Import/Custom/Tracking status

[theredcommando]

Import/Custom/Buying from abroad tracking status

Hi all,
First of all, a question -

I have ordered an amp from Hongkong vendor through ebay. It was shipped on 17 from HK. Then on 24 july, it was handed over to customs. Now the tracking site shows -
7/17/2012 1:45:00 PM HONG KONG Receive item from customer (Otb)
7/18/2012 5:05:00 PM HONG KONG HONG KONG AIR MAIL CENTRE Insert item into bag (Otb)
7/19/2012 3:21:00 PM INDIA MUMBAI AIR Receive item at office of exchange (Inb)
7/19/2012 4:15:00 PM INDIA MUMBAI AIR Send item to domestic location (Inb)
7/23/2012 3:05:00 PM INDIA MUMBAI FOREIGN POST OFFICE Update item (Inb)
7/24/2012 3:45:00 PM INDIA MUMBAI FOREIGN POST OFFICE Send item to customs (Inb)
7/24/2012 3:45:00 PM INDIA MUMBAI FOREIGN POST OFFICE Record item customs information (Inb)
Retention reason : Articles importation subject to restrictions import- license
7/24/2012 3:46:00 PM INDIA MUMBAI FOREIGN POST OFFICE Return item from customs (Inb)
7/24/2012 5:47:00 PM INDIA MUMBAI FOREIGN POST OFFICE Send item to domestic location (Inb)

I have not received it yet. I am in Pune.
Now the confusion is, whether it was detained or not, as last status shows 'send to domestic location'. Or should I be expecting letter from customs instead? Anybody having items detained can clarify? Or if somebody has similar experience that it was shown as detained but got delivered?

I intend to convert this thread later to 'importing/custom/tracking status guide' and general tips about importing, customs etc. I found bits and pieces of information on other threads, but its not definite. I will like to compile it here. I will write my own findings also. So please contribute.

 

[gobble]

20 days is the norm for customs clearance. Since it has been dispatched by customs you should expect it in a few more days time. It wont happen the same day.

HTH
--G

 

[hydra]

The line "Send item to domestic location" typically means that the item has been despatched to your local post office. It should normally be in your local PO the 2nd day after this status is shown.

I had a few LPs coming in by USPS and I was tracking them and in touch with the Foreign Post Office in my city. What I said above is what they told me, and just as they said, I was able to collect the parcel from my local PO the 2nd day after this status was shown.

If you can find out the phone number of the Foreign Post Office in your city, and if you call them (or visit them) they should be able to help you.

But, along the lines of what gobble mentioned, it looks mighty extraordinary that the item was sent to customs, cleared, cleared and sent to the domestic location the same day. This process takes a minimum of 2-3 days for electronic items.

 

[theredcommando]

I am not expecting it on same day. But, its 6 days since it was 'sent to domestic location' so worried a bit about it(and because of 'retention reason' note). If they have detained it, then I dont want to add more delay to it(issue a letter-recieve letter-reply cycle).

But, along the lines of what gobble mentioned, it looks mighty extraordinary that the item was sent to customs, cleared, cleared and sent to the domestic location the same day. This process takes a minimum of 2-3 days for electronic items.

Yep, thats what surprised me. Status was updated multiple time in same day! And custom took just 1 minute to return it back.

When I searched regarding it, I found a few things when you order items online -
Multiple retention/detention reason are possible.
Import license - This is usually not required since you are using it for personal use. But nevertheless, you might get caught in such scenario.
Prohibited item - some items are indeed not allowed by customs, some RF transmitters fall in this category and of course there is full list available on customs site.
Other - you are just unlucky.

In few cases, they might open the packaging, or even open the casing of the item. In most cases such things wont damage the item, but its advised to not order very fragile things.
Handling is pretty rough, they dont bother much about the contents either.

If ordering multiple items, its best to package them separately if possible. This way weight,size and invoice all are smaller/lesser which increases chances of getting it cleared from customs.(as mentioned on rcindia forum)

More or less all items go under the customs scanner. They would charge duty or not is another question. They are most interested in higher priced/larger items. So ordering heavy, expensive items is generally not advisable as it would almost always attract duty(and hence defeat the cost advantage).
Custom duty can range to anything from 14% to 40%, there is very little that you can do in such cases. You cannot argue in most cases.
Theft, lost in transit are rare but possible outcomes. So keep this in mind before ordering. Its best to avoid mobile phones/jewelery kind of stuff. Some sites like amazon would reship even after 'lost in transit' cases(which they are not responsible for), prefer such sites.

There are counter arguments about which shipping service to use. Basic service(like economy shipping) is said to be slower but lesser likely to attract duty. DHL, UPS etc might be faster but likely to get customs attention.
Gifts under 10k rs are said to be duty free, but invoice should be included along with the item. Ask seller to include the invoice, if possible.

It can take anything from 5 days to 2 months to reach. Item can go to unexpected places and come back to you magically after disappearing from any tracking system.

Send to domestic location can indicate forward progress but it does not mean that item is actually sent to your town. It might just mean that its traveling to next location(like from cargo hub to customs office).

Keeping patience is the key. On some forums(rcindia) its advised to not call customs even if there is delay.

PS : All these are collective opinions that I found while searching for my problem. I do not have much experience with it. All may not be correct, please correct or add if required.

 

[theredcommando]

I received it today! Seems like gobble prediction actually worked

Today was the last day, else I was going to contact customs in Pune. But glad that it was not required.

So to summarize, even when the status shows as 'retention reason', it does not indicate that you will need to produce documents. Customs might just charge the duty and release the product.
BTW, I ended up giving 231/- INR as customs duty. Total order was of 3100rs and vendor declared 20 USD as price. So duty comes to around 20% of declared price(whichi is hefty).

Will start a separate thread about review of my first separate system(from speaker novice point of view).

Thanks a lot guys for the help!

If anybody would like to update/correct anything to my above post and general guidelines, you are most welcome.

 

[ruenigma]

Now spill the beans on the latest mystery acquisition will ya?

 

[esanthosh]

The status in order are...

1) Receive Item at office of exchange (Inb - Inbound)
2) Send Item to customs

... Cleared with or without duty - No status
... Retained. Retention Reason: <xyz>

It can be retained, but unless Custom sends a letter, there is no need to contact them. They can charge duty and release the package in 3-4 days. They have retained my items at least twice, but I was not charged duty. I have been sent only one letter in the last three years. But, that was due to buying this close to Independence day. Can't blame them!

3) Return Item from Customs
4) Send Item to Domestic Location

The time spent at customs is from "Send Item to Customs" to "Return Item to Customs". In the OP, it is not clear at which time it was 'Send to Customs'. I am guessing it spent at least a few minutes (usually 3-5 hours in most of my cases). The last two status actually shows that they recorded the retention reason in the system, charged the duty and released it the next minute.

One of my parcels from US was lost for 50 days (USPS Priority with full tracking). It was sent out of US, but never appeared on Indian shores, but eventually did.

I've lost 5 parcels in the last 3 years. Had the experience of my IEM and accessories alone being stolen out of the box recently. But still, it is more good than bad.

I am charged duty on almost every parcel through DHL/FedEx/UPS/TNT, but only 15% of the time through EMS and less than 3% of the time through Airmail. The bulkier and larger the item, more the chances of it being inspected. Almost all my headphones, DAC, Headphone Amp have been charged, but most IEMs and smaller items pass through.

In my experience, I get the item on the 2nd or the 3rd day after 'Send Item to Domestic Location'.

 

[theredcommando]

@esanthosh
Thats something I was looking for. It explains all the process and most of the caveats.
And that thing is rather scary. No wonder customs retained it

Customs was indeed superfast in my case it seems(I have updated the entire tracking status). Very energetic and prompt to slap a duty on my first import

@ruenigma
You must have guessed it... Its TA2020 based amp + power supply from indeed hi-fi lab. And have bought CA S30 to accompany them.

And yes, I must thank all members and posts, which helped me to decide on this combination. :signthankspin:
Would reserve my comments about this combo for now.

 

[sumeshj]

Did you buy the CA S30 here in Pune? I am looking to buy a pair.

 

[theredcommando]

No, I bought them online from technoguru.in

 

[kaushik]

Bought a 40" tv from indian vendor and sent as gift to MOM and DAd .
As you all know i normally grab real good deals


The tracker says left APEX office from 25th ..
Fun part is the wait period . stay tuned

 

[sachin_schum]

I ordered amp from china just after yours, not sure why it first went to Kolkata and now it is in Mumbai.

When i'll receive it in pune?

7/22/2012 3:11:00 AM CHINA Receive item from customer (Otb)
7/27/2012 6:02:00 PM CHINA Insert item into bag (Otb)
7/27/2012 6:10:00 PM CHINA Send item abroad (EDI-received)
7/27/2012 11:09:00 PM CHINA Send item abroad (EDI-received)
7/28/2012 11:08:00 PM CHINA Send item abroad (EDI-received)
8/3/2012 8:39:00 AM INDIA KOLKATA AIR FOREIGN Receive item at office of exchange (Inb)
8/3/2012 11:05:00 AM INDIA KOLKATA AIR FOREIGN Send item to customs (Inb)
8/7/2012 11:11:00 AM INDIA MUMBAI FOREIGN POST OFFICE Return item from customs (Inb)

 

[varun_mind]

Hi,
I have a laptop (550$) coming from USA via USPS express mail international service. The status on India Post says
22/10/2012 11:31:00 Origin Office Item Booked
23/10/2012 12:42:00 ISC NEW YORK NY (USPS) UNITED STATES Item Bagged
23/10/2012 12:44:00 UNITED STATES Item Bagged
25/10/2012 06:38:18 INDIA Item Bagged
25/10/2012 08:47:22 Exchange Office Sent for Customs Verification
03/11/2012 09:21:04 Customs Office Customs Retained Reason: Other

what does "Customs Retained Reason: Other" mean? does it mean i have to call them about further processing or it will be processed automatically and be sent to me? also, please let me know the contact number for Delhi Foreign PO if I have to call them.

Thanks.

 

[krayon]

Hi theredcommando

I have ordered a mobile from china from aliexpress.com to Mumbai(India) which costed me 230$ (13000 INR).

My question is

1) Will I have to pay the import duty? If yes how much?
2) How this works? Do I have to go to customs for the clearance or the item reaches to my doors. (they said you might have to visit your post office)
3) How long will it take to reach to my place? I checked the latest shipment tracking details which is:

TRACKING DETAILS:
12/24/2012 3:19:00 PM SINGAPORE SINGAPORE S05 Receive item at office of exchange (Otb)
12/24/2012 3:19:00 PM SINGAPORE SINGAPORE S05 Insert item into bag (Otb)
12/27/2012 10:21:00 AM INDIA MUMBAI AIR Receive item at office of exchange (Inb)
12/27/2012 11:10:00 AM INDIA MUMBAI AIR Send item to customs (Inb)
1/4/2013 4:28:00 PM INDIA MUMBAI FOREIGN POST OFFICE Record item customs information (Inb)
Retention reason : Articles importation subject to restrictions import- license
1/4/2013 4:28:00 PM INDIA MUMBAI FOREIGN POST OFFICE Return item from customs (Inb)
1/5/2013 4:07:00 PM INDIA MUMBAI FOREIGN POST OFFICE Send item to domestic location (Inb)

@

Please help.

Regards,
Gaurang

 

[krayon]

Hi, Please help

I have ordered an item for which status is as below


Detailed Track Events for : RF11683***1SG

Date Time Status at Status
24/12/2012 15:19:00 Singapore Exchange Office (SINGAPORE) Article Bagged
27/12/2012 10:21:37 Mumbai (Ex Bombay) Exchange Office (INDIA) Article Received
27/12/2012 11:10:00 Mumbai (Ex Bombay) Exchange Office (INDIA) Sent for Customs Verification
04/01/2013 16:28:14 Mumbai (Ex Bombay) Exchange Office (INDIA) Custom Retention Reason: Articles importation subject to restrictions import- license
05/01/2013 16:07:20 Mumbai (Ex Bombay) Exchange Office (INDIA) Article Bagged

How long do you think it takes to arrive?

Do you have to go to them or they deliver the product at your doorstep?

Please assist.

Thanks in advance
Gaurang

 

[VTe46]

Hi guys

I send a 2 kg packet from Germany for delivery in Pune to my relatives.

It has choclates and food times which in total cost around 40 euros.

I did not attach the invoice but mentioned on the box that gift(chocalte and soup packets)

I sent two weeks back on 20 August and it presently says that its with Mumbai air.

I like to ask you guys if this will be sent to customs. Can they ask me to pay duty for this which cost less then 4000 INR. I do not mine paying duty but fear of the delay.

Best regards
Vj

 

[Cheeka]

This is my tracking status till now..


12/29/2014 2:34:00 PM HONG KONG Receive item from customer (Otb) Air unknown
1/2/2015 3:17:00 PM HONG KONG HONG KONG AIR MAIL CENTRE Insert item into bag (Otb) Air unknown
1/3/2015 10:07:23 AM INDIA MUMBAI AIR Receive item at office of exchange (Inb) Air MUMBAI AIRPORT SORTING OFFICE
1/3/2015 11:56:37 AM INDIA MUMBAI AIR Send item to customs (Inb) Air CHENNAI APSO

SHould i do something ablout this or wait ? I live in chennai .. pls advise

 

[goyal.sanchit]

Normally you get products in 1 month. I guess you should wait. Even I have 2 products from hong kong sent on 15th December. Not received till now.

 

[c_prabhu]

This is my tracking status till now..


12/29/2014 2:34:00 PM HONG KONG Receive item from customer (Otb) Air unknown
1/2/2015 3:17:00 PM HONG KONG HONG KONG AIR MAIL CENTRE Insert item into bag (Otb) Air unknown
1/3/2015 10:07:23 AM INDIA MUMBAI AIR Receive item at office of exchange (Inb) Air MUMBAI AIRPORT SORTING OFFICE
1/3/2015 11:56:37 AM INDIA MUMBAI AIR Send item to customs (Inb) Air CHENNAI APSO

SHould i do something ablout this or wait ? I live in chennai .. pls advise

Cheeka,
I bought a pair of 3D glasses on ebay and it was shipped from Singapore. It landed in Chennai Customs Office on 19th Dec and it took 3 weeks for it reach home - possibly due to Christmas/New Year break. So, I'd suggest you wait it out. I don't know what you've ordered, but I was shocked to see a customs fee of Rs 2,500 for an article for which I had paid only $43. Hope you get a better deal than that.

 

[Cheeka]

Cheeka,
I bought a pair of 3D glasses on ebay and it was shipped from Singapore. It landed in Chennai Customs Office on 19th Dec and it took 3 weeks for it reach home - possibly due to Christmas/New Year break. So, I'd suggest you wait it out. I don't know what you've ordered, but I was shocked to see a customs fee of Rs 2,500 for an article for which I had paid only $43. Hope you get a better deal than that.

Ouch shit :sad: i bought a transceivers pair costs $120 without any warranty. which is $140 in amazon US with warranty. Now i realise i made a huge blunder. i can order in the US and have some ppl arriving here within this month end. But wat wud be wise action here ? shud i cancel it ? if so will i get my full refund or atleast 90% of wat i paid ?