Tips for importing TT decks

[reubensm]

Hi all, have been looking at some options as we speak, was wondering about customs duties, hence have a few questions:

1) Customs duty is applicable for any used TT import, assuming it is in it full assembled state with plinth. If the plinth is discarded and the chassis sent across with platter and tonearm, would it attract customs duty? Will badging it as spare parts being sent across or a refurbished deck been repaired and returned or perhaps a gift being sent across, help?

2) Customs duty is charged on cost of TT + shipping charges, how is the cost ascertained, do they have some kind of a reference chart or do they ask for the seller's invoice? What if the item is not sold and is just being shipped across on goodwill?

3) When the item lands, how do we come to know that the item is with customs, will someone call or do we have to approach with the shipping tracking details?

4) Can we just go in to the customs office and settle or do we have to go with bribes and agents?

Sorry for the dumb questions, just trying to ascertain if it would be better to ship or get someone to hand carry it. Also trying to weigh all this against local purchase options. Thanks in advance.

 

[ukjeyaraj]

Hi all, have been looking at some options as we speak, was wondering about customs duties, hence have a few questions:

1) Customs duty is applicable for any used TT import, assuming it is in it full assembled state with plinth. If the plinth is discarded and the chassis sent across with platter and tonearm, would it attract customs duty. Will badging it as spare parts being sent across or a refurbished deck been repaired and returned or perhaps a gift being sent across, help?

2) Customs duty is charged on cost of TT + shipping charges, how is the cost ascertained, do they have some kind of a reference chart or do they ask for the seller's invoice? What if the item is not sold and is just being shipped across on goodwill?

3) When the item lands, how do we come to know that the item is with customs, will someone call or do we have to approach with the shipping tracking details?

4) Can we just go in to the customs office and settle or do we have to go with bribes and agents?

Sorry for the dumb questions, just trying to ascertain if it would be better to ship or get someone to carry hand carry it. Also trying to weigh all this against local purchase options. Thanks in advance.

Would like to add one basic question. Hope you wont mind.

Whether used electronic items are permitted for import?

 

[sachu888]

Hi all, have been looking at some options as we speak, was wondering about customs duties, hence have a few questions:

1) Customs duty is applicable for any used TT import, assuming it is in it full assembled state with plinth. If the plinth is discarded and the chassis sent across with platter and tonearm, would it attract customs duty? Will badging it as spare parts being sent across or a refurbished deck been repaired and returned or perhaps a gift being sent across, help?

2) Customs duty is charged on cost of TT + shipping charges, how is the cost ascertained, do they have some kind of a reference chart or do they ask for the seller's invoice? What if the item is not sold and is just being shipped across on goodwill?

3) When the item lands, how do we come to know that the item is with customs, will someone call or do we have to approach with the shipping tracking details?

4) Can we just go in to the customs office and settle or do we have to go with bribes and agents?

Sorry for the dumb questions, just trying to ascertain if it would be better to ship or get someone to hand carry it. Also trying to weigh all this against local purchase options. Thanks in advance.

Hi,I have imported good no of Electronic equipment from abroad including two TTs,some of them were gifts.

1.Custom duty is applicable to all products whether new or used.Custom official will surely open a package if it is big,so please write a proper description.Mumbai custom people know TTs very well.You will need a import/Export Licence if item stated for repair.Please declare original purchase price.You can produce a Paypal invoice or CC statement if anything goes wrong.
2.As per rules Custom duty is calculated on total landing cost(Purchase price+shipping cost)but it depends on custom.
3.You can track your item here IPS Web Tracking/Item Tracking after landing to India.You don't need to contact customs.They will send you a letter if they foud some problem,else Foreign takes care of custom.
4.I never did this,but few Fms went custom office and get the items cleared by paying appropriate duty(not bribe).You can also hire CHA(Clearing house agent).

Import of used Electronics are banned in India and minimum fine is Rs 5k for that.Please ask seller not to write item condition new/used.My both TTs were labeled as Turntable(no used or new).Seller declared the original price (without shipping cost).Importing of anything involves risk and buyer should prepare to face custom hassle.

Regards,
Sachin

 

[arj]

Hi all, have been looking at some options as we speak, was wondering about customs duties, hence have a few questions:

1) Customs duty is applicable for any used TT import, assuming it is in it full assembled state with plinth. If the plinth is discarded and the chassis sent across with platter and tonearm, would it attract customs duty? Will badging it as spare parts being sent across or a refurbished deck been repaired and returned or perhaps a gift being sent across, help?

Actually used products are banned forimport. but if the value is small, always use DHL/FEdex etc rather than regular as although their shipping is higher, it makes up for in the above hassle + Speed of delivery.
As long as the product is Below 50Kg it is taken as a courier and will be cleared ASAP by the provider and they will collect the duty from you on the declared value + Shipping. always have the invoice sent with the shipment as then it is quick.
you can show it as a gift as well...then there may not be a value..but the customs officer could open it to assess it.

2) Customs duty is charged on cost of TT + shipping charges, how is the cost ascertained, do they have some kind of a reference chart or do they ask for the seller's invoice? What if the item is not sold and is just being shipped across on goodwill?

they usually have a history of this and a standard customs database which is online for them. they may check it with that.

for individual/personal shipments they generally dont bother

3) When the item lands, how do we come to know that the item is with customs, will someone call or do we have to approach with the shipping tracking details?

if you use DHL etc you can see it in tracking and they will call you. if you use EMS/regular post then they will send you a letter and askyou to meet the customs officer.

4) Can we just go in to the customs office and settle or do we have to go with bribes and agents?

Both are an option. for the value of what we buy, its better to go and settle directly

Sorry for the dumb questions, just trying to ascertain if it would be better to ship or get someone to hand carry it. Also trying to weigh all this against local purchase options. Thanks in advance.

depends on how well you know the person with TTs generally you should not have a problem..it si with large speakers/Electronics that problems could occur !

Would like to add one basic question. Hope you wont mind.

Whether used electronic items are permitted for import?

by law, its illegal and the fine could be higher than the duty..or so i hear !

 

[reubensm]

Wow, its very clear now

I am more used to carrying stuff. At Trivandrum airport, the customs officials tend to me more interested in people coming from Middle East countries and don't bother too much about people coming from the western world, even though they are travelling by Middle East connecting flights. Was just wondering what it would take from a shipping perspective as I have never tried this route before.

 

[jls001]

If you are travelling yourself, hand carrying it is a viable alternative. Even if you carry it yourself, it would be handy to be able to show some kind of an invoice to show to Customs. Others have mentioned it, but don't declare the good as used as importing used electronics goods is banned. Simply refrain from mentioning used/new.

 

[abhraneel]

Hi all, have been looking at some options as we speak, was wondering about customs duties, hence have a few questions:

1) Customs duty is applicable for any used TT import, assuming it is in it full assembled state with plinth. If the plinth is discarded and the chassis sent across with platter and tonearm, would it attract customs duty? Will badging it as spare parts being sent across or a refurbished deck been repaired and returned or perhaps a gift being sent across, help?

2) Customs duty is charged on cost of TT + shipping charges, how is the cost ascertained, do they have some kind of a reference chart or do they ask for the seller's invoice? What if the item is not sold and is just being shipped across on goodwill?

3) When the item lands, how do we come to know that the item is with customs, will someone call or do we have to approach with the shipping tracking details?

4) Can we just go in to the customs office and settle or do we have to go with bribes and agents?

Sorry for the dumb questions, just trying to ascertain if it would be better to ship or get someone to hand carry it. Also trying to weigh all this against local purchase options. Thanks in advance.

I have been following ebay.com religiously for used TTs and these are the questions that haunt me...thanks for posting them...

 

[dillihifi]

Though the shipping charges are exorbitant I find that shipping through borderlinx is very much hassle free. The goods are delivered to your doorstep. I have used it a no. of times as also some of the FMs who find it very convenient. However, it is to mention that sometimes the shipping + customs may be more than the original cost of the item itself.

 

[kuruvilajacob]

I don't know whether it's worth taking the risk importing TTs from abroad as too many risk factors are involved. I have sourced all my Hi end TTs from India and FM Shafic has been getting many good TTs from India. I think we need to dig deeper to get stuff from here than sourcing it from abroad considering the risk factors.

 

[arj]

I don't know whether it's worth taking the risk importing TTs from abroad as too many risk factors are involved. I have sourced all my Hi end TTs from India and FM Shafic has been getting many good TTs from India. I think we need to dig deeper to get stuff from here than sourcing it from abroad considering the risk factors.

My case is opposite. Except for my DAC and phono every single component including cables have been imported and have no problem doing it again in the future subject to forex fluctuations !
And I not talking of components which I had brought but now sold

So that's a range from small connectors to 80 kg speakers !

And overall my TT was cheaper than what was being sold here .

If you get something it is great but the option of getting from abroad is not as scary !

 

[shafic]

Good vintage TTs are becoming difficult to find at reasonable prices.After 301,1200,124, nowadays 75s are in demand.Every one is looking for L75.Sellers are becoming aware of this clamoring and prices have suddenly increased steeply.
Still good TTs are available here.One has to increase the sources and wait for the opportunity also decide up to what limit one wants to pay.
Currently I have two offers in my hand.One is a 401 and other is a TD 125, but i feel the asking price is unreasonable.So I am waiting.

 

[navinsinha]

Last week I had personal experience of interacting with the Customs and Foreign Post Office in Mumbai.
I had won on Ebay a set of SAE Mark XXX Pre-amp and Mark XXX1B Power Amp from a seller in Germany. It was shipped through the German post but was apparently carried by DHL since I could track it on their German website. Within a week almost, it came to India and after that I was tracking it on the postal department website. For 2 days it indicated "sent to Customs" and "for presentation to Commissioner of Customs". After 3 days, I went to Foreign PO and met the Customer Care centre. They advised me to meet the Customs guys, it was on Friday last week. I went to Customs and was told that my parcel is in the queue and was told to come on Saturday. I went again on the next day and met the Customs guys. My parcel was there at the appraisal table and was asked to show the proof of value as it had no invoice. I showed them the printout of Ebay auction result which they accepted and I was levied a duty of 41% on that value since used electronics are a "restricted item". But this was supposed to be audited by their auditors who were not around on a Saturday. I was told to come on Monday.
I went on Monday again around 11.30 but still it was not audited. But the customs person told me to obtain permission from the FPO for hand delivery, otherwise I would get delivery through my local post office. I was horrified to see the way the parcels were dumped around mercilessly and didn't want to take chance on further handling by them. I went to the FPO and obtained permission for hand delivery and gave it to the customs guy and requested him to keep it with him. Since I had a meeting, I asked him if I can come the next day. He agreed and told me to pay the duty next day and assured that audit would be done by that time.
I went next day again and the audit was done by that time. I paid the duty and collected the parcel.
Nobody asked for any money in the process. On my own, I paid 100 bucks to the peon who had helped me in keeping my parcel aside safely.

 

[arj]

Exactly why for electronics I don't mind paying extra dir DHL/fedex despite higher cost...risking losing the package is higher

 

[sachu888]

I think Govt Postal dept have taken over DHL in Germany.All the mails/parcels booked at German post office are handled by DHL.

Regards,
Sachin

 

[sann]

Exactly why for electronics I don't mind paying extra dir DHL/fedex despite higher cost...risking losing the package is higher

Ture for handling and delivery time, but still you are not relieved completely from the customs hassles.

 

[arj]

They do the clearance and get it home for you..there is a separate clearance for them.

 

[navinsinha]

Arj should be right. I did not see any DHL packet in the huge hall on any of the 3 days!

 

[sann]

They do the clearance and get it home for you..there is a separate clearance for them.

Correct, there is a courier cell of customs for items received from privet courier services, and these courier services have a team for clearance. However, I had to hire a CHA to get my TT cleared which came through DHL express.

I did not see any DHL packet in the huge hall on any of the 3 days!

That is because customs at FPO Mumbai at ballard estate, handles the items coming from standard air mail.
Items coming through EMS are handled at the office outside the international airport.
And, items coming from courier are handled at courier cell.

 

[reubensm]

I don't know whether it's worth taking the risk importing TTs from abroad as too many risk factors are involved. I have sourced all my Hi end TTs from India and FM Shafic has been getting many good TTs from India. I think we need to dig deeper to get stuff from here than sourcing it from abroad considering the risk factors.

An interesting aspect that I noticed is since of late, there are a lot of Lencos, Duals, Garrards and Technics turntables doing the rounds in the re-sale market in India at exorbitant prices. When I used to get into more detailed conversation with the sellers (usually re-sellers and not enthusiasts), most of them tend to relate to online purchases from ebay Germany and ebay UK. Earlier (till about 2 years back), I used to notice that these were sourced from the far east, predominantly Hong Kong. Sharing this just for trivia's sake.

 

[hildebrand]

I will share my experience on an e-bay purchase. I bought a worldband radio from a Hong Kong company on 25th September Night. They shipped it on 28th October by Hong Kong Post. Their site gave an update that it is pending in Customs on 1st October. I got the same update on 4th October and the update didn't change at all. I got a letter from the Customs Office on 19th. This letter was dated the 8th and I had been asked to reply within ten days. Interestingly this came by speed post and was marked as posted on the 18th. (so the date was theoretically already past). They had asked for invoice, manual and other details.
The seller had clearly written the price, what the item was and that it is a gift item.
Gift items are not meant to be had a duty if they cost less than 5000 (which it was labelled as). Also, shipping costs are not to be considered for calculating the duty as per the rules. The invoice a copy of which can be posted on top must clearly indicate the selling price. (If it doesn't mention the shipping it is best though. Customs officials are govt officials and with the huge volume incoming may not have so much time to think about this aspect).
I went to their office on 22nd afternoon. I was told to sit cordially. The incharge went through his register on seeing my letter and told me it is already cleared (with no other details). When I asked for the item I was told it will come by mail.
The next day when I was away, the parcel came home. The post office intimation said I am supposed to pay a custom duty amount which was 35% of the declared cost. (duty rate for most electronics is that). Apparently they had not accepted it being a gift. On paying the duty at the post office I was able to get the item.
They (customs) had opened the parcel and re-packaged it. (This they're supposed to do in presence of a postal employee to verify the contents).
So thats how I got my quite awaited radio nearly 25 days after ordering. With duty it cost me nearly 8000 while ebay.in was asking for 13000+. Overall, I think its a good idea to go for some purchases on ebay.com and other country sites than the indian counterpart. One must keep in mind the duty involved when considering buying.
One should of course avoid the used electronics as theoretically it is not allowed. If item is not locally available, one has to go for it. The best option is that someone carries the item with them as that has less hassles. But then asking a friend to bring such heavy items isn't easy either. Best to buy yourself on a trip