Finally managed to get it cleared from the clutches of the customs. After it landed in India on 25th Sept, nothing was known about its status. Online tracking site cried loudly, "Hey don't you see this is a Govt. website, WT* you are trying to do here". Then there's a message "You can call our hotline (in Govt. terms it means the line and the person calling, both will become hotter as it is never answered).
Today I went straight to the customs inspection office inside the Mumbai airport. Got the detention number and waited in a shanty which had a board, "No Bribing please". When I went inside, my immediate reaction was "Wow' there's no computer here!" I had a worry that they will be used to google information about the item. 1/4th of the worries cleared.
The item placed on officer's table was tagged as 'Computer Accessory". They had no doubts about the value of the item (2/4th of the worries cleared). When they opened it and asked me what it was. I explained in a language they wouldnt be able to understand. They took revenge and explained the customs policy in a language I could not understand. First they told that 41% duty is applicable, which I agreed to pay. Then they added Adjucation Fee of Rs. 5,500 which not only gave me a shock, it added the words "NEVER AGAIN IMPORT" in the ROM of my mind. :sad: Anything above Rs. 2000 value will attract this fee! Even if it is Rs. 2050. WT*. To prove it, they showed a notice which read customs, blah blah blah, detain blah blah, duty, blah blah.
I knew I must not argue, so kept MY tone very sympathetic. I pleaded them to waive it off or I will have to forgo the product. Finally they agreed and told to pay a duty of Rs. 494 when it is delivered at home. 3/4th of worries cleared.
But wait. This is India, isn't it? Yes it is. The peon who opened the parcel came running after me, "sir, hamare liye release charges kuch..".
If you are wondering what else is the worry, ofcourse Whether it will reach me or not
hyeah:
Today I went straight to the customs inspection office inside the Mumbai airport. Got the detention number and waited in a shanty which had a board, "No Bribing please". When I went inside, my immediate reaction was "Wow' there's no computer here!" I had a worry that they will be used to google information about the item. 1/4th of the worries cleared.
The item placed on officer's table was tagged as 'Computer Accessory". They had no doubts about the value of the item (2/4th of the worries cleared). When they opened it and asked me what it was. I explained in a language they wouldnt be able to understand. They took revenge and explained the customs policy in a language I could not understand. First they told that 41% duty is applicable, which I agreed to pay. Then they added Adjucation Fee of Rs. 5,500 which not only gave me a shock, it added the words "NEVER AGAIN IMPORT" in the ROM of my mind. :sad: Anything above Rs. 2000 value will attract this fee! Even if it is Rs. 2050. WT*. To prove it, they showed a notice which read customs, blah blah blah, detain blah blah, duty, blah blah.
I knew I must not argue, so kept MY tone very sympathetic. I pleaded them to waive it off or I will have to forgo the product. Finally they agreed and told to pay a duty of Rs. 494 when it is delivered at home. 3/4th of worries cleared.
But wait. This is India, isn't it? Yes it is. The peon who opened the parcel came running after me, "sir, hamare liye release charges kuch..".
If you are wondering what else is the worry, ofcourse Whether it will reach me or not
hyeah:
