Documents Required for International Courier from India: KYC, Invoice and Declaration
Updated 14 November 2026 by the Speedboxs team, Andheri East, Mumbai.
Every international parcel that leaves India by courier goes through Indian Customs, and Customs asks the courier to check who the sender is. That check is called KYC (Know Your Customer). The good news: for a personal parcel you usually need just one ID document and a simple list of what is inside. Here is exactly what to keep ready, for personal and business shipments.
Personal parcels: what you need
| Document | Why it is needed | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| One photo ID: Aadhaar, passport, PAN, voter ID or driving licence | KYC check required by Indian Customs for every courier export | One document is enough. If it does not show your current address (PAN, for example), your pickup address is recorded instead. |
| List of contents and values (invoice or declaration) | Customs in India and abroad need to know what is inside and what it is worth | We fill this in with you at pickup. Write "gift" for personal gifts. |
| Receiver's full address and phone number | For delivery and for the destination country's customs | Include the postcode or ZIP code and a phone number with the country code. |
| Authorisation to the courier | Lets the authorised courier file the customs paperwork for you | A short signed letter; we help you fill it in at pickup. |
Since 2018, Indian Customs has said that for an individual sending by courier, Aadhaar, passport, PAN or voter ID is enough for KYC, and couriers should not insist on extra documents beyond those prescribed. Keep a clear photo or photocopy ready on your phone.
Business and commercial shipments
- GSTIN: for a firm or company registered under GST, the GSTIN is enough for KYC.
- Commercial invoice: with the buyer, goods description, HS code where known, quantity and value.
- IEC (Import Export Code): needed for commercial exports.
- AD code registered on ICEGATE: needed to receive export payments through your bank.
- Extra papers for some goods: for example, food, medicines, cosmetics and items under special rules. Tell us what you are sending and we will tell you what is needed.
Samples, documents and small personal-use items from a business can often go as non-commercial. Ask us before you book, as the paperwork affects the price and the delivery time.
Extra documents some countries ask for
- USA: branded and packaged food needs an FDA prior notice, which we arrange. Read the USA guide.
- Medicines: usually a copy of the prescription and the bill, and only personal-use quantities. Rules differ a lot by country, so check with us first.
- Documents and certificates: no KYC extras, but write "documents" clearly on the declaration.
Common document mistakes that delay parcels
- Blurred or cut-off ID copy. Send a clear photo showing all four corners.
- Vague contents like "personal items" or "gift box". List each item: "2 cotton kurtas, 1 kg dry sweets".
- Wrong or low values. Under-declaring is the top reason for customs holds.
- Missing receiver phone number. Customs and the delivery driver abroad need it.
- Someone else's ID. KYC must match the person who is actually sending the parcel.
Send your parcel with the right paperwork
- WhatsApp a photo of your IDAlong with the country and what you are sending.
- Free pickup in MumbaiWe collect at a time that suits you.
- Paperwork done at your doorWe fill in the declaration with you while we pack.
- Tracked to deliveryFollow the parcel until it reaches the receiver.
Next: see how international courier charges are worked out, or read the country guide for USA, UK, Canada, Australia and Dubai (UAE).
Frequently asked questions
Checked in November 2026. Sources: CBIC Circular 9/2010-Customs, as amended by Circulars 7/2015, 13/2016 and 2/2018 (KYC for courier imports and exports); courier-mode KYC FAQ. Rules can change; we confirm current requirements when you book.
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