The Customs Duty thread

[gobble]

Hello Folks,
I was expecting a shipment to be classified under HSCODE 95062900 (water sports equipment) at 28% approx but Fedex calculated the duty on shipment classified under 9804 "since this is for individual". The duty on HSCODE 9804 was calculated at more than 38% IIRC and I ended up paying some 8000/- more than anticipated.

google says:

:
HS Codes of Heading 9804 : All dutiable articles, intended for personal use, imported by post or air, and exempted from any prohibition in respect of the imports thereof under the Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992 but excluding articles falling under heading 9803

Who is right?

 

[aeroash]

HS Codes of Heading 9804 : All dutiable articles, intended for personal use, imported by post or air, and exempted from any prohibition in respect of the imports thereof under the Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992 but excluding articles falling under heading 9803

This is correct for individual importers without IEC. If you import as a business with an IE Code you can get away with a lower prescribed duty.

 

[gobble]

This is correct for individual importers without IEC. If you import as a business with an IE Code you can get away with a lower prescribed duty.

So that means everyone here importing Hifi gear and all other stuff should also be paying duties under HSCODE 9804 only? What is the experience of fellow forum members here on this topic?

 

[gobble]

A lot of FMs have imported Hifi Gear here -anyone/no-one has a clue about this?

 

[arj]

I think in the past 1.5 years i have been levied around 40% for everything from cables to amplifiers .

 

[gobble]

found this thread where my post should gone earlier instead of a new thread: What Is Customs Duty ?

 

[sud98]

I remember being charged around 40% for most items that I have imported, whether from Amazon or Borderlinx or directly from a vendor like minidsp.

 

[ZzZzZ]

How to import a used product like DAC from US ?
Is there any way to save on customs duties on individual buying from individual ?

 

[krisna]

How to import a used product like DAC from US ?
Is there any way to save on customs duties on individual buying from individual ?

Well, this exactly is what I am looking for, a used dac from eBay. Customs duty? Or carry it as luggage?
ZzZzZz got any info?

 

[arj]

How to import a used product like DAC from US ?
Is there any way to save on customs duties on individual buying from individual ?

unless you handcarry it, no other way. if used it is banned else they will check the value from the net and charge on that

 

[keith_correa]

This is the second thread that I've seen "handcarry" used as a silver bullet to save customs duty. What am I missing???

 

[Kannan]

Recently I recd headphones as replacement under warranty from China and the shipment was handled by FedEx. Had to exchange a few emails and the original purchase invoice before the custom officials accepted, but still I was charged duty of around 8% on my original purchase invoice value.

 

[arj]

This is the second thread that I've seen "handcarry" used as a silver bullet to save customs duty. What am I missing???

There is a 50k limit if you handcarry back...so duty only on above that

 

[spanchal]

How to import a used product like DAC from US ?
Is there any way to save on customs duties on individual buying from individual ?

IF You know someone in customs department then it is possible sometimes they ask how much you are willing to pay

 

[keith_correa]

There is a 50k limit if you handcarry back...so duty only on above that

I don't think this is a blanket limit. There are conditions to be satisfied. And the limits vary depending on those conditions. And the type of items that are allowed also vary.

 

[sud98]

I don't think this is a blanket limit. There are conditions to be satisfied. And the limits vary depending on those conditions. And the type of items that are allowed also vary.

Arriving Passengers
1. What are the Duty Free Allowances and entitlements on arrival?
Ans. The Duty Free Allowances and entitlements are as follows:
I. On arrival from countries other than Nepal, Bhutan or Myanmar:
A. Indian Residents and foreigners residing in India:
(a) used personal effects and travel souvenirs;
(b) articles up to the value of Rs.50,000 carried on person or accompanied baggage, excluding the following: 1. Fire arms. Page 4 of 19 2. Cartridges of fire arms exceeding 50. 3. Cigarettes exceeding 100 sticks or cigars exceeding 25 or tobacco exceeding 125 gms. 4. Alcoholic liquor or wines in excess of two litres. 5. Gold or silver in any form other than ornaments. 6. Flat Panel (Liquid Crystal Display/Light-Emitting Diode/ Plasma) television.

From the official customs guide

https://www.cbic.gov.in/resources/htdocs-cbec/guide_for_travellers/GUIDE_FOR_TRAVELLERS_v5.pdf

Handcarry is not necessary although its generally less suspicious.

 

[keith_correa]

That's a glossed over and oversimplified version. The full monty is here: https://www.cbic.gov.in/htdocs-cbec/customs/cs-act/formatted-htmls/cs-rules-idx

 

[arj]

I don't think this is a blanket limit. There are conditions to be satisfied. And the limits vary depending on those conditions. And the type of items that are allowed also vary.

does a DAC fall in this ? i know of folks who have carried Audio and Photo equipment ..even a cycle in Mumbai/ Bangalore with no questions asked.

 

[sud98]

I have carried a projector, a BD player and even a subwoofer in separate trips so a dac should be no problem.

 

[keith_correa]

does a DAC fall in this ? i know of folks who have carried Audio and Photo equipment ..even a cycle in Mumbai/ Bangalore with no questions asked.

I've learnt one definite fact after living in India for all these years - despite rules/laws etc, most regulations here can be worked your way depending on:
a. The roll of the dice by a higher being.
b. The ability to grease palms.