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As the seventh-largest country in the world, India is a true jewel in South Asia's crown. In 2024 alone, the total trade in goods and services (exports plus imports) between the UK and India was £40.9 billion!
India’s largest exports to the UK were beverages and tobacco, metal ores and scrap, mechanical power generators, general industrial machinery, and non-ferrous metals. But with shipping to India from the UK, the top 5 imports included:
- Refined oil (£1.5 billion)
- Clothing (£850.1 million)
- Medicinal & pharmaceutical products (£656.9 million)
- Telecoms & sound equipment (£578.7 million)
- Mechanical power generators (£520.3 million)
Aside from its natural beauty, India is also a popular international business hub, with many British firms having offices, call centres, or support networks in the country. You may want to send a parcel to India from the UK for commercial or personal purposes, but first, it’s essential to know the cost. When you work with ParcelBroker, we’ll help you get the best deals with our trusted courier comparison service.
At ParcelBroker, we pride ourselves on providing trustworthy international shipping at affordable prices. We ship to over 220 countries, working with the best couriers to help our customers send parcels safely. Whether it's a personal package for a friend or family member, or a business managing multiple shipments – Find out how ParcelBroker can help you.
You may be looking to send supplies or equipment to your office in India. Or maybe you want to treat loved ones with some much-missed items from home. Whatever you're sending, ParcelBroker has got you covered. The cheapest way to ship a package to India is with our help! See how much you could save below:
| FedEx | UPS | DHL | DSV | Parcelforce | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5kg | £41.21 | £37.66 | £38.37 | £34.48 | £43.88 |
| 1kg | £45.70 | £42.39 | £43.85 | £39.08 | £48.83 |
| 5kg | £76.81 | £81.70 | £69.47 | £73.60 | £88.46 |
| 10kg | £109.55 | £126.54 | £115.41 | £118.11 | £133.40 |
| 15kg | £139.05 | £168.66 | £150.57 | £147.28 | £172.68 |
| 20kg | £168.56 | £209.00 | £185.75 | £176.02 | £211.95 |
| 25kg | £195.61 | £260.13 | £245.79 | £204.83 | £251.23 |
Prices as of December 2, 2025
Yes, to send a parcel to India from the UK, you must complete a customs declaration form listing the contents of the package and their value. Doing so means that Indian customs can calculate any applicable duties or taxes.
You cannot send a parcel to India with the following contents (as outlined by the India Post):
- Live trees and other plants; bulbs, roots, cut flowers and ornamental foliage
- Coffee, tea, maté and spices
- Preparations of meat, of fish or crustaceans, molluscs or other aquatic invertebrates
- Salt, sulphur, earths and stone, plastering materials, lime and cement
- Tanning or dyeing extracts; dyes, pigments and other colouring matter
However, this list is not exhaustive. If you want to send a package to India, it’s worth doing some research in preparation. Shippers should also be aware of restrictions on products like second-hand goods. There is also a ban on importing ivory.
For food shipping to India, it must be in its original packaging from the manufacturer and have a shelf life of more than six months from the date of shipment.
Write the person's name and street address as you would in Britain. Then add the town, city or locality in capital letters, followed by the numerical postal code, both on the same line. Add "INDIA" (in capital letters) on the final line. Here’s an example:
Mr Rohan Sharma
Flat No. 12B, Lotus Apartments
1234 MG Road
Bengaluru 560001
INDIA
The cost of shipping to India is based on several factors. Courier fees start low, but customs fees can add up. It depends on the type of product and the reason you are exporting it. If you are sending goods to India for resale, you may incur additional fees. Shipping to India with ParcelBroker starts at just £34.48.
At ParcelBroker, we pride ourselves on providing trustworthy international shipping at affordable prices. We ship to over 220 countries, working with the best couriers to help our customers send parcels safely. Whether it's a personal package for a friend or family member, or a business managing multiple shipments – Find out how ParcelBroker can help you.
Send a package to India, and you can expect various delivery times depending on your chosen service and courier:
- Express courier services: You can expect delivery within 3– 5 working days.
- Standard international services typically take 5–7 working days, although delays are possible due to customs checks.
- Economy services: Anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks.
Anyone intending to send a parcel to India will need to complete a customs declaration form and must submit electronic customs data:
- Use CN22 for items valued up to £270.
- Use CN23 for items over £270, which should be enclosed in a clear plastic wallet
These forms require detailed information about the contents, including descriptions, values, and the recipient's contact details (email and/or phone number).
The information should be included in the electronic customs data or, for CN23 forms, on the physical declaration.
With international shipping to India, there are several key dates to be aware of, especially if your package has a time-sensitive delivery date:
- Republic Day: Sunday, 26 January
- Holi: Friday, 14 March
- Mahavir Jayanti: Thursday, 10 April
- Independence Day: Friday, 15 August
- Diwali: Monday, 20 October
- Christmas Day: Thursday, 25 December
If you intend to send a parcel to India, we recommend strong, protective packaging. Make sure all openings are firmly closed to prevent contents from spilling or being tampered with.
It’s also important to avoid overpacking: keep within the maximum weight and size limits.