How to Import a Car to India with Crypto | Bitmalo

India has one of the strictest rules when it comes to importing cars globally. With heavy customs taxes, tough homologation rules, and the need for right-hand drive cars only, many people just give up before they even try. But then, the demand for fancy, exotic cars and classic imports is always growing. Bitmalo offers a sure way: you pick your car and pay with crypto or by bank transfer, while we sort out the inspection, buying, exporting, shipping, clearing customs, and delivering it right to your home in India.

How Imports Work in India

Every car brought into India has to go through the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) clearance process, with technical checks from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). Cars usually come in through Nhava Sheva (Mumbai/JNPT) or Chennai if they're coming by sea, and Delhi IGI or Mumbai BOM for air freight.

India insists on RHD-only registration, meaning only right-hand drive cars can be registered, and they must meet Indian emission standards (currently Bharat Stage VI, which is like Euro 6). Cars that don't meet these rules need special permission, which is only given for specific types like collector cars.

Taxes and Duties

Bringing in stuff to India costs a lot because of all the different taxes:

• Basic Customs Duty (BCD) – often 100% of the CIF value.
• IGST (Integrated GST) – 18% added after the duty.
• Social Welfare Surcharge (SWS) – usually 10% of the duty.
• Compensation Cess – for luxury cars or those with big engines; this changes based on engine size.

These duties make India one of the priciest places to import things. Bitmalo makes sure you get a clear breakdown of all costs before your car is shipped.

What’s Eligible?

• New cars: You can bring them in, but the taxes are very high.
• Used cars: There are limits—they must be at least 3 years old and meet the right-hand drive and emission standards.
• Collector's cars: Cars that are older than 50 years might qualify for special heritage exemptions.

We check if your car's VIN is eligible before you buy it, so we can avoid any issues with the rules.

Shipping & Delivery

Shipping by sea is the usual way, though air freight is there for when you need things delivered fast. Sea shipping takes about 4–9 weeks, and air takes 5–10 days. Bitmalo includes all-risk insurance and sorts out handling at the bonded terminal, customs clearance, and delivery inside the country using a covered transporter to places like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and Hyderabad.

Why Choose Bitmalo for India?

• Pay with crypto (USDT/BTC/ETH) or USD bank transfer.
• We check your car's VIN to see if it's feasible before you buy.
• Full service from start to finish: customs, homologation documents, and delivery.
• Clear costs for duties and all charges when your car arrives.

Final Word

India's import market is well-protected, but with the right partner, the whole process becomes straightforward. Bitmalo handles everything from checking your car to delivering it, so you can just focus on picking your dream car, instead of battling with government offices.

Disclaimer: This information is just for knowledge, not legal or tax advice. Bitmalo confirms if your car is eligible, the duties, and compliance for your VIN before shipping.