Container Shipping to India — Get Instant Quotes
Why Choose iContainers for Shipping to India?
- Access the sub-continent’s twin mega-hubs. Jawaharlal Nehru Port (Nhava Sheva) surpassed 7 million TEU in 2024 while Mundra continues to break records for both containers and total tonnage. (hellenicshippingnews.com, m.economictimes.com)
- All-digital workflow. Instant FCL and LCL pricing to every major Indian gateway plus inland ICDs, with door-to-door tracking and bilingual (English/Hindi) support.
- Paperwork made simple. The platform walks you through ICEGATE filings, import duty look-ups and GST calculations so your Bill of Entry clears first time. (icegate.gov.in, taxsummaries.pwc.com)
- Speed when needed. Upgrade to air freight via Delhi-IGI or Mumbai-BOM—India’s airports handled ≈ 3.7 million t of cargo in FY 2025, up 10 % YoY. (itln.in)
Our Container Shipping Services to India
Full Container Load (FCL) Shipping
OEMs, apparel exporters and chemical giants ship sealed 20′, 40′ & 40′HC (plus reefers) direct to Nhava Sheva, Mundra, Chennai, Ennore and Kochi, then rail or truck inland to Delhi, Bengaluru and beyond.
Less-than-Container Load (LCL) Shipping
SMEs and e-commerce sellers save up to 50 % on < 15 m³ consignments via weekly LCL consolidations that devan in bonded depots at Nhava Sheva, Chennai and ICD Whitefield.
Popular mode: FCL dominates high-volume auto parts and textiles; LCL is soaring among cross-border D2C brands.
Major ports / airports: Nhava Sheva, Mundra, Chennai, Tuticorin; urgent cargo via DEL and BOM.
Typical cargo: Electronics, automotive components, pharmaceuticals, cotton garments, industrial machinery.
Transit-time snapshots:
- Shanghai → Nhava Sheva: ≈ 19 days ocean
- Rotterdam → Nhava Sheva: ≈ 24–28 days via Suez.
Country-specific challenges & tips:
- Peak Diwali season (Sept–Oct) and monsoon congestion can add 3–5 days—book six weeks ahead.
- Generate the GST e-Way Bill for every inland truck leg > 50 km to avoid highway checks. (taxsummaries.pwc.com)
Alternative option: Air freight cuts door-to-door to 3–5 days via DEL/BOM for high-value electronics and AOG spares. (itln.in)
Container shipping rates to India
How much does it cost to ship a container to India?
How Long Does It Take to Ship a Container to India?
- East Asia → West India: 18–25 days (direct)
- North Europe → West India: 24–30 days
- U.S. East Coast → West India: 30–35 days via Med trans-shipment
Air freight trims door-to-door to 3–5 days via DEL/BOM
Popular Routes and Ports for Shipping to India
Asia–India loops call Nhava Sheva and Mundra weekly; North-Europe services route via Suez into Nhava Sheva & Chennai; U.S. shippers often trans-ship at Colombo or Jebel Ali. Dedicated rail corridors whisk boxes to ICDs at Tughlakabad, Dadri and Whitefield in ≤ 48 h.
Steps to Book Your Container Shipment with iContainers
- Quote — Enter origin, destination and cargo specs for an instant price.
- Documents — Upload commercial invoice, packing list & HS codes; ICEGATE auto-checks duty. (icegate.gov.inis )
- Book & Pay — Confirm sailing and pay securely online.
- Track — Follow vessel, rail and customs milestones in real time.
- Clear — Pay basic duty + 18 % IGST (standard rate) and release the Bill of Entry. (taxsummaries.pwc.com)
- Deliver — Arrange final-mile trucking or rail to factory, FTZ or Amazon IN warehouse.
What Can You Ship in a Container to India?
Common commodities
- Auto parts
- Pharma APIs
- Electronics
- Textiles & apparel
- Chemicals
Restricted / Prohibited
Used electronics without BIS approval, counterfeit brands, ivory, hazardous waste without MoEF license.
Main ports in India
FAQs About Shipping Containers to India
Basic Customs Duty (0–10 % for most goods) + 18 % IGST on the CIF value; the ICEGATE calculator shows both. (icegate.gov.in, taxsummaries.pwc.com)
Yes—under 15 m³ you avoid paying for unused FCL space, typically saving 40–60 %.
Not legally required, but strongly recommended—add door-to-door cover at checkout.
Secure space 6–8 weeks ahead of September–October to dodge roll-overs and rate hikes.