Feb 6, 2008

Site Map : Indian Government Customs & Baggage Law

Import regulations by India Customs


Mumbai Airport
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Temporary Banned Items by Indian Customs

From time to time Indian Customs ban certain item due to security reasons

Recently 6,000 toy helicopters confiscated from passengers over the last two years.

The Ministry of Communication and IT had instructed the airport Customs department in 2010 to seize high frequency radio-controlled toy helicopters owing to security reasons. Customs authorities, however, were not given guidelines on the disposal of the same and are now facing a space crunch in their warehouses.

Restrictions have been imposed on the import of aero models that run on high radio bandwidths because of their possible interference with the communication networks of security agencies.

Intelligence agencies suggested a ban on such toys and the Ministry of Communication and IT issued a notification on September 16, 2010 (a copy of which is with SMD) and the Customs department was asked to confiscate all such imports. The ministry issued another letter on October 5, 2010 in which it cleared which frequencies were to be permitted.
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Is it a good idea to take Game Console to India ??

xBox, PS3 or Wii

After paying indian customs ... it will turn out cheaper in India

Some consoles are region specific & doesn’t come with international warranty & moreover the games which are available in India will not work with some console because of the regional differences

Most US / European consoles work on 110 volts and if you accidently plug it into 220/240 ............ and its really costly to sent it all the way to US/ Europe for repair ...... it would too long be a period and you might end up paying whole lot.


Buy Step Down Converter
220 to 110 volts voltage converter, voltage transformer, international converter, voltage transformer


If you ship it using a Carrier
Using a carrier like DHL/Fedex/UPS will get your items through customs without any hassle, only that you'll have to pay duty.
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Taking LCD TV to India : Indian Custom Duty on LCD TV

Can anyone confirm how much duty will be applicable on an lcd tv ?

The goods over and above the free allowances of 25K (which includes electronics and jewellery - excluding one laptop) shall be chargeable at more then 35% customs duty - you need to pay duty on anything exceeding 25K

Too many people are asking what K stands for ?
K stands for thousand
Example 25K means 25 x 1000 = 25000


If you take it when you Return to India for Good, you will pay only 15% duty under Transfer of Residence

Example
Lets say you bought a TV costing 35000 Indian Rupees and you have other Rs 10000 worth of duty items (excluding one laptop) So total Cost will be 35K + 10K = 45K. Out of this 25K is free allowances each person so you will end up paying duty on 20K

Allowances cannot be pooled, even among family members.

Reciepts / Bills / Invoice ?
Always it is good to have receipts ready or you will end up paying customs duty for somewhat arbitrary value for the TV, fixed by the india customs

The duty is assessed on the "value" of the goods rather than the figure that may be written on any "invoice" produced by the importer. Customs have a database which is used to assess the value so underdeclaring value to avoid duty doesn't work anymore.

Do not try to bribe a customs officer to avoid the duty.
The penalties for being caught initiating a bribe are quite significant and unpleasant nowadays. You will have to tackle Indian customs on your own and if you have the knack and know how to deal with them, you can get away easily, else, you pay through your nose.

Voltage and Frequency differences
Indian power voltage is 240 volts while the United States has 115 volts ... you may need voltage converter and a plug adapter

Which brand/model will work in India?
I want to buy a TV only after I am sure that it will work there.

The Digital broadcast standard selected by India is DVB-T while that in the U.S., it's ATSC. Analogue standards (PAl and NTSC) are incompatible too. Make sure the USA bought TV will work in India.


LCD TVs prices in India are very expensive compared to US.

My parents are visiting us in the US right now. They want to take a 32" LCD TV back to India....... Is it Worth It ?

Some models of the TV's and Blue Ray Players now are multi Region (NTSC/ATSC/PAL/QAM)

When You use a SET-UP Box with HDMI Output (Reliance Big TV / SUN Direct / Airtel) you don't have to worry about PAL / NTSC cause they all relay DIGITAL Signal.

If you're planning to use this "LCD TV" as a computer monitor, then you can consider taking it to India.

Airlines will not charge anything additional, other than what they charge for an extra box/package as shipped with your baggage. (airlines cover it if its lost and not if it is broken)

You get good LCD TVs in India which will work with Indian PAL standard and 240 volts and you'll get local warranty as well as support too.


Is It Risky To Carry A LCD TV In Airline Luggage? Can It Be Damaged?
It can be risky! You can request that they label it fragile upon checking the item it. This does not guarantee it will arrive unharmed.

They may not allow you to check it in once you share its contents.

Should they allow, it still must meet the airline’s baggage requirements.

Most, if not all airlines, restrict baggage weight and size.

Baggage over 70lbs are restricted and if allowed you will be charged a set amount.

They also have restrictions based on length and height.


Transport LCD TV
The absolute best way to transport an LCD TV is in the original box with the original styrofoam forms that protected it - If its in the original packing, it should be able to survive the journey

Assuming you can't do that, your best bet is to pack it as firmly as possible around the back, sides, and only the frame in front. Have nothing pressing on the screen itself.

You get good LCD TVs in India which will work with Indian standard and 240 volts and you'll get local warranty as well as support too.

There is no point in buying in US and taking it to India. Simply too many hassles.

We get so many postings that unfortunately, it will not be possible to respond to you individually.
Posted by at 57 comments

India Custom Duty on Alcoholic Beverages

India Custom Duty on Alcoholic Beverages
Red Label Johnnie Walker / Chivas Regal

Free Allowance on Alcoholic drinks

How many liquor bottles allowed to carry from abroad ?

Alcoholic liquor or wines upto 2 litres can be bought without paying duty

Alcoholic drinks and Tobacco products imported in excess of the free allowance are charged to duty at the rates applicable to their commercial imports and not at the usual baggage duty rate.

The approximate rates of duty for these items:

Wine/Beer/Champagne upto USD $25 per case* :- 260.6% of the CIF value.
Whisky/Cognac/Brandy/Gin/Rum/Vodka - upto USD $ 10 per case* : 547% of the CIF value.
over USD $10 to $20 per case* : 416.12% of the CIF value.

Wine/Beer/Champagne over USD $25 and upto $40 per case* :- 208.06% of the CIF value.
Whisky/Cognac/Brandy/Gin/Rum/Vodka - over USD $20 to $40 per case* : 286.34% of the CIF value.

Alcoholic Drinks over USD $40 per case* :
Wine/Beer/Champagne - 146.26% of the CIF value.
Whisky/Cognac/Brandy/Gin/Rum/Vodka - 234.84% of the CIF value.

* 1 case = 9 litre. Pro-rata calculation to be made to determine value where the beverage comes in packages other than cases.

Looks like Indian Liquor Lobby is very Powerful
Posted by at 12 comments

Jan 16, 2008

India Custom's Tariff

Baggage Definition The term "Baggage" is defined as "Baggage that includes unaccompanied baggage but does not include motor vehicles". A passenger (tourist) is required to comply with certain provisions of the Indian Customs Law. The owner of any baggage shall, for the purpose of clearing it make a declaration of its contents to the customs officer (no written declaration is needed and oral declaration is usually acceptable).

The rate of duty and tariff valuation, if any, applicable to the baggage shall be the rate and valuation in force on the date, on which a declaration is made in respect of such baggage. In respect of the goods personally brought in by the passengers it means approximately the retail price of the goods paid abroad (always carry the original invoice/bill to settle the disputes).
A tourist is a passenger....
  • Who is not normally a resident in India.
  • Who enters India for a stay of not more than six months in the course of any twelve months period for legitimate non-immigrant purposes, such as - touring, recreation, sports, health, family reasons, study, religious pilgrimage or business.




The prerequisites for treating any articles or goods as baggage is that they were in use of the passenger or were brought and paid for by the passenger.

Personal and household effects are treated as baggage and can be imported freely without any restriction as to the value of the goods. However they should be imported in reasonable quantities. Goods in commercial quantities may be allowed to be imported as baggage based on the merits of the case.

India is making a concerted effort to make the airport experience a better one than historically; this includes attempting to make immigration/emigration and customs procedures simpler and more friendly.

Check Thokalath.com's Baggage Rules : India Tariffs for more Information
Posted by at 62 comments

Customs Website

Central Board of Excise and Customs website






Commissionerates :
  • Central Excise, Ahmedabad-I

  • Central Excise Bangalore

  • Customs Commissionerate - Ahmedabad

  • Customs -Bangalore

  • Customs and Central Excise Commissionerate - Bhubaneswar

  • Central Excise & Customs - Calicut

  • Commissionerates of Chennai-I / Chennai-II / Chennai-III

  • Customs - Chennai

  • Cochin Central Excise Commissionerate

  • Customs - Cochin

  • Central Excise - Delhi Zone

  • Central Excise - Dibrugarh

  • Customs - Hyderabad

  • Indian Customs at IGI Airport, New Delhi

  • Customs and Central Excise Commissionerate - Jammu & Kashmir

  • Commissionerate of Customs (Preventive) - Jamnagar

  • Commissionerate of Central Excise - Kanpur

  • Customs - Kolkata

  • Air cargo, Sahar, Mumbai

  • Customs - Jawahar Customs House, Mumbai

  • Customs - Mumbai

  • Central Excise - Mysore

  • Central Excise - Nagpur

  • Central Excise Commissionerate - Puducherry

  • Customs - Pune

  • Central Excise Commissionerate - Shillong

  • Central Excise Commissionerate - Surat-I

  • Customs - Tuticorin

  • Central Excise Commissionerate - Vadodara-II

  • Custom House - Visakhapatnam

    • Posted by at 19 comments

    Registering a complaint : vigilance


    "Indian Customs Officers are masters in intepreting rules, regulations, circulars, notices etc according to their wills & fancies to harass individuals"

    The Directorate General of Vigilance is an attached office of the Central Board of Excise & Customs (CBEC) in the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, Govt. of India. It is headed by the Director General of Vigilance who is also the Chief Vigilance Officer of the Central Board of Excise & Customs.

    If you have ever paid a Bribe >> Please Post it at I Paid a Bribe


    For dealing with complaints against corrupt practices by officers, the customs department has a separate vigilance organisation headed by the Directorate General of Vigilance. Any complaints of corruption against the officer can be logged with the D.G. Vigilance at New Delhi or the Zonal units of the Directorate of Vigilance.

    In real life things are little different, 99% of the airport custom agents are corrupt Bribe Rates for Delhi Customs & Excise

    Mumbai customs is notorious for having people asking for bribes or to help you "cut through the line"

    The problem of people trying to bypass customs and customs officials harassing people arises because the people are not aware about the rules. The Indian customs officials use that to their advantage.

    Grievances can primarily be divided into three categories:
    • Complaints of corrupt practices against officers
    • Delay in decision making by officers.
    • Grievances against merits of the decision taken by officers.

    How can you file a complaint?


    Here is a link to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO)
      Please send a Email to the PM of India [ Best Way to get your Voices Heard ]

      Insider Sources say that Letters to PMO are making the biggest impact You wil not get a Response from PMO but is making a very big difference ...


    Central Vigilance Commission
    As long as you are complying with the provisions of the law there is nothing to fear. In the event of any harassment by any officer, you may immediately contact the senior most officers on duty, usually the Deputy Commissioner of Customs. In case of demands for illegal gratification/graft, there are explicit directions/Notices at every airport on whom to contact???


    About Indian Custom Officer
    Abrasive, arrogant, bloated, callous, cold, complex, corrupt, discourteous, heartless, inefficient, insensitive, lethargic, mindless, negative, obstructive, opaque, oppressive, ponderous, rude, wasteful, wooden
    Posted by at 19 comments

    Prohibited and Restricted Goods


    India Customs Prohibited Items

    The term “Prohibited Goods” has been defined in sub-section 33 of Section 2 of the Customs Act as meaning “any goods the import or export of which is subject to any prohibition under the Customs Act or any other law for the time being in force”

    Taking LCD TV to India : Indian Custom Duty on LCD TV

    Toy Helicopters Ban
    Recently 6,000 toy helicopters confiscated from passengers over the last two years.

    Import and export of some specified goods may be restricted/ prohibited under other laws such as Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, Foreign Trade Policy Environment Protection Act, Wild Life Act, Indian Trade and Merchandise Marks Act, Arms Act, etc. Prohibition under those acts will also apply to the penal provisions of the Customs Act, rendering such goods liable to confiscation under section 111(d) of the Customs Act (for import) and 113 (d) of the Customs Act (for export).


    Export of most species of wild life and articles made from flora and fauna such as Ivory, Musk, Reptile skins, Furs, Shahtoosh etc. is prohibited. For any clarifications passenger should approach the Regional Deputy Director (Wildlife Preservation) Govt. of India or the Chief Wildlife Wardens of State Governments posted at Calcutta, Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai.

    Prohibition on Export of Indian coins :-
    No person shall take or send out of India the Indian coins which are covered by the Antique and Art Treasure Act, 1972.

    Prohibition on export and import of foreign currency :-
    Except as otherwise provided in these regulations, no person shall, without the general or special permission of the Reserve Bank, export or send out of India, or import or bring into India, any foreign currency.

    A Prohibited items:
    • Pornographic and obscene materials
    • Maps and literature where Indian external boundaries have been shown incorrectly.
    • Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances.
    • Counterfeit goods and goods violating any of the legally enforceable intellectual property right
    • Chemicals mentioned in Schedule 1 to the Chemical Weapons Convention of U.N. 1993.


    Wild life products
      Specified Live birds and animals
      Wild animals, their parts and products
      Exotic birds except a few specified ones
      Beef, tallow, fat/ oil of animal origin.
      Specified Sea-shells
      Human skeleton

    B Restricted items:

    • Telephone and Telephony equipments of restricted frequencies.
    • Arms and ammunition.
    • Certain plants and their produce, Seeds
    • Medicines and drugs
    • Certain Animals – Camel, Horses, Cattle
    • Semi processed hides and skins
    • Silk worms, silk worm seeds and cocoons
    • Family Planning Devices (NOC from Ministry of Health Reqd)
    • Vintage products, replicas of antiques or weapons
    • Sand and soil
    • Whole human blood plasma and certain products derived from human blood.
    • Sandal-wood (except handicraft products & oil)

    Whenever planning to bring or take any unusual item please enquire about its permissibility for export or import before undertaking the journey. It’s a smart move to do so from both ports, exit and destination so that to ensure that you are inconformity with laws of both countries.

    Export and import of currency to or from Nepal and Bhutan :-

    Notwithstanding anything contained in these regulations, a person may –

    • take or send out of India to Nepal or Bhutan, currency notes of Government of India and Reserve Bank of India notes (other than notes of denominations of above Rs.100 in either case) ;
    • bring into India from Nepal or Bhutan, currency notes of Government of India and Reserve Bank of India notes (other than notes of denominations of above Rs.100 in either case) ;
    • take out of India to Nepal or Bhutan, or bring into India from Nepal or Bhutan, currency notes being the currency of Nepal or Bhutan.
    Posted by at 80 comments

    Frequently Asked Questions Faqs

    India Customs Baggage Rules FAQs

    I got a High End Camcorder in a very reduced price in a sale & have original bills! What price will be considered while calculating my total carrying into India ?

      If you can produce sufficient evidences like invoice, price list at sale etc. the value declared by you will be accepted.

      The Indian Customs will have the approximate value of popular Items (make/brands). You can also get a copy of the manufacturers brochure/printed pricelist of the item, from any dealer and that can be shown to Customs


    What is the Duty on laptops?

      According to the new rules, a person of 18 years of age can get a laptop to India duty free as a part of baggage >> Read Laptop Rules for more Info


    With respect to valuation of goods do Customs consider the price before tax or after tax?

      Customs Duty is imposed on the actual amount paid abroad for an item, inclusive of any tax.

      All tax imposed by authorities abroad are considered if you have paid the tax along with the price. In cases like items purchased from duty free shops abroad, the buyer does not pay the tax or pay lesser tax. So the price considered here include no tax or less tax in those cases. In short, customs duty is imposed on the actual amount paid abroad for an item, inclusive of any tax.
    Can free allowances of two or more passengers be added up (pooled or combined) to bring more goods duty free or pay lesser duty ?
      Absolutely not!
      This is a question frequently asked by passengers travelling with family or by passengers travelling in groups.

      Example :
      Say, for example, husband and wife are travelling together and each of them get Rs.25000 free allowance.

      Suppose, a TV worth Rs.30000 is being brought. The TV can be declared in the name of one passenger only - either the husband or wife but not both. The person who declares the item has to pay duty on Rs.5000, which is the excess value over his/her duty free allowance, although the husband and wife can bring a total of Rs.50000 worth goods free of duty separately.

      On the other hand, say, a handycam worth Rs.25000 is declared by the husband and a music system also worth Rs.25000 is declared by the wife. Then both the items can be cleared duty free as these belong to the baggage of different persons. Had the husband declared both the items as his baggage, he would have to pay duty on Rs.25000 - the amount by which his duty free allowance would exceed. So far as free allowance is considered, each passenger is considered to be travelling separately with his/her own baggage and their duty is assessed on an individual basis, not on the basis of a group or a family.

    What is Excise Duty?
    Is it collected by the State Government or the Central Government in India?
    How is it different from Sales Tax?

      Excise duty is a tax on manufacture or production of goods. Excise duty on alcohol, alcoholic preparations, and narcotic substances is collected by the State Government and is called "State Excise" duty. The Excise duty on rest of goods is called "Central Excise" duty and is collected in terms of Section 3 of the Central Excise Act, 1944. Sales Tax is different from the Excise duty as former is a tax on the act of sale while the latter is a tax on the act of manufacture or production of goods.

    What are the Indian Customs Restictions on Prescription Medicine ?
    There is no difficulty in Customs clearance, as long as the medicines are in quantities sufficient for his consumption and as long as he has the necessary prescriptions/ Doctors certificate

    Is There any Duty on Computer Software or Software Games ?
    Computer software does not attract duty presently     and may change

    Do used mobile phone handsets also attract customs duty?
    Used mobile phone sets also attract duty. However, you can have the benefit of depreciation on the value on which you pay duty in case of old & used items.

    Can goods be kept in the temporary custody of Customs?
    Yes. Goods can be kept in the safe custody of Customs against a Detention Receipt.

    Are there any Special Restiction on Food Items ?
    Example :
    I have special dietary needs and would like to take some frozen chicken and meat meals for my personal use during my stay.

    The Indian Customs will allow you to clear food items etc if they are imported for your own personal use during your stay in India.

      Examples of some situations when goods may be kept in the custody of Customs :
    • Passenger does not have sufficient money to pay duty and/or other dues on the goods at that moment.
    • Passenger does not have sufficient foreign currency to pay duty on items on which duty is payable in convertible foreign exchange.
    • Passenger does not want to take the item along with him into India but intends to return with the goods when leaving India.
    • Passenger disputes the valuation/duty determined by Customs and intends to appeal against the decision to higher authorities.
    • The goods are prohibited goods and the passenger has declared the items to Customs authorities. However, not all prohibited items can be kept in the safe custody in this manner. Items like Narcotic Drugs, explosives etc. are liable to seizure/confiscation.

    How the CIF Value arrived in case of Imports of goods by Air on FOB Basis ?
    The duty is always calculated on C.I.F. In case the actual insurance/freight are not available, the Customs Act provides for levy of a notional freight and insurance


    If, for any reason the passenger is not able to collect the article at the time of leaving India, the article may be returned to him/her through any other passenger authorised by him/her and leaving India or as cargo consigned in his/her name. Similarly, dutiable goods which passengers desire to clear subsequently, may also be detained temporarily for clearance on payment of duty and/or fine and other dues. Unclaimed packages found in the Baggage Hall and handed over by airlines will similarly be received by the officer in charge of detained baggages for safe custody.
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