CUSTOMS ISSUES:
I was about to write about this. Typically it used to be just under 40% . However in Chennai customs something has happened. They now keep parcels back for over a month and open them all. They have a new Xray I am told. Why that should delay it so much I don't know. Besides this they started charging 100% duty as of late. Ask the seller to put the correct value on the package. Also indicate what the Indian customs HFS code applies to it. You can find that on the web.The maximum duty that can be charged is 41% for anything.
I got an amp kit costing Rs1,700/- . Duty was Rs1690/- . I sent it back with a letter giving a copy of the Paypal receipt and copy of Sellers invoice. Let's see what happens. This happened on the 27th of Jan.
Remember you '
should not accept' the parcel. Note down the customs slip number stuck to the package. Go to the post office immediately , meet the Post master and give him the letter and copies and say that it is to be sent back to customs for re-assesment. Mark 're-assesment' clearly on the letter and include package number AND the number of the customs duty slip stuck on the package. The post master will send back the package with the letter to the customs. Supposedly it will take 2 weeks again !
Tell the postman VERY clearly what you are going to do and why you are sending it back. He should not send it back to the 'seller' ! Ask him to keep it at the PO for a couple of days and you will meet the post master. Officially, any package that is not delivered should be kept at the office for 7 days before being sent back.
HS Code List | India Harmonized System Code | HS Classification ( search page for all products)
( select Chapter 85 for HS code for audio products)
8518 for amplifiers and 8541 for parts with unassembled board.
Enter a value including postage ( CIF) and you get the total duty that can be charged. There is a charge of Rs 30 for delivery.