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Shipping from India to USA: Process, Costs, Documents, and Charges
Shipping from India to USA with clear charges costs and process including international shipping cost from India and logistics partner options
June 30, 2026 | 12 min read
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Shipping from India to the US is becoming more and more accessible for Indian exporters and e-commerce sellers. The U.S. remains one of India’s most important trade corridors, with its imports from India totaling $103.8 billion in 2025. This shows strong demand for Indian goods in the American market.¹
If you're planning to ship from India to the US, you'll need a clear picture of how the process works end-to-end. India to US shipping charges, the documents you need, transit timelines, and the goods you can and cannot export are all factors that affect your costs and timelines.
If you're planning to ship from India to the US, you'll need a clear picture of how the process works end-to-end. India to US shipping charges, the documents you need, transit timelines, and the goods you can and cannot export are all factors that affect your costs and timelines.
Key stakeholders when shipping from India to the US
Shipping from India to the US involves four key parties, each responsible for a specific stage of the shipment journey.
Shippers
A business or an individual who intends to supply or send goods to the US from India.
Consignees
A business or an individual who receives the shipment in the US.
7 stages of shipping from India to US
Shipping from India to the US follows a clear sequence of steps, from choosing a shipping method to completing customs clearance and final delivery. Here's what happens at each stage:
Step 1: Research and select a shipping method
The right shipping method depends on your product type, budget, and delivery timeline.
Air freight from India to the US typically takes 5-8 days and is suitable for high-value, time-sensitive shipments. Ocean freight takes longer, usually 20-40 days, but is generally more cost-effective for larger shipments.
Major ocean routes run from Mumbai and Chennai to ports like Los Angeles, New York, and Savannah.3
Freight rates vary based on shipment size, route, season, and carrier capacity. Before booking, compare quotes from multiple freight forwarders to find the best balance of cost and transit time.
Air freight from India to the US typically takes 5-8 days and is suitable for high-value, time-sensitive shipments. Ocean freight takes longer, usually 20-40 days, but is generally more cost-effective for larger shipments.
Major ocean routes run from Mumbai and Chennai to ports like Los Angeles, New York, and Savannah.3
Freight rates vary based on shipment size, route, season, and carrier capacity. Before booking, compare quotes from multiple freight forwarders to find the best balance of cost and transit time.
Step 2: Prepare export documents and complete customs clearance
Before your goods leave India, you must complete export customs formalities. This typically involves filing a shipping bill through ICEGATE and submitting supporting documents such as the commercial invoice, packing list, and Importer Exporter Code (IEC). Once customs issues the “Let Export” Order (LEO), your goods are cleared to move to the port.4
Working with a customs house agent (CHA) or freight forwarder can help ensure documents are filed correctly and avoid unnecessary delays.
Working with a customs house agent (CHA) or freight forwarder can help ensure documents are filed correctly and avoid unnecessary delays.
Step 3: Hand over your shipment to the carrier
After customs clearance, your goods are transported to the port or airport for processing. At this stage, the shipment is inspected, weighed, and prepared for loading. The carrier or freight forwarder also issues the bill of lading for ocean freight or the airway bill for air freight, which serves as proof of shipment and transportation contract.
Step 4: Transit from India to the US
This is the main transportation stage, where your goods travel from India to the United States. Air shipments generally arrive within 5-8 days, while ocean shipments may take 20-40 days, depending on the route, carrier schedule, and destination port. Transit times can also be affected by weather conditions, port congestion, and peak shipping seasons.
Step 5: Complete import customs clearance in the US
Before or upon arrival in the US, your shipment must be cleared by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP).5 The importer or customs broker submits the required documents, including the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, and Importer Security Filing (ISF). Duties and taxes are assessed at this stage based on the shipment's HS code, declared value, and product category.
Step 6: Process the shipment at the destination
Once customs clearance is complete, the shipment is unloaded at the destination port or airport and transferred to a warehouse or container freight station (CFS).
Step 7: Arrange final delivery
The final step is transporting the shipment from the US port, airport, or warehouse to the consignee's address, fulfillment center, or third-party warehouse. For ocean freight shipments, this may involve drayage trucking and inland transportation. Prompt pickup is important, as delays can lead to additional charges such as demurrage, detention, or storage fees.
Did you know?
Amazon SEND is an end-to-end cross-border shipping solution for FBA sellers. It lets you book, pay for, and track shipments from India, arrange pickup through Amazon-partnered carriers, and deliver inventory directly to Amazon fulfillment centers in the US using Amazon-negotiated freight rates. Learn more here.
India to US shipping charges
India to US shipping charges depend on the mode of transport, cargo weight and volume, origin port, and current freight market rates.
Here's a general breakdown of the international shipping process to help you understand shipping costs from India to the US. Note that actual rates vary by carrier, season, and shipment type. Use these as planning estimates only.
Shipping Mode
Shipment Type
Estimated Transit Time
Air freight (standard)
Per kg, 150–500 kg
5–8 days
Air freight (express courier)
Per kg, up to 150 kg
3–5 days
Ocean freight (FCL 20ft)
Full container
25–40 days
Ocean freight (FCL 40ft)
Full container
25–40 days6
A few things to keep in mind:
● Rates above are estimates and exclude customs duties, port handling charges, and insurance.
● Dimensional weight, or volumetric weight, applies to air shipments. Carriers charge based on whichever is higher, actual weight or dimensional weight.
● Dimensional weight is calculated as: (Length × Width × Height in cm) ÷ 5,000. This divisor of 5,000 here is used by international carriers, like DHL.7 Some air freight providers also use 6,000, so you have to confirm the number from your carrier.8
● For shipments above 500 kg, ocean freight is generally more cost-effective than air freight.9
● Peak seasons (October to December) can add to standard freight rates.
For a more precise estimate, use the how to calculate shipping cost tool.
Prohibited and restricted items when shipping from India to US
Before you book a shipment, check whether your products are allowed into the US. US Customs and Border Protection maintains a detailed list of prohibited and restricted goods. Some items require permits or licenses; others cannot be imported at all.
Item Category
Status
Narcotics and controlled substances
Prohibited
Counterfeit goods
Prohibited
Obscene materials
Prohibited
Firearms and ammunition
Restricted and requires ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives) permits/licenses
Cultural artifacts and heritage property
Restricted requires a permit
Ivory and ivory products
Restricted and subject to wildlife regulations
Alcoholic beverages
Restricted and subject to federal and state laws
Soil
Prohibited unless a valid permit
Knives and bladed weapons
Restricted based on type and intended use
Photographic film
Should not contain any restricted or obscene material
Gold coins, medals, and bullion
Not generally prohibited, but based on regulations by the Office of Foreign Assets Control, items from Cuba, Iran, Myanmar, and most of Sudan are prohibited.
Automobiles
Restricted and must meet US safety and emissions standards10
Disclaimer: This list is for general reference only. Regulations change frequently, and specific product rules may vary. Always verify with US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at cbp.gov and consult a licensed customs broker before shipping. For a deeper dive into the full export logistics process, including compliance and documentation steps, refer to Amazon's export logistics guide.
Export and ship from India to the US with Amazon Global Selling
If you're an Indian exporter looking to reach US customers through Amazon, you don't have to manage freight, customs, and fulfillment on your own. Amazon Global Selling offers two integrated solutions that work together:
Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA)
With Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA), you send inventory to Amazon fulfillment centers in the US, and Amazon manages the fulfillment process on your behalf. With FBA, Amazon handles:
● Inventory storage
● Order picking and packing
● Shipping orders to customers
● Customer service and returns
FBA sellers can also use Amazon SEND to move inventory from India directly to Amazon fulfillment centers in the US.
● Inventory storage
● Order picking and packing
● Shipping orders to customers
● Customer service and returns
FBA sellers can also use Amazon SEND to move inventory from India directly to Amazon fulfillment centers in the US.
Merchant Fulfilled Network (MFN)
With Merchant Fulfilled Network (MFN), you store inventory and manage order fulfillment independently, either from your own facilities or through a third-party logistics provider.
Once you've registered for Amazon Global Selling and listed your products, you can choose between FBA and MFN based on your business needs.
Once you've registered for Amazon Global Selling and listed your products, you can choose between FBA and MFN based on your business needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What documents do I need to register on Amazon Global Selling?
To register with Amazon Global Selling, you need a valid ID proof, a business license, business or individual address proof, and a credit card or debit card with international transactions enabled. You will also need your UPC (universal product code), bank account details, and a document showing your point-of-contact’s relation with the business.
What kind of goods are exported from India to the US?
Some of the goods exported from India to the US are:
● Textile and apparel
● Consumables and food products
● Spices ● Beauty and cosmetic products
● Toys, games and sports requisites
● Knitted or crocheted fabric
● Cotton ● Dairy products, eggs, honey, edible products
● Personal care like soaps, lubricants
● Printed books and pictures
● Textile and apparel
● Consumables and food products
● Spices ● Beauty and cosmetic products
● Toys, games and sports requisites
● Knitted or crocheted fabric
● Cotton ● Dairy products, eggs, honey, edible products
● Personal care like soaps, lubricants
● Printed books and pictures
How much does it cost to ship from India to the US?
Shipping cost from India to the US depends on the mode of transport and shipment size. Air freight typically ranges from ₹280 to ₹450 per kg, while ocean freight for a 20-foot container costs approximately ₹2.2L to ₹3.4L. These are estimates and exclude duties and handling charges.
What are the India to US shipping charges for air freight vs sea freight?
Air freight from India to the US costs roughly ₹300 to ₹550 per kg for standard shipments and ₹450 to ₹750 per kg for express courier. Ocean freight is more cost-effective for heavier cargo. These are estimates and actual costs will vary based on your product and chosen carrier.
How long does shipping from India to the US take?
Shipping from India to the US takes 5-8 days by air and 20-40 days by sea, depending on the carrier and the origin and destination ports.
What documents are required to ship from India to the US?
You'll need an Importer Exporter Code (IEC), commercial invoice, packing list, shipping bill, bill of lading or airway bill, and a certificate of origin. Some products require additional certificates, such as a phytosanitary certificate for agricultural goods or an FSSAI license for food items.
What items are prohibited when shipping from India to the US?
Narcotics, counterfeit goods, and obscene materials are prohibited entirely. Items like alcohol, tobacco, plants, and cultural artifacts are restricted and require permits or licenses. Always verify your product category with US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) before shipping.
Can I ship by sea from India to the US for e-commerce orders?
Yes, sea freight is a cost-effective option for shipping inventory from India to the US. Because transit times typically range from 20–40 days, plan inventory replenishment in advance to maintain healthy stock levels and avoid stockouts at Amazon fulfillment centers.
Can Amazon Global Selling ship to the US?
Yes. Through Amazon SEND, you can ship your inventory directly from India to Amazon fulfillment centers in the US. A partnered carrier will handle pickup, customs clearance, and inbound, while FBA handles storage and customer fulfillment once your goods arrive.
Published on February 23, 2023.
Updated on June 30, 2026.
Sources:
1. https://ustr.gov/countries-regions/south-central-asia/india
2. https://shipglobal.in/blogs/shipping-from-india-to-usa-7-key-stages/
3. https://ship4wd.com/import-guides/shipping-from-india-to-usa
4. https://dov.gov.in/clearance-procedure
5. https://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/documents/Importing%20into%20the%20U.S.pdf
6. https://ship4wd.com/import-guides/shipping-from-india-to-usa
7. https://dhlexpress.ee/en/terms-and-conditions-2/volumetric-weight-calculator/
8. https://www.freightos.com/freight-resources/chargeable-and-volumetric-weight-calculator-freightos/
9. https://ship4wd.com/import-guides/shipping-from-india-to-usa
10. https://www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/know-before-you-go/prohibited-and-restricted-items
Updated on June 30, 2026.
Sources:
1. https://ustr.gov/countries-regions/south-central-asia/india
2. https://shipglobal.in/blogs/shipping-from-india-to-usa-7-key-stages/
3. https://ship4wd.com/import-guides/shipping-from-india-to-usa
4. https://dov.gov.in/clearance-procedure
5. https://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/documents/Importing%20into%20the%20U.S.pdf
6. https://ship4wd.com/import-guides/shipping-from-india-to-usa
7. https://dhlexpress.ee/en/terms-and-conditions-2/volumetric-weight-calculator/
8. https://www.freightos.com/freight-resources/chargeable-and-volumetric-weight-calculator-freightos/
9. https://ship4wd.com/import-guides/shipping-from-india-to-usa
10. https://www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/know-before-you-go/prohibited-and-restricted-items
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