CONTENTS & PACKING
The details inside make the plan.
Whether you are travelling or sending something from home, describe the actual contents. Passenger baggage, personal gifts, new purchases and separately shipped goods can have different acceptance requirements. Official guidance checked 14 October 2026.
Name the items, not just the occasion.
Clothing, shoes, books and selected packed soft furnishings are useful personal-item categories to describe. State new purchases, hired items or commercial goods honestly. Labels such as gift, household box, wedding bag or personal effects do not identify every item or create acceptance.
Give the packing a separate check.
Explain the container and any fragile components. A suitcase, retail shopping bag or decorative box may need stronger external protection and internal support for transport. Ask about additional packing before accepting a quote; a home collection does not imply a packing crew or furniture removal.
Flag regulated and unusual contents.
Declare batteries, smart bags, electronics, perfume, aerosols, liquids, powders, medicines, food, flowers and temperature-sensitive items. Documents, specialist packing, exclusion or another service may be necessary. A gift hamper is not blanket approval for everything inside.
Discuss value and irreplaceable items.
High-risk valuables, artwork, antiques and important originals need separate review and may be outside the offered service. Keep travel essentials with you. Value declaration is not insurance, appraisal, authenticity verification or full-value compensation.
Expect lawful inspection and verification.
Supply approximate weight, packed size and value in good faith. PORTADOR verifies packed measurements and may inspect the consignment before, at or after collection. Locks, seals, retailer packaging and gift wrapping do not prevent authorised examination or remove the need for a declaration.
Use guidance for the actual movement.
Air India Cargo guidance assesses eligible personal and household goods subject to restrictions; IATA passenger exceptions do not grant separate-cargo acceptance. Overseas gifts and purchases need their own customs and carrier review. The team confirms the requirements for the actual route.
Can I send a small box of belongings without travelling?+
Request assessment with exact contents, packing, approximate weight and route. No flight is required, but every item still needs suitable acceptance and handling.
Does sealed retail or gift packaging avoid inspection?+
No. It does not establish contents, packing suitability or an exemption from authorised screening or customs examination.
Official references and service research · Checked 14 October 2026. Air India Cargo personal-effects guidance ↗ · IATA passenger dangerous-goods guidance ↗ · CBIC international courier regulations ↗