International Moving
from India to United States

Sea freight transit times from India to the USA depend on your origin port and your destination on the US coast. From Nhava Sheva (Mumbai) or Mundra to Los Angeles / Long Beach (West Coast) typically takes 25–35 days. To New York / Newark, Houston, or Savannah (East and Gulf Coasts) expect 35–45 days. These timelines cover sailing time only — allow 3–5 additional working days at either end for pickup, port handling, customs clearance, and final delivery.

For the India side you'll need a valid passport, US visa or immigration documents (Green Card, H1B approval, etc.), a detailed packing inventory, and your India exit address. For US customs (CBP) we file a Form 3299 (Declaration for Free Entry of Unaccompanied Articles), a packing list, and the Bill of Lading on your behalf. For sea shipments, we also file the ISF (Importer Security Filing) at least 24 hours before loading. iMove prepares and manages all documentation — you simply share your documents with us.

In most cases, no. US CBP allows household goods and personal effects to enter duty-free under subheading 9804.00.05 of the Harmonised Tariff Schedule, provided: (1) you are establishing residency in the USA, (2) the items were owned and used abroad for at least one year, and (3) you are not importing them for sale. New or commercially purchased items, alcohol above 1 litre, and tobacco are subject to duty. Our customs coordinator advises you on any dutiable items in your shipment before packing begins.

ISF stands for Importer Security Filing (also called "10+2") — a mandatory CBP requirement for all sea cargo entering the United States. It must be submitted electronically to CBP at least 24 hours before cargo is loaded onto the vessel at the Indian port. Failure to file can result in penalties of USD 5,000–10,000 and potential cargo holds. You do not need to arrange this yourself — iMove files the ISF on your behalf as part of every sea freight shipment at no additional charge. ISF is not required for air freight shipments.

Yes, iMove ships vehicles from India to the USA. Vehicles are shipped in a RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) container or in a shared flat-rack container depending on size. Importing a vehicle to the USA requires compliance with EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and DOT (Department of Transportation) safety and emissions standards. Most Indian-market vehicles do not meet US DOT or EPA standards and may require modification or may not be importable. iMove's vehicle shipping team advises you on eligibility, documentation, and the applicable duties (typically 2.5% of vehicle value) before shipping. We handle the Customs Form 7501 and all associated vehicle import paperwork.

iMove provides real-time shipment tracking through our online tracking portal and regular WhatsApp updates from your dedicated move manager. For sea freight, you receive the Bill of Lading number which allows you to track your container's position via the shipping line's website. You will receive milestone notifications at key stages: packing complete, container loaded, vessel departed, vessel arrived at US port, customs cleared, and out for delivery. Air freight is trackable via the Air Waybill (AWB) number on the carrier's tracking system.

iMove offers comprehensive all-risk marine insurance for your India-to-USA shipment, covering loss or damage from the point of packing in India to delivery at your US address. This is separate from the carrier's limited liability (which typically covers only a fraction of actual value). We strongly recommend all-risk coverage for international moves — we can arrange a policy tailored to the declared value of your goods. High-value items such as artwork, jewellery, and antiques may require a separate valuation and endorsement. Speak to your move coordinator for a quote.

Yes — iMove's pet relocation team handles the full process of bringing your dog or cat from India to the USA. Requirements include: a valid rabies vaccination (administered at least 30 days before travel and not more than 12 months prior), a USDA-accredited veterinarian's health certificate endorsed by India's Department of Animal Husbandry, an IATA-compliant travel crate, and advance booking with an IATA-approved airline. Dogs also require confirmation that they have not been in a high-risk rabies country within the last 6 months. We coordinate with approved vets, airlines, and US CDC-registered facilities to ensure a smooth, stress-free entry for your pet.