India: a haven of international trade in the age of exploration as well as today. Truly a staple of any international operation. The textile industry for instance is massive in India. As are the jewelry and electronics industries. Of course, these few examples are just scratching the surface of the opportunities that await any business wanting to expand onto the global market. You might be wondering how you can get involved in this colossal market. One important thing that you’ll need to get started are your KYC documents.
Now I know what you’re thinking. Right now, you’re asking yourself, “What in the world is a KYC document?” KYC stands for “Know Your Customer.” It’s a process meant to verify the identity of you and your business. This process applies to every single shipment traveling in and out of India. If they’re not provided, the shipment will be held in customs bond until these documents are provided by the shipper or consignee (whichever party is based in India).
Like with any shipping rule, there is a purpose behind it. This system was designed to offer you protection against financial fraud, identity theft, and money laundering. Depending on your situation, here’s the information you’ll need to provide as an individual, a minor, a foreign national, or as a business.
#1: You’re a Resident of India
If you’re an Indian resident shipping a non-document item to India, you’ll need to provide one of these proofs of identification and address:
- Aadhar Card: (A 12-digit identification number given by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI)
- This is made with biometric data (fingerprints/iris scans)
- Address/date of birth
- *PAN Card: (Permanent Account Number) issued by the income tax department. This is a 10-digit code.
- Required alongside all forms of payment
- Keeps track of financial activities
- Voter’s Identity Card: (10-digit code)
- Passport
- Driving License
- NREGA Card
- This is tied to the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, which is an employment law in India.
*A separate address proof document will be needed if you opt to use your PAN Card
If your delivery address differs from the address on your identification forms above, you’ll need to provide one of these documents as an additional proof of address. The address on the document needs to match your delivery address.
- Bank account statement
- Electricity bill
- Employee ID
- Hotel booking receipt
- LPG Connection receipt (connected to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas)
- Rent agreement
#2: You’re a Resident of India Under 18 Years of Age
If you’re a minor who is also an Indian resident shipping a non-document item to India, you’ll need to provide one of these proofs of identification and address.
- Aadhar Card of minor: (A 12-digit identification number given by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI)
- This is made with biometric data (fingerprints/iris scans)
- Address/date of birth
- PAN Card of minor: (Permanent Account Number) issued by the income tax department. This is a 10-digit code.
- Required alongside all forms of payment
- Keeps track of financial activities
- Passport of minor
- Birth Certificate of minor
*A separate address proof document will be needed if you opt to use your PAN Card
Your parent or guardian will need to provide one of these documents as proof of relationship:
- Aadhar Card of parent/guardian
- PAN Card of parent/guardian
- Passport of parent/guardian
If your delivery address differs from the address on your identification forms above, you’ll need to provide one of these documents as an additional proof of address. The address on this document needs to match your delivery address.
- Bank account statement
- Electricity bill
- Hotel booking receipt
- Hostel/College Identification Card
#3: You’re a Foreign National in India
As a non-resident, you naturally wouldn’t have the same forms of identification as a local. Here are the options you have available to ensure the successful delivery of a package to you while in India.
You will need two forms of identity in the case:
- Passport
- Visa/PIO (Person of Indian Origin) Card
You’ll also need one of these documents as a proof of address. This address needs to match your delivery address if you’re receiving a shipment in India.
- Address proof of relative/friend if staying with them
- Hotel booking receipt
- Rent agreement
- Stay visa
#4: You’re Part of a Business
If you’re a part of a sole proprietorship, a partnership, a corporation, or a trust foundation trying to ship something into India, this applies to you:
You will need:
- The IEC (Import/Export Code) for your business. If your organization is exempted, you’ll need to clarify that when finalizing your shipment through the DHL KYC website.
Plus one of the following:
- GST Certificate: (Goods and Services Tax) is an indirect tax in India. It includes the following under one tax scheme:
- Service tax
- Excise duty
- Entry tax
- Customs duty
- *PAN Card: (Permanent Account Number) issued by the income tax department. This is a 10-digit code
- Required alongside all forms of payment
- Keeps track of financial activities
You will also need one of the following as a proof of address:
- Bank account statement
- Electricity bill
- Telephone bill
- Rent agreement
Conclusion
Like any other country you’d trade with, paperwork is an important part of the process. If you want to know where you can easily upload these documents for a shipping, here’s a link so you can do so through DHL.
OptimalShip customer service is always ready to help you prepare your KYC and answer any questions you may have. You can reach us by phone or email from 7am-7pm (CST):
Phone: 972-383-9901
Email: customerservice@optimalship.com