Courier shipments entering or leaving India are governed by the Customs Act, 1962, the Courier Imports and Exports (Clearance) Regulations, 1998, the Courier Imports and Exports (Electronic Declaration and Processing) Regulations, 2010, and the ITC (HS) Classification published by the DGFT.
Prohibited goods cannot be imported or exported through courier under any circumstance. Restricted goods can move only against a valid licence, permit, certificate, or specific exemption from the competent authority.
These categories may never be booked, accepted, or cleared through the courier channel:
Restricted items may be cleared through courier only when the relevant licence or exemption is held:
| Category | Condition for Clearance |
|---|---|
| Gems, jewellery & precious stones | Export through courier is generally permitted under standard export rules; imports may have additional restrictions. |
| Currency & negotiable instruments | Foreign currency, Indian currency beyond prescribed limits, and negotiable instruments require applicable permissions. |
| Pharmaceuticals & medicines | Permitted only in small, bona-fide personal-use quantities; commercial quantities require appropriate licences. |
| Chemicals & laboratory samples | Require Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and, for scheduled chemicals, clearance from the competent authority. |
| Electronics with encryption/telecom components | Certain wireless and encryption-enabled devices require a wireless operating licence (WPC). |
| Plant & seed material | Requires Phytosanitary Certificate and, in many cases, prior Plant Quarantine permission. |
| Antiques & art objects | Export of antiquities is regulated under the Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972. |
| SIM cards & telecom equipment | Bulk shipments require DoT/telecom authority clearance; personal-use single units are typically simpler. |
CBIC has clarified that extant courier regulations do not restrict export of gems and jewellery through courier mode — the historical restriction applied mainly to imports. Export consignments may move through an authorised courier if standard export documentation and value-declaration norms are met.
Bona-fide commercial samples supplied free of charge are permitted up to Rs. 10,000 for imports and Rs. 50,000 for exports. Bona-fide personal-use gifts are permitted up to Rs. 10,000 for imports and Rs. 25,000 for exports, provided the goods are not otherwise prohibited/restricted and involve no transfer of foreign exchange.
Any product derived from a species listed under CITES or the Wildlife (Protection) Act — including certain wood, ivory, shells, feathers, and traditional medicine ingredients — is either prohibited outright or requires clearance from the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau before booking.
Where a courier consignment contains prohibited or undeclared restricted goods, Customs may confiscate the goods under Section 111/113 of the Customs Act, 1962, impose penalties on the consignor/consignee and the Authorised Courier, and in serious cases prosecute the parties involved. Repeated violations can result in suspension or revocation of the courier's Customs registration.
This page is a working reference and does not replace applicable notifications, circulars, and the ITC (HS) Classification. Always consult current official sources for item-level positions.
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