Import a Car to India with Crypto | Bitmalo

India happens to be one of the most tightly regulated car import markets globally. What with steep customs duties, stringent homologation rules, and compulsory right-hand drive requirements, many prospective buyers often throw in the towel before even starting. Yet, the demand for high-end exotic and classic imports is consistently on the rise. Bitmalo offers a dependable route: you simply pick your car and pay using crypto or a bank transfer, while we take care of inspection, purchase, export, shipping, customs clearance, and delivery right to your doorstep in India.


How Imports Work in India

Every car brought into India must go through the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) clearance process, under the technical supervision of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). Vehicles are typically sent via Nhava Sheva (Mumbai/JNPT) or Chennai for sea freight, and Delhi IGI or Mumbai BOM for air freight. India strictly enforces RHD-only registration, and cars must adhere to Indian emission standards (presently Bharat Stage VI, which aligns with Euro 6). Vehicles that don't comply need exemptions, which are only granted for specific categories, such as collector cars.


Taxes and Duties

Bringing imports into India can be quite costly because of multiple layers of tariffs:

  • Basic Customs Duty (BCD) – often a whopping 100% of CIF value.
  • IGST (Integrated GST) – 18% applied once duty is settled.
  • Social Welfare Surcharge (SWS) – usually 10% of the duty.
  • Compensation Cess – for luxury/high-displacement vehicles, with rates varying based on engine size.

These duties effectively make India one of the most expensive places for imports. Bitmalo guarantees you get a clear breakdown before your shipment leaves.


What’s Eligible?

  • New cars: Permitted, but duties are steep.
  • Used cars: Restricted—they must be at least 3 years old and adhere to RHD and emission standards.
  • Collectors’ cars: Vehicles exceeding 50 years in age might be eligible for heritage exemptions.

We cross-check your VIN for eligibility before any purchase to help you steer clear of regulatory hurdles.


Shipping & Delivery

Sea freight remains the standard option, though air freight is an available alternative for pressing deliveries. Transit times typically average 4–9 weeks for sea and 5–10 days for air. Bitmalo covers all-risk insurance and takes care of bonded terminal handling, customs clearance, and nationwide inland delivery by covered transporter to cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and Hyderabad.


Why Choose Bitmalo for India?

  • Crypto settlement (USDT/BTC/ETH) or USD bank transfer options.
  • VIN-based feasibility checks conducted prior to purchase.
  • End-to-end execution: encompassing customs, homologation paperwork, and final delivery.
  • Full transparency when dealing with duties and arrival charges.

Final Word

India's import market is indeed heavily protected, but with the right execution partner, the entire process can become quite predictable. Bitmalo handles the whole chain—from initial inspection right up to final delivery—so you can concentrate on selecting your car, rather than battling bureaucracy.

Disclaimer: This content is purely for informational purposes and should not be construed as legal or tax advice. Bitmalo will always confirm eligibility, duties, and compliance for your VIN before any shipment commences.