Steering: Only right-hand drive (RHD) vehicles are allowed. Left-hand drive
vehicles are generally prohibited, except for testing or research under special permission.
Age restriction: Maximum 3 years old. The vehicle must comply with Central
Motor Vehicle Rules (1989) and have a minimum residual life of 5 years.
Mandatory testing: The vehicle must be tested at government-approved agencies
(for example VRDE Ahmednagar, ARAI Pune, CFMTT Budni) for:
Roadworthiness
Compliance with Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989
Homologation certificate verification
Banned or restricted vehicles:
Cars: engines in the 1000–2500 cc range are prohibited.
Motorcycles: engine 50–800 cc restrictions apply.
Heavy-duty two-wheelers or scooters over specified limits are restricted.
Import duty on cars: Approximately 165% of CIF (cost, insurance, and
freight).
Customs duty breakdown (cars):
Basic customs duty: 40%
Special customs duty: 5%
Additional duty: 40%
MV cess: 0.125%
Special additional duty: 4%
Import duty on bikes: Approximately 116% of CIF.
Registration & road tax: Separate from import duties; varies by
vehicle type and cost.
Other Considerations
Transfer of residence: NRIs and foreign nationals may import one vehicle
under transfer of residence rules, subject to conditions:
Must have lived outside India for at least 2 years.
Vehicle must be imported within 6 months of return.
Resale is prohibited for 2 years.
Commercial vehicles: Additional eligibility criteria apply (for example
foreign nationals, charitable trusts, business entities with foreign equity, accredited
journalists, and similar categories).
Vintage cars: Vehicles manufactured after 1 January 1950 may be imported
for personal use under similar rules.