Paperwork is the part of international shipping that people worry about most, but it is usually simple once you know what is needed. The right documents help customs understand your parcel quickly and reduce the chance of delays. Below is a checklist of the documents commonly required for international courier from India, along with the situations where extra paperwork applies.
1. Sender's identity proof (KYC)
Exports from India generally require the sender's identity to be verified. For personal shipments, a copy of a government-issued ID such as an Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport or voter ID is typically requested. Businesses may need to provide GST registration and an Import Export Code (IEC) for commercial shipments.
2. Recipient details
Accurate recipient information is essential for customs and for the final delivery. You should provide:
- Full name, matching any ID or prescription where relevant.
- Complete address including apartment number, street, city, state or province and postal/ZIP code.
- A working phone number and, ideally, an email address.
- In some countries, a local tax or ID number for the recipient may be requested.
3. Invoice or customs declaration
Every international parcel needs a document describing its contents. For personal shipments, this is usually a proforma invoice or a customs declaration; for business shipments, a commercial invoice. It should list:
- A clear description of each item — "2 cotton shirts" rather than "clothes".
- The quantity and approximate value of each item.
- The purpose of the shipment, such as gift, personal use, sample or sale.
- The country of origin (India) and the total declared value.
Always declare honestly. Under-declaring values or leaving items off the list can lead to delays, penalties or the shipment being returned.
4. Item-specific documents
Some types of contents need additional paperwork:
Medicines
A valid prescription in the recipient's name and the pharmacy bill are usually needed. Some destinations also expect a doctor's letter. Read our guide on sending medicines from India to the USA for more.
Food items
Food shipments often need a detailed ingredient list, and some countries require advance notification, such as FDA Prior Notice for the USA. See can you send homemade pickles from India to USA?
Documents and certificates
Educational certificates, legal papers and contracts can usually be sent with basic ID and a simple description. Our document delivery service is designed for these.
Commercial goods and samples
Business shipments may need a commercial invoice, packing list, GST details, IEC and, for some products, certificates of origin or other regulatory approvals.
5. Packing list
For parcels with many items, a packing list that matches the invoice helps customs verify contents quickly. Keep a copy for yourself as well — it is useful if you ever need to raise a query.
Quick document checklist
- Copy of sender's government ID.
- Recipient's full name, full address with postal code and phone number.
- Invoice or declaration listing each item, quantity and value.
- Prescription, ingredient list or other item-specific documents where needed.
- Business registration details for commercial shipments.
Not sure what applies to your parcel? Message our team — we help customers with paperwork every day and can tell you what is needed before pickup.
This article is general guidance only. Courier, customs and import rules change and depend on the destination country, the carrier and the specific contents of each shipment. Please confirm the current requirements with our team before you send.
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