Indian in Saudi Arabia· 2 min read
ATITHI Export Certificate: A Guide for Indians in Saudi Arabia
India’s ATITHI Export Certificate (Form CBD-III) records valuable personal articles that a passenger takes out of India and intends to bring back. It helps establish on return that the listed articles were previously taken out of India and were not newly purchased abroad.
Do Saudi-based Indians need it?
It is not required for an ordinary trip from Saudi Arabia to India.
It is relevant when your journey is:
India → Saudi Arabia → India
Consider applying if you leave India with valuable, identifiable personal items such as:
- Gold or other valuable jewellery
- Luxury watches
- Professional cameras and lenses
- Musical instruments
- Specialised professional equipment
- Other high-value articles with serial numbers or identifying marks
The certificate is optional but recommended for valuable personal articles intended for re-importation into India. It is not meant for commercial goods.
How to apply
- Register or sign in at the official ATITHI portal.
- Select Export Certificate.
- Enter passport, contact and flight details.
- Add each article’s description, identifying details, estimated value and photograph.
- Include invoice details when available.
- Save the application.
- At the Indian departure airport, present the application and physical articles at the Customs Departure Counter.
Online submission alone does not complete the process. A Customs officer must verify the articles before issuing the certificate.
Validity
The certificate remains valid until:
- The passenger’s first return to India; or
- Six months from issuance,
whichever is earlier. The CBIC traveller guide states that it cannot be extended beyond six months.
Important distinction
An Export Certificate does not provide a duty-free allowance for gold or jewellery newly purchased in Saudi Arabia. Newly acquired goods brought into India remain subject to the applicable baggage and customs rules.
Sources
- ATITHI 2.0 official portal
- CBIC Guide for International Travellers
- ATITHI International Passenger User Manual
Disclaimer: This article provides general information. Customs rules and procedures may change. Verify current requirements with CBIC or Indian Customs before travelling.
