How to Ship TV to India

So, you’ve got a high-end TV abroad that you love, and now you’re thinking of bringing it to India.

Whether it’s the clarity, features, or price you can’t pass up, shipping a TV to India can be a great choice for NRIs looking to enjoy the comforts of home.

While the process might seem complex with customs, import duties, and shipping logistics, it’s manageable with the right steps.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about shipping a TV to India—from choosing the right shipping method to handling customs and minimizing costs.

Electronic items are considered to be cheaper in the US than in India, which makes it a great idea to buy your electronics in the US and then ship to India.

Buying a TV set in America can be a good idea, given that you can get many popular brands at about 40% less than in India.

But after purchase, the common question is how to ship it back to India? There are a number of shipping options available, so let’s discuss them to decide which one is the most suitable for you.

If you have a large TV (like 55 inches and plus), it’s probably a good idea to take it to India, provided you can get a good shipping company that’ll take it safe and sound and not get you custom fees.

The real advantage is only price. For 55 inch TVs and beyond, there is a significant amount of price difference between Indian and US TVs. Also, in some cases, you can get a better technology TV from USA (it is debatable whether you can use it in India though).

Price difference of TVs USA v/s India

If the TV is a new one, is bigger than 55 inches, then you’d get a TV from USA, cheaper than in India (debatable).

But make sure that it’s a good idea considering the shipping and customs fees (which can go up to to 40% of the price of TV)

1. Check Airline Policies for Carrying a TV

If you’re planning to bring the TV as checked baggage on a flight, start by checking the airline’s policies on size, weight, and TV handling.

Most airlines allow you to carry a TV up to 55 inches as checked baggage, but anything larger may require special arrangements or a cargo booking.

Remember to package the TV securely to avoid damage during transit.

💡Tip: Call your airline in advance to confirm policies and fees for carrying a TV, especially if it’s larger than 55 inches. Share on X

Key Considerations:

• Size restrictions typically cap at 55 inches, but it varies by airline.
• TVs can be counted as checked baggage, which may incur additional fees.
• Use proper packaging and padding to prevent damage during the flight.

2. Calculate Import Duty and GST

When bringing a TV to India, customs duties and GST apply, which can significantly increase the overall cost.

Currently, TVs are subject to an import duty of approximately 38.5% of the assessed value (including GST and other fees).

Customs officials often assess the TV’s value based on similar models available in India, so be prepared for duties based on the local price rather than your purchase price.

💡Tip: Calculate potential import duties and GST beforehand to avoid surprises and budget accordingly. Share on X

Key Considerations:

• Import duty on TVs in India is approximately 38.5%, subject to change.
• Customs assess the TV based on local market value.
• Make sure you have receipts or invoices to verify the TV’s cost if needed.

3. Choose Your Shipping Method: Air vs. Sea Freight

When shipping a TV to India, you can choose between air freight and sea freight, each with its pros and cons.

Air freight is faster but more expensive, while sea freight is cost-effective for larger TVs and when time is not a major factor.

If you’re shipping through air freight, companies like FedEx, DHL, and UPS provide reliable services with insurance options.

For sea freight, consider a logistics provider with experience in shipping electronics.

💡Tip: Choose air freight if you need fast delivery or sea freight for cost-effective shipping with larger TVs. Share on X

Key Considerations:

• Air freight is fast but may be costly for large TVs.
• Sea freight is more affordable but may take several weeks.
• Ensure the logistics provider offers insurance to cover damage or loss.

4. Packaging Tips to Protect Your TV

To avoid damage, make sure to pack your TV securely for shipping.

Use original packaging if available, as it is designed to protect the TV during transit. If not, use a heavy-duty box, bubble wrap, foam inserts, and corner protectors.

Check with the shipping company for packaging guidelines, as many offer packaging services for a fee to ensure secure handling.

💡Tip: Invest in high-quality packaging or professional packaging services to keep your TV safe during transit. Share on X

Key Considerations:

• Use the original box or a heavy-duty alternative with protective materials.
• Bubble wrap, foam padding, and corner protectors are essential.
• Many shipping companies provide packaging services for extra security.

5. Dealing with Customs Clearance in India

Once your TV arrives in India, it will go through customs clearance where the duties and GST will be calculated.

You may need to provide documents like purchase invoices, a passport copy, and flight tickets (if shipped as accompanied baggage).

If you’re shipping it separately, many logistics companies can handle customs clearance for you, although this may come with additional fees.

💡Tip: Work with a customs broker or a logistics provider to simplify the customs clearance process, especially for larger shipments. Share on X

Key Considerations:

• Customs may ask for documents like invoices, passport, and proof of purchase.
• Choose a logistics provider with customs brokerage services if needed.
• Be prepared to pay duties on-site to complete the clearance.

6. Understand Power and Compatibility Requirements

Most TVs abroad use a different voltage (110V in the US, for example) compared to India’s 220V power supply.

Before shipping your TV, check its voltage compatibility, as using an incompatible TV could damage it.

If the TV is not dual voltage, you will need a step-down voltage converter to safely use it in India.

💡Tip: Buy a step-down voltage converter in advance if your TV is not compatible with 220V. Share on X

Key Considerations:

• Check if the TV is dual voltage or if it requires a converter.
• Buy a voltage converter that matches the wattage of your TV.
• Consider the region’s power frequency (50Hz in India) to avoid compatibility issues.

7. Consider Insurance Coverage for Your TV

Given the potential risks during transit, especially for delicate electronics, insurance coverage can be a wise choice.

Check with your shipping provider about insurance options that cover damages, loss, or theft.

For airlines, explore their liability coverage for checked baggage, and if using a logistics company, ensure they provide full-value coverage for high-value items like a TV.

💡Tip: Always opt for insurance when shipping high-value items like a TV to protect against potential damage or loss. Share on X

Key Considerations:

• Check the coverage limits offered by your shipping provider or airline.
• Ensure full-value coverage, especially if the TV is high-end.
• Retain proof of purchase and insurance documentation.

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Summary Checklist: How to Ship a TV to India

Step	Action
Check Airline Policies	Verify size/weight limits and fees for carrying a TV
Calculate Duties/GST	Estimate import costs for budgeting
Choose Shipping Method	Decide between air or sea freight based on needs
Secure Packaging	Use original or professional-grade packaging materials
Customs Clearance	Prepare documents and consider using a customs broker
Voltage Compatibility	Check voltage and buy a converter if needed
Insurance	Purchase full-value insurance coverage for peace of mind

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Options in India

The reality is that you can get pretty much any top brand TV in India for cheap.

Especially, if you follow trends and get one for one of those special sale online. I rarely have come across a situation where the technology was only available in USA and not India.

Also, keep in mind that most of the time, the same technology is called by different names in USA and India.

Agree that the same TV might be expensive in India, when compared to US prices, but always add customs duties and shipping charges, before you make a call.

Custom duties for imported TVs in India

When you bring a TV from USA to India, it automatically attracts customs duties and it can go anywhere from 10% to 40% of the actual price of TV.

Community members have reported that they have been charged customs duties at various levels depending upon which port they’re in, which city they are bringing it to and “the mood” of the officers.

Here are the best ways to ship a TV from USA to India.

Air Shipping

This is the easiest and quickest shipping method but it is also a more expensive shipping method than most others. Apart from this, there are a number of factors that you need to consider before choosing this method, such as:

Clearance from Customs Department

If you ship your TV under relocation category, the Indian customs department will consider the shipment as “unaccompanied baggage.”

This will make most shipping companies, such as UPS or FedEx, reject your shipment. If this happens, you will require the services of a broker who will charge an additional fee to clear it.

Time for Transit

Air shipping normally takes about 3 to 5 days for the shipment to reach its destination. But there might be some uncertainty at the customs, where clearance may delay the delivery.

Shipment Insurance

Since there is a high risk of damage or loss of the TV unless it is packed in a crate, getting insurance becomes necessary. Most shipping companies do not provide insurance if the owner or the manufacturer has packed the TV.

The solution to this problem is to get your TV packed by a professional.

However, this will add to the existing shipping charges, since there will be an increase in package weight. Also, the packaging service will cost you as well.

Check-in TV as Carry-on Luggage

This method can help save a lot of money that would otherwise be spent on transporting the TV as a separate shipment. Keep in mind a number of things before you add the TV to your baggage.

Every airline has different check-in restrictions so make sure to contact your airline to know about such details.

Most airlines will allow you to carry a TV of a maximum size of 32 inches. If your TV is larger, they may refuse to check it in or demand an additional fee for oversized baggage.

Shipping by Sea

If you are not in a hurry to send your TV to India and can wait for 2 to 3 months, then this method is the perfect match for you. Shipping through sea is the most cost effective and hassle-free way to send electronics, especially large ones, to India.

This is because the shipping charges are calculated on the basis of volume, rather than weight.

Sea shipments can be tracked properly, include insurance and include door to door shipping facility. Apart from this, there is also a facility to add packages apart from your TV, which makes it even more affordable.

Each shipping method caters to a different type of consumer requirement.

The most important criterion to be considered while choosing a shipping method should be safety of the item, since it is a fragile one. Once damaged, it is very difficult to repair and can cause a lot of disappointment to the buyer.

How much does it cost to ship TV from US to India?

This is an often repeated question and does not have one single answer. Let me try and explain.

Shipping cost of a TV depends on the following things.

• Dimensions of the box you’re wrapping your TV.
• The weight of the box.
• Location you’re shipping it from.
• Whether you’re shipping only TV or other stuff as well.
• Whether you’re opting for door to door shipping.
• Custom fees.
• Destination you are shipping it to.

So, let’s assume some of these and explain with an imaginary scenario.

Let’s say you are shipping your TV with the following details.

• 56″ x 8″ x 36″ (Something like this)
• Weight – 9 Pounds
• Location – San Jose
• Door to door shipping
• Destination – Hyderabad
• Time – 60 – 90 Days

For the above dimensions, the estimated price for shipping will be $395.
Customs duty will be $380 (38% assuming the TV is priced at $1000).

The shipping agency will pick up your TV from your house at San Jose and deliver it at your Hyderabad location.

There won’t be any insurance. If you want insurance, it will cost another $175 (includes wooden crate box).

Most shipping agencies have similar prices. They differ in the base price though ($395).

Some cases have been reported where the shipment has delayed beyond 90 days and they quote “unforeseen circumstances” and there’s nothing much you can about it.

Which are the best shipping agencies from USA to India?

Most companies we’ve seen in the community have received mixed reviews. However, Unirelo is popular among returnees. Earth relocation and SFL Worldwide are probably the second most favourite.

For a list of best shipping companies to USA, check out this link. (It is curated and voted by returnees, so it’s probably the most democratic one you can find.)

Conclusion

Shipping a TV to India is a worthwhile endeavor if you love the features or quality of your TV abroad. From calculating duties to securing the right packaging, careful planning can help you bring your TV home without hassle.

💡Tip: Make sure to confirm all costs, from duties to shipping fees, to ensure your TV shipment stays within your budget. Share on X

Have you shipped electronics to India before, or are you planning to bring a TV soon?

Share your experiences and tips in the comments to help others navigate the process of shipping valuable electronics to India!