What is volumetric weight?

Volumetric weight is calculated as: length (cm) × width (cm) × height (cm) ÷ 5000. The higher of actual weight or volumetric weight is used for billing.

What items cannot be shipped?

Prohibited items include: antiques over ₹25,000, cash, firearms, hazardous materials, live animals, illegal substances, jewelry over ₹25,000, perishables, and tobacco products.

How do I pack my items safely for shipping?

Use strong boxes, cushioning materials, and secure sealing. Label fragile items clearly and avoid overpacking.

Are there customs duties for international shipments?

Yes, customs duties may apply depending on the destination country's regulations. Patka Impex provides guidance on expected duties for international shipments.

Help & Advice | Patka Impex Courier Service Guide | Shipping Tips & Packing Advice

Packing & Shipping Advice

Understanding weight calculations and proper packing techniques can save you money and ensure your items arrive safely. Follow these guidelines for optimal shipping results.

Weight Considerations in Freight

There are 2 kinds of weight considered in freight shipping:

Actual Weight

The physical weight of your package as measured on a scale.

Volumetric Weight

Calculated based on package dimensions to account for space it occupies.

Important Note

The higher of the two weights is used for billing purposes. This means even if your package is light but large, you may be charged based on its volumetric weight.

Volumetric Weight Formula

length (cm) × width (cm) × height (cm) ÷ 5000

Example Calculation: A package measuring 40cm × 30cm × 50cm would have a volumetric weight of:

40 × 30 × 50 ÷ 5000 = 12kg (volumetric weight)

Money-Saving Packing Tips

Use the smallest possible box that safely fits your items
Compress and pack items tightly to minimize empty space
Use bubble wrap or packing paper for fragile items
Remove unnecessary packaging from new items
Seal all edges with quality packing tape

What You Can Send

We accept a wide variety of items for both domestic and international shipping. Here are some commonly shipped items:

Documents & Certificates
Mobile Phones & Tablets
Cameras & Lenses
Clothing & Textiles
Fabric & Materials
Footwear & Shoes
Photographs & Albums
Passports & IDs
DVDs & Media
Computers & Laptops
Books & Magazines
Small Electronics
Cosmetics (non-hazardous)
Medications (with prescription)
Gifts & Souvenirs

What You Can't Send

The following items are strictly prohibited and cannot be shipped through our courier services:

Antiques valued over ₹25,000
Cash, currency, or bullion
Firearms, ammunition, or explosives
Hazardous materials (perfumes, aerosols, chemicals)
Live animals or human remains
Illegal substances or narcotics
Jewelry or watches over ₹25,000
Multiple laptops or large batteries
Perishables requiring refrigeration
Pornographic or obscene material
Tobacco or loose tobacco products
Weapons or martial arts equipment
Flammable liquids or gases
High-value art without declaration

Important Notice

Shipping prohibited items may result in seizure by customs, legal action, and permanent account suspension. Always declare the true contents and value of your shipment.

Customs Duty & Taxes

Understanding customs duties is crucial for international shipping. Here's what you need to know:

Our prices exclude customs duty and taxes - These are additional charges determined by the destination country
Duties are paid by the receiver upon delivery in the destination country
Duty rates vary by country - Typically ranging from 20% to 30% of the declared value
No courier service can guarantee duty fees - These are set by government authorities
Proper declaration is essential - Under-declaration may result in penalties

Duty Estimation Tool

You can estimate potential customs duties using online calculators. We recommend:

SimplyDuty.com Calculator

Estimate your potential customs duties using this reliable tool:

Visit SimplyDuty.com

For country-specific customs guidance, please refer to our detailed country information sections or contact our customer support team.

Help & Shipping Advice