from the UK, UAE, or Canada to India?

Yes. The process is essentially the same – customs duty applies regardless of which country you’re shipping from. The UK, UAE, and Canada all have active NRI communities who ship electronics regularly.

Is it better to buy a 220V version of the TV from the US itself?

Some brands sell 220V (international) versions on Amazon US. If available for your desired model, this is smart – you avoid needing a step-down transformer entirely. The TV will work directly with Indian power.

How long does it take for a shipped TV to arrive in India?

Air freight: 4-10 business days. Sea freight: 60-120 days door-to-door. Checked baggage: same day as your flight.

What Our Community Says

I asked our WhatsApp group members about their TV shipping experiences. Here’s what came back:

“Shipped my 65-inch LG OLED as part of my household container. Professional crating by Universal Relocations. Arrived perfectly after 3 months. Paid about Rs 35,000 in customs duty. The TV works fine with just a plug adapter – it’s multi-voltage.”

“Carried a 50-inch Samsung as checked baggage on Emirates. Original box, extra bubble wrap. Airline charged $150 for oversize. Customs in Mumbai took 30 minutes, paid Rs 8,000 duty. Worth it – the same TV was Rs 45,000 in India.”

“I calculated everything – shipping, duty, transformer – and realized for my 43-inch TV, I’d save only Rs 3,000 versus buying new in India. Sold it on Facebook Marketplace in the US for $100 and bought a new one in India with warranty. No regrets.”

The common thread? For large, premium TVs, shipping makes sense. For smaller or older TVs, just buy new in India.

My Recommendation

Here’s what I’d do, based on helping thousands of NRIs through this:

If your TV is 55 inches or larger and less than 2 years old: Ship it. Preferably as part of your household goods container. Make sure it’s in the original box, insured, and professionally packed.

If your TV is 43-50 inches: Do the math carefully. Include shipping, customs duty (38.5%), and transformer cost (if needed). If you’re saving less than Rs 10,000 versus buying new in India – just buy new. You’ll get warranty and peace of mind.

If your TV is under 43 inches: Don’t bother shipping. Sell it in the US. TVs in this size range are competitively priced in India, and the hassle and risk of shipping isn’t worth the marginal savings.

If you don’t have the original box: Reconsider shipping entirely. The risk of damage without insurance coverage is too high. If you absolutely must ship it, invest in professional crating ($100+) and accept the risk.

For a complete picture of everything to plan before your move, our how to plan your move back to India guide covers all the logistics.

If you’re planning your move back, join our WhatsApp community at https://backtoindia.com/groups – 20,000+ NRIs helping each other with real, lived experience. It’s free and volunteer-run.

Disclaimer: Customs duty rates and regulations change periodically. The rates mentioned in this article are based on information available as of early 2026. Always verify current duty rates with Indian Customs or a licensed customs broker before making shipping decisions. This guide is informational and should not be construed as legal or customs advice.