Import of Used Car into India

Overview of the procedure and conditions for the import of used cars into India. A used car is a vehicle that's been sold, leased, or loaned prior to importation into India; or has been registered for use in any country according to the laws of that country, prior to importation into India.

Conditions for Import of Used Car

The import of second or used vehicles are subject to the following conditions:-

The second-hand or used vehicle shall not be older than three years from the date of manufacture;
The second hand or used vehicle shall:
1. have right hand steering, and controls (applicable on vehicles other than two and three wheelers);
2. have a speedometer indicating the speed in Kilometers; and
3. have photometry of the headlamps to suit “keep left” traffic.
In addition to the conditions specified in (a) and (b) above, the second hand or used vehicle shall conform to the provisions of the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988 and the rules made thereunder.

Procedure for Import of Used Car

Whoever being an importer or dealer in motor vehicles who imports or offers to import a second hand or used vehicle into India shall:

At the time of importation, submit a certificate issued by a testing agency, which the Central Government may notify in this regard, that the second hand or used vehicle being imported into India has been tested immediately before shipment for export to India and the said vehicle conforms to all the regulations specified in the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 of India and the rules made thereunder.
At the time of importation, submit a certificate issued by a testing agency, which the Central Government may notify in this regard, that the second hand or used vehicle being imported into India has been tested immediately before shipment for export to India and the said vehicle conforms to the original homologation certificate issued at the time of manufacture.
On arrival at the Indian port but before clearance for home consumption, submit the vehicle for testing by the Vehicle Research and Development Establishment, Ahmednagar of the Ministry of Defense of the Government of India or Automotive research Association of India, Pune or Central Farm Machinery Training and Testing Institute, Budni, Madhya Pradesh for tractors, and such other agencies as may be specified by the Central Government, for granting a certificate by that agency as to the compliance of the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and any rules made thereunder. (iv) Import of these vehicles shall be allowed only through the customs port at Mumbai.

Maximum Age of Used Car

The second hand or used vehicles imported into India should have a minimum roadworthiness for a period of 5 years from the date of importation into India with assurance for providing service facilities within the country during the five year period. For this purpose, the importer shall, at the time of importation, submit a declaration indicating the period of roadworthiness in respect of every individual vehicle being imported, supported by a certificate issued by any of the testing agencies, which the Central Government may notify in this regard. Cars manufactured prior to 1st January, 1950 are free for import by Actual Users. Policy Condition (I) and (II) above shall not be applicable for these cars. However, such of the cars that would be plying on public roads will continue to be subject to Central Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and Rules, 1989.

In case you require an IE Code or GST registration for import or export, contact an IndiaFilings Advisor.

Import Export Code

The Import Export Code is a primary document necessary for commencing Import-export activities. The IE code is to be obtained for exporting or importing goods or services. IEC has numerous benefits for the growth of the business. Indeed, you cannot ignore the necessity of IE code registration, as it is mandatory. You can apply for an Import Export code through

IndiaFilings and obtain it within 6 to 7 days

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Import of Used Cars to India.

The second-hand or used vehicle shall not be older than three years from the date of manufacture at the time of import into India. The imported used car should also have a minimum roadworthiness for a period of 5 years from the date of importation with assurance for providing service facilities within the country during this period.

Yes, the imported second-hand or used vehicle should have right-hand steering and controls (except for two and three-wheelers). Additionally, the speedometer should indicate the speed in kilometers.

At the time of importation, the importer or dealer must submit a certificate issued by a testing agency notified by the Central Government, stating that the used vehicle conforms to all regulations specified in the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and the rules made thereunder. They must also submit a certificate confirming the vehicle's compliance with the original homologation certificate issued at the time of manufacture.

The import of used cars is allowed only through the customs port at Mumbai.

Cars manufactured prior to 1st January 1950 are exempt from the age and condition requirements mentioned in the policy. However, such cars that would be plying on public roads must still comply with the Central Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and Rules, 1989.

Upon arrival at the Indian port but before clearance for home consumption, the imported used vehicle must be submitted for testing by designated agencies like the Vehicle Research and Development Establishment, Ahmednagar, Automotive Research Association of India, Pune, or Central Farm Machinery Training and Testing Institute, Budni (for tractors). These agencies will grant a certificate confirming the vehicle's compliance with the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and its rules.

Yes, an Import Export Code (IEC) is a primary document necessary for commencing import or export activities, including the import of used cars. The IEC can be obtained through authorized agencies like IndiaFilings.

The importer or dealer must submit a certificate issued by a notified testing agency, confirming that the imported used vehicle conforms to the original homologation certificate issued at the time of manufacture. This ensures that the vehicle meets the necessary safety and emission standards.

Imported used cars can be driven on public roads in India, provided they comply with the Central Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and Rules, 1989. This includes meeting the requirements for steering, speedometer, headlamp photometry, and other relevant regulations.

At the time of importation, the importer must submit a declaration indicating the period of roadworthiness for every individual vehicle being imported, supported by a certificate issued by a notified testing agency. This ensures that the imported used car has a minimum roadworthiness for a period of 5 years from the date of importation into India, with assurance for providing service facilities within the country during this period.