Sending furniture from Dubai to India can be a daunting task, especially when you want to ensure your belongings arrive safely and cost-effectively. Sea cargo is often the best option for transporting furniture due to its affordability and suitability for bulky items. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about shipping furniture from Dubai to India using GSC Cargo’s sea freight services.

Why Choose Sea Cargo for Shipping Furniture?

When relocating or sending furniture to India, sea freight is the most practical choice because:

✅ Cost-Effective – Much cheaper than air freight, especially for large and heavy items.
✅ Ideal for Bulky Items – Perfect for sofas, beds, wardrobes, and dining sets.
✅ Safe for Long-Distance Shipping – Proper packing ensures furniture arrives undamaged.
✅ Flexible Options – Choose between Full Container Load (FCL) or Less than Container Load (LCL) based on your needs.

How to Ship Furniture from Dubai to India with GSC Cargo

 

Step 1: Decide Between FCL or LCL

 

1. Full Container Load (FCL) – Best for Large Shipments

 

Ideal if: You’re shipping an entire household or multiple large furniture pieces.

Container Sizes:

• 20ft Container → Fits a 2-3 bedroom apartment
• 40ft Container → Best for a 4-5 bedroom home

Benefits:

• No sharing space with other shipments
• Faster customs clearance
• More secure

2. Less than Container Load (LCL) – Best for Small Shipments

 

Ideal if: You’re shipping only a few furniture items.

• How It Works: Your furniture shares space with other shipments in a single container.

Benefits:

• Pay only for the space you use
• More affordable for small moves

Step 2: Prepare Your Furniture for Shipping

Proper packing is crucial to prevent damage during transit. Here’s how to prepare:

1. Disassemble Large Furniture

 

• Remove legs from tables, chairs, and beds.
• Dismantle wardrobes and shelves.

• Keep screws and small parts in labeled bags.

2. Wrap & Protect Each Piece

 

• Use bubble wrap, moving blankets, or foam to protect surfaces.
• Cover glass and mirrors with cardboard corners and stretch film.
• Secure drawers and doors with tape or straps to prevent opening.

3. Use Strong Packing Materials

 

• Wooden crates for fragile items (e.g., glass tabletops).
• Cardboard boxes for smaller parts.

• Waterproof wrapping to protect against humidity.

💡 Pro Tip: GSC Cargo offers professional packing services to ensure maximum safety.

Step 3: Choose Your Sea Freight Route

 

GSC Cargo offers weekly sailings from Jebel Ali Port (Dubai) to major Indian ports, including:

• Mumbai (JNPT) – Fastest route (12-15 days)
• Chennai – Good for South India (15-18 days)
• Mundra (Gujarat) – Best for North/West India

• Kolkata – Serves East India (18-22 days)

🚢 Transit Time: Typically 12-25 days, depending on the destination port.

Step 4: Understand Customs & Duties in India

 

Indian customs regulations require proper documentation for furniture imports. Here’s what you need:

Required Documents

✔ Passport Copy (for personal shipments)
✔ Packing List (item-wise details)
✔ Bill of Lading (provided by GSC Cargo)
✔ Invoice (for valuation)
✔ Customs Declaration Form

Import Duties & Taxes

 

• Used furniture: ~28% customs duty + GST (varies by item).

• New furniture: Higher duties may apply.

Note: Some antiques may require special permits.

💡 GSC Cargo’s customs experts handle all paperwork for a smooth clearance.

Step 5: Door-to-Door Delivery in India

Once your shipment arrives in India, GSC Cargo manages:

✅ Port clearance & customs
✅ Local transport to your home
✅ Unloading & reassembly (optional)

Delivery Options

• Port Pickup – Collect your furniture yourself (cheaper).

• Door Delivery – We bring it to your home (more convenient).

Cost of Shipping Furniture from Dubai to India

Prices vary based on:

• FCL vs. LCL
• Furniture volume & weight

• Customs duties

Estimated Costs (Sea Cargo)

💡 Get a free quote from GSC Cargo for exact pricing.

Why Choose GSC Cargo for Dubai to India Furniture Shipping?

✔ 15+ Years of Experience in UAE-India shipping
✔ Door-to-Door Service – No stress at customs
✔ Professional Packing – Avoid damage risks
✔ Affordable Rates – Best value for sea freight
✔ Real-Time Tracking – Know your shipment status

Final Tips for a Smooth Furniture Move

1. Book Early – Sea freight schedules fill up quickly.
2. Insure Your Shipment – Protect against rare damages.
3. Label Everything – Helps with reassembly in India.

4. Check Indian Import Rules – Some wood items need fumigation.

Need Help Shipping Furniture to India?

🚢 Contact GSC Cargo Today!

📌 Ready to ship? Contact GSC Cargo for a smooth relocation experience!