FAQ's
Questions & Answersmay our FAQ's help you properly
Sending a shipment to India is quick and easy, as long as you follow a few guidelines and shipping regulations. The process is always easier when you provide the correct customs paperwork and documents. We at Gamana are NOT responsible for any customs fee imposed on your shipments. Recipients are responsible to pay the charges and get their shipments.
To avoid customs fee and exceptions in shipment processing, we request you to please provide extremely accurate information.
Follow the below steps
To avoid customs fee and exceptions in shipment processing, we request you to please provide extremely accurate information.
Follow the below steps
- Get Quote from the Home page by entering details of your shipment and location.
- Select the quote that meet your needs.
- Enter Sender and Receiver details.
- Continue to check out and make payment.
- Print label.
- Drop shipment if you selected drop off.
Each country maintains its own list of prohibited and restricted items; India is no exception. You can check to see your item’s status with the Indian Central Board of Excise and Customs, or click the following more complete list.
The customs document should list the packaged items you are sending and their total value. The customs authority uses this information to calculate taxes and duties. This fee is not applied by Gamana, but by the country’s customs authority receiving your shipment.
The customs document should list the packaged items you are sending and their total value. The customs authority uses this information to calculate taxes and duties. This fee is not applied by Gamana, but by the country’s customs authority receiving your shipment.
Some products are prohibited for transportation through our services, because they are classified as hazardous items or dangerous goods.
Hazardous materials are “pure chemicals, mixtures of substances, manufactured products or articles which can pose a risk to people, animals or the environment if not properly handled in use or in transport.”
The items in this category may not be dangerous in day-to-day use, but can become dangerous when exposed to unusual movements, temperature changes, or swings in atmospheric pressure. Anything that might cause harm to handlers must be clearly labeled as dangerous.
To avoid incidents, all couriers have a list of items that they refuse to ship. This prevents any delays in transit, while also avoiding legal issues.
Some online resellers pick up packages from many different sources, trusting senders to know and obey the rules of their destination countries. When a company ships its own goods to a particular destination, they can see what goes into the package, and know if it is dangerous. Many individual shippers don’t know the rules. To avoid disappointments, we recommend that you look at this partial list of items that are often restricted or prohibited:
Hazardous materials are “pure chemicals, mixtures of substances, manufactured products or articles which can pose a risk to people, animals or the environment if not properly handled in use or in transport.”
The items in this category may not be dangerous in day-to-day use, but can become dangerous when exposed to unusual movements, temperature changes, or swings in atmospheric pressure. Anything that might cause harm to handlers must be clearly labeled as dangerous.
To avoid incidents, all couriers have a list of items that they refuse to ship. This prevents any delays in transit, while also avoiding legal issues.
Some online resellers pick up packages from many different sources, trusting senders to know and obey the rules of their destination countries. When a company ships its own goods to a particular destination, they can see what goes into the package, and know if it is dangerous. Many individual shippers don’t know the rules. To avoid disappointments, we recommend that you look at this partial list of items that are often restricted or prohibited:
Loose Lithium Batteries
Shipping lithium batteries is dangerous. In overheated conditions these batteries can explode, fueling fires that are difficult to extinguish.Aerosols
The dictionary defines an aerosol as "a substance enclosed under pressure and released as a fine spray by means of a propellant gas." Aerosol cans are dangerous because they might explode when exposed to temperatures exceeding 52°C.Perfume
Perfume is one of the most common restricted/prohibited items. It is often destroyed or returned. This category includes aftershaves and other alcohol-based fragrances. Alcohol is flammable.
Foods must be contained in the original manufacturer’s packaging.
1. Food packaging must be sealed and not tampered with in any way. 2. Food label must list all ingredients. 3. Foods must have a shelf life of longer than 6 months from the date of shipping. 4. All foods that have a shelf life of less than 6 months will be classed as perishables, and cannot be sent via courier, even if store-bought.
1. Food packaging must be sealed and not tampered with in any way. 2. Food label must list all ingredients. 3. Foods must have a shelf life of longer than 6 months from the date of shipping. 4. All foods that have a shelf life of less than 6 months will be classed as perishables, and cannot be sent via courier, even if store-bought.
Yes. You must provide “Know your Customer” or KYC documents.
Check with the recipient to ensure all proper documents are included with your international shipment to India. Formal customs clearance into India can be very demanding.
Here is a list of common requirements:
Fragile items must be wrapped in bubble wrap to protect them from damage.
No fragile items should directly touch the outer edge of the box or case.
Items should be packed snuggly, so that items don’t move or shake.
Sender should keep an accurate list of all the items packed into each box or case.
Use boxes under 120cms long to ensure easy moving.
If your package is an odd shape, measure the item as if it were inside a box.
Write down the measurements of each box or case.
Please keep the weight of each box under 30 kilos to ensure that one man can move it.
If import duties and taxes are due, they will be charged to the recipient. If the recipient refuses the charge, the shipment is discarded.
1. Wrap the power cord in foam wrap, and secure it with duct tape.
2. If the TV has a stand, remove it, and if possible break it down into its components. Wrap the TV and its parts in bubble wrap to protect them.
3. Place a layer of foam wrap on the TV screen and wrap the entire TV in bubble wrap. One layer is sufficient, two is better. Secure the wrapping with duct tape. If you don’t have bubble wrap, a thick blanket secured with duct tape will do.
4. Set up the box, cushioning its walls with a layer of foam padding. For a snug fit, polystyrene sheets are even better.
5. Slide the TV inside. Place the accessories in the box, but not on the side of the screen.
6. Fill the empty space with packing peanuts or crumpled paper. Too many of these can cause pressure during shipping, so don’t overuse them.
7. Close the box and seal it properly with duct tape. Cover all the corners.
8. Label the box, adding a “Fragile” sign. This signage warns shippers, but it cannot guarantee safe shipping. That’s why you should begin by packaging the TV as securely as possible.
TVs have different dimensions and shapes, so it might be hard to find a proper box. If you don’t have the original box and packaging, try local markets or stores. They often have boxes of various sizes. Make sure the box is sturdy enough to hold a TV through the shipping process.
Choose the right packaging materials
These materials should surround the TV, holding it in place, and shielding it from scratches and bumps. Any old, reasonably clean paper, or cast-off fabrics will do. Many people use newspaper and old blankets. Wrap the TV, filling in gaps until the box is full, and the TV is secure.
2. Remove old labels. If you’re using the original box, you can skip this, but if you use another box, remove any old labels and signage that might confuse the driver.
3. Measure the box accurately. You must provide the exact dimensions and weight of the box. These determine the final shipping price. Accurate measurements will help you avoid extra charges throughout the shipping process.
4. Place you order sooner than later. When you move you should place your order early enough to schedule your collection date, and your departure. That way, if there are snags, your courier company will have time to smooth them out.
When you have checked all these things, you’re ready to ship a TV anywhere in the world. You can check shipping prices to any destination on our website.
Commercial Shipments:
All commercial shipments require the recipient’s TIN # (Taxpayer Identification Number).Check with the recipient to ensure all proper documents are included with your international shipment to India. Formal customs clearance into India can be very demanding.
Here is a list of common requirements:
Shipping luggage
The following are nine simple steps for sending personal effects and excess baggage to India. This reliable, affordable shipping company is the leading transporter of packages from the USA to India.1. Prohibited and Restricted items
Not every commodity is suitable for transportation by an international courier service. India restricts some goods, and prohibits others. Your first task is to check Gamana’s prohibited and Restricted item list.2. How to pack your goods
Use either new cardboard double-walled boxes, or suitcases.Fragile items must be wrapped in bubble wrap to protect them from damage.
No fragile items should directly touch the outer edge of the box or case.
Items should be packed snuggly, so that items don’t move or shake.
Sender should keep an accurate list of all the items packed into each box or case.
Use boxes under 120cms long to ensure easy moving.
3. Measure the size of each piece
Measure the length, width, and height of each box or case, including handles.If your package is an odd shape, measure the item as if it were inside a box.
Write down the measurements of each box or case.
4. Weigh each box or case
Weigh each box or case you are sending, and write down the weight.Please keep the weight of each box under 30 kilos to ensure that one man can move it.
5. Duties and taxes
As part of our booking process, you will need to declare the contents of each parcel and the value of each item. All shipments must be declared to Indian Customs for assessment of import duties and taxes due.6. Dispatch and track
Your selected international courier service will send a driver and van to collect your shipment. All of your boxes/cases will go a hub where they will be scanned and dispatched to India. Your boxes/cases will be scanned at each transfer point, allowing you to track your shipment’s progress using the link sent to your email.7. Customs clearance in India
India’s customs authorities require carriers to submit KYC documents for all receivers of inbound shipments. They want proof of the receiver’s identity and residential address. Customs authorities must receive these documents before your goods will be released for delivery. If these documents aren’t readily available with the shipment, the receiver will be asked for them. If the value of the shipment is over $25.00, import duty and tax maybe charged.If import duties and taxes are due, they will be charged to the recipient. If the recipient refuses the charge, the shipment is discarded.
8. Inspect your delivered shipment
Once the customs authority has cleared your item it will be delivered to the recipient’s address. Recipients should inspect the boxes, and their contents, and sign for them as long as the items are in good condition.TVs:
Whether you need to ship a TV cross-country or internationally, the process can be troublesome. Don’t worry, we will help you with your shipment. If you have the original box and packing, use those. If not, here are some basic steps:1. Wrap the power cord in foam wrap, and secure it with duct tape.
2. If the TV has a stand, remove it, and if possible break it down into its components. Wrap the TV and its parts in bubble wrap to protect them.
3. Place a layer of foam wrap on the TV screen and wrap the entire TV in bubble wrap. One layer is sufficient, two is better. Secure the wrapping with duct tape. If you don’t have bubble wrap, a thick blanket secured with duct tape will do.
4. Set up the box, cushioning its walls with a layer of foam padding. For a snug fit, polystyrene sheets are even better.
5. Slide the TV inside. Place the accessories in the box, but not on the side of the screen.
6. Fill the empty space with packing peanuts or crumpled paper. Too many of these can cause pressure during shipping, so don’t overuse them.
7. Close the box and seal it properly with duct tape. Cover all the corners.
8. Label the box, adding a “Fragile” sign. This signage warns shippers, but it cannot guarantee safe shipping. That’s why you should begin by packaging the TV as securely as possible.
Putting everything together:
Choose the right cardboard boxTVs have different dimensions and shapes, so it might be hard to find a proper box. If you don’t have the original box and packaging, try local markets or stores. They often have boxes of various sizes. Make sure the box is sturdy enough to hold a TV through the shipping process.
Choose the right packaging materials
These materials should surround the TV, holding it in place, and shielding it from scratches and bumps. Any old, reasonably clean paper, or cast-off fabrics will do. Many people use newspaper and old blankets. Wrap the TV, filling in gaps until the box is full, and the TV is secure.
Things to remember before shipping a TV:
1. Make sure the TV doesn’t move inside the box. Gently shake the box, and if you can feel the contents shifting, add more packing materials until everything is fixed in place.2. Remove old labels. If you’re using the original box, you can skip this, but if you use another box, remove any old labels and signage that might confuse the driver.
3. Measure the box accurately. You must provide the exact dimensions and weight of the box. These determine the final shipping price. Accurate measurements will help you avoid extra charges throughout the shipping process.
4. Place you order sooner than later. When you move you should place your order early enough to schedule your collection date, and your departure. That way, if there are snags, your courier company will have time to smooth them out.
When you have checked all these things, you’re ready to ship a TV anywhere in the world. You can check shipping prices to any destination on our website.
Have you ever made a typo when entering your address on an online form? Typos always seem small, but if they result in deliveries to wrong addresses, that can lead to lost shipping costs and discarded packages. If a letter or parcel has an address on the shipment’s label, we authorize our carriers to try to deliver the item to that address. Once the item is in transit this can’t be changed.
So when you visit our website to schedule shipping, make sure you enter complete and accurate address information. Also include contact information at the delivery address, giving the name and phone number of the recipient. Include all pertinent postal codes. Also, please note that in most countries couriers are not permitted to deliver items to PO boxes. Usually this means packages must be signed for.
When you have completed your order you must print out the package labels and attach each one securely to its package. Shipping packages bearing any other package label than the one you’ve printed from our website may result in failure to deliver, or additional charges.
A package could be returned to its sender, or disposed of by the carrier, without prior notice if:
1. The address on the package doesn’t exist. 2. The address on the package is incomplete. 3. Incorrect or missing shipping labels or paperwork were supplied to the driver at the point of collection, or given to the drop-off shop at the destination. 4. The package or letter is refused by the intended recipient. 5. The consignment is found to contain incorrectly declared, or prohibited goods. 6. The sender may be responsible for return charges depending on the type of package. These charges vary depending on the import rates of our carriers.
Choosing door-to-door shipping services means that you can order a pick-up from almost any easily located address, as long as it is accurately described. Just provide us with any information a driver will need to find the pick-up point. If you have an access code, or a particular name is displayed on a mailbox or doorbell, these details can save time, and ensure accuracy. Before you place an order, check the data you entered, and make sure that your address is correct.
So when you visit our website to schedule shipping, make sure you enter complete and accurate address information. Also include contact information at the delivery address, giving the name and phone number of the recipient. Include all pertinent postal codes. Also, please note that in most countries couriers are not permitted to deliver items to PO boxes. Usually this means packages must be signed for.
When you have completed your order you must print out the package labels and attach each one securely to its package. Shipping packages bearing any other package label than the one you’ve printed from our website may result in failure to deliver, or additional charges.
A package could be returned to its sender, or disposed of by the carrier, without prior notice if:
1. The address on the package doesn’t exist. 2. The address on the package is incomplete. 3. Incorrect or missing shipping labels or paperwork were supplied to the driver at the point of collection, or given to the drop-off shop at the destination. 4. The package or letter is refused by the intended recipient. 5. The consignment is found to contain incorrectly declared, or prohibited goods. 6. The sender may be responsible for return charges depending on the type of package. These charges vary depending on the import rates of our carriers.
Choosing door-to-door shipping services means that you can order a pick-up from almost any easily located address, as long as it is accurately described. Just provide us with any information a driver will need to find the pick-up point. If you have an access code, or a particular name is displayed on a mailbox or doorbell, these details can save time, and ensure accuracy. Before you place an order, check the data you entered, and make sure that your address is correct.
Unless you make other arrangements with the receiver, customs charges are paid by the receiver. The sender must pay only if the intended recipient refuses the shipment, and fails to pay the customs charges.
If you deal with this issue, please have your reference number handy. This is usually your AirWay bill number, which you will find below the barcode on your label.
I don't have the customs charge letter:
We do not provide a customs charge letter. Normally such a letter would be provided to your recipient on delivery, after customs charges have been paid. Though we are not involved in the customs process, we provide this service to our customers as a courtesy. At our website we provide an invoice, which shows charges.
Always remember that any information we provide is subject to change. We ship to many different countries, and each one has its own rules. If a package is delayed at customs, that is beyond our control, or that of our carriers.
Customs declaration
When you are sending a non–document outside of the USA, the shipment has to be submitted to that destination’s customs department. Customs agents will assess it for any import duties and/or taxes.
Sending an invoice with an international shipment shows customs officials:
1. The purpose of the shipment
2. Its contents and value
3. The identities of both sender and recipient
It also helps the destination country’s customs officer to correctly assess the contents, and calculate the charges.
You should supply a commercial invoice with your shipment when you are shipping goods that you have sold to the recipient.
The commercial invoice will have an invoice number. It will also provide information on the seller and the buyer of the goods. If the shipment is worth over $2500, the invoice should also contain a commodity code for the contents, allowing customs officials to easily and correctly identify the items in the shipment. It helps if the seller also displays an identification reference. This could be a VAT registration number, and/or company number.
A “pro forma Invoice” is a document provided for customs purposes only, it has all the information found on a commercial invoice, but does not include contents that have been subject to sale.
It will show:
1. The purpose of the shipment 2. The contents of the shipment 3. The value of the contents for customs purposes only (they have not yet been sold) 4. The sender’s identity 5. The receiver’s identity 6. The reason for the shipment 7. The shipment’s reference number, and the name of the carrier 8. The date of the invoice
This document provides all the information a customs officer needs to correctly assess and calculate any import duties or taxes in the destination country. A pro forma invoice covers all goods that have not been commercially sold, most often gifts, personal effects, or samples.
If you have any questions, contact our knowledgeable customer service team, and they will be happy to help.
If you deal with this issue, please have your reference number handy. This is usually your AirWay bill number, which you will find below the barcode on your label.
I don't have the customs charge letter:
We do not provide a customs charge letter. Normally such a letter would be provided to your recipient on delivery, after customs charges have been paid. Though we are not involved in the customs process, we provide this service to our customers as a courtesy. At our website we provide an invoice, which shows charges.
Always remember that any information we provide is subject to change. We ship to many different countries, and each one has its own rules. If a package is delayed at customs, that is beyond our control, or that of our carriers.
Customs declaration
When you are sending a non–document outside of the USA, the shipment has to be submitted to that destination’s customs department. Customs agents will assess it for any import duties and/or taxes.
Sending an invoice with an international shipment shows customs officials:
1. The purpose of the shipment
2. Its contents and value
3. The identities of both sender and recipient
It also helps the destination country’s customs officer to correctly assess the contents, and calculate the charges.
You should supply a commercial invoice with your shipment when you are shipping goods that you have sold to the recipient.
The commercial invoice will have an invoice number. It will also provide information on the seller and the buyer of the goods. If the shipment is worth over $2500, the invoice should also contain a commodity code for the contents, allowing customs officials to easily and correctly identify the items in the shipment. It helps if the seller also displays an identification reference. This could be a VAT registration number, and/or company number.
A “pro forma Invoice” is a document provided for customs purposes only, it has all the information found on a commercial invoice, but does not include contents that have been subject to sale.
It will show:
1. The purpose of the shipment 2. The contents of the shipment 3. The value of the contents for customs purposes only (they have not yet been sold) 4. The sender’s identity 5. The receiver’s identity 6. The reason for the shipment 7. The shipment’s reference number, and the name of the carrier 8. The date of the invoice
This document provides all the information a customs officer needs to correctly assess and calculate any import duties or taxes in the destination country. A pro forma invoice covers all goods that have not been commercially sold, most often gifts, personal effects, or samples.
If you have any questions, contact our knowledgeable customer service team, and they will be happy to help.
When you are sending shipments beyond the borders of your country, they are subject to the laws of their country of destination. These laws are supplemented by the trade arrangements between the two countries, and any other applicable international agreements. These, and the value of the goods, are all factors in calculating duties and taxes.
When assessing goods in the country of destination, local customs departments will want the following information:
1. The identity of the sender
This is to confirm if the shipment comes from an individual or an organization.
2. The reason for the shipment
Is this a commercial shipment? Or is it a personal item, such as a gift, or something else sent for personal reasons?
3. The goods within the shipment
Officials will want a detailed description of all the goods in the shipment. To avoid incorrect classification of goods, all countries’ customs officials work from a common list of international commodity codes for all products. You can look up the commodity code for any item here: https://hts.usitc.gov
4. The value of the goods
Officials need an accurate value for all goods in a shipment. Import fees (duties and taxes) are usually charged as a percentage of the declared value of the goods.
Using this information, the customs department in the country of destination will calculate whatever duties and/or taxes are due. Usually inexpensive gifts or shipments of personal possessions will not be subject to these fees, but you should always check to avoid any nasty surprises. If you want to access this information online, go to has changed re check)
Make sure you enter accurate information on the declaration forms. Accuracy is essential because once you have submitted a shipment and its declarations to a customs department, none of the information can be changed. So take the time to check everything. Complete the shipping information properly so that you and your receiver avoid unexpected charges and delays.
For more information, contact our customer service team. They stand ready to help.
When assessing goods in the country of destination, local customs departments will want the following information:
1. The identity of the sender
This is to confirm if the shipment comes from an individual or an organization.
2. The reason for the shipment
Is this a commercial shipment? Or is it a personal item, such as a gift, or something else sent for personal reasons?
3. The goods within the shipment
Officials will want a detailed description of all the goods in the shipment. To avoid incorrect classification of goods, all countries’ customs officials work from a common list of international commodity codes for all products. You can look up the commodity code for any item here: https://hts.usitc.gov
4. The value of the goods
Officials need an accurate value for all goods in a shipment. Import fees (duties and taxes) are usually charged as a percentage of the declared value of the goods.
Using this information, the customs department in the country of destination will calculate whatever duties and/or taxes are due. Usually inexpensive gifts or shipments of personal possessions will not be subject to these fees, but you should always check to avoid any nasty surprises. If you want to access this information online, go to has changed re check)
Make sure you enter accurate information on the declaration forms. Accuracy is essential because once you have submitted a shipment and its declarations to a customs department, none of the information can be changed. So take the time to check everything. Complete the shipping information properly so that you and your receiver avoid unexpected charges and delays.
For more information, contact our customer service team. They stand ready to help.
Have you ever wondered why a courier asks for confirmation of the value of a parcel’s contents? It’s not idle curiosity. A courier needs to be sure of the value for customs clearance, and for assessment of claims in the rare instance of a problem.