Online shopping and getting stuff into India (Customs)
Well it is an important question in the world of today, more and more Indians are purchasing stuff online and importing it into India. But the question most people ask is the same. What about the customs duty?
Well to be frank with you, anything you have bought abroad and are bringing into India is chargeable as far as custom duties go except some duty free items like IT Products (Digital Camera, LCD Monitors,RAM,Processors etc., confirm the list though).
Seasoned ebay sellers and other online stores try to ensure that loyal Indian customers aren’t forced to shed customs at all. Remember you don’t need an IEC number to import stuff for personal use.
Here is what most companies do so that you don’t have to pay customs for importing stuff into India :
1. They mark the product as a gift on the customs declaration form of the package. This is illegal by the way , but there is no way to detect whether the thing is a gift or not. Unless the other person leaves an invoice inside the so called gift 😛
2. Even after declaring the commodity as a gift, Indian customs will still charge it if the price is above Rs.10000 , so these ebay sellers under-declare the value of goods. This is a double edged sword, as if the product is stolen it would mean that you would not get the right price from insurance, so this can lead to losses.
Now both these steps do save duty to the importer, but you should realise they are probably illegal and be ready for consequences. Also keep in mind the more expensive the courier, the more closely the customs will examine your package. They know that EMS and DHL aren’t used for low value items, hence these packages are scrutinised more than others. On the same time Airmail and Registered Airmail is more prone to theft especially in India.
Now the fact is most genuine importers don’t mind paying a little duty on the products they are importing into India, but the customs are so notorious that most try to circumvent them, because they know if their package is caught by Indian customs, there will be a lot more paying up to do! Also if you are importing in bulk and you don’t have an IEC, you are in big trouble.
Another question people have is what happens if the customs find your item chargeable, dont worry no one will send you to jail unless you are importing prohibited stuff. If your item is found chargeable, your package will be seized by customs and you will be sent a letter usually asking you for purpose of import etc. Be truthful while replying. If customs are satisfied with your reply, then they will calculate the appropriate customs duty and send the postman to your home who collects the duty and delivers your shipment. As easy as that. There is a small fine too for mis-declarations. Frequent mis-declarations will get you in trouble though. So be on the right side of the law. In case you have questions, feel free to ask via comments. Also this is not legal advice, hire a lawyer if you need legal advice.
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I m from varanasi in uttarpradesh india
I have order Aartificial jewelery set from china thru aliexpress amount of 4000 did I have to pay coustom duty if yes then how much and how plz tell me
I wish to order 20pc MuscleMeds Carnivor 5.7 lbs worth $400 from alibaba.com. The supplier is from india, i just want to know whether i will be charged an extra amount as taxes???
I want to import electric guitar parts from Canada.I have a friend over their in Canada who has already received the parts from Amazon Canada which includes small parts like pickups, tuning peg, bridge,and some fret tools.The weight of package is 3 kg. The total cost of all the parts that I have brought is Rs.9900. He has packed all these parts in one single box. Could you please tell me a way to import these parts with least possible cost..??Will I be charged any taxes?Is postal as gift a good option?Please help me out..
i am going to purchase a soccer boot. its price is around 8000 inr but i wondering how much i have to pay as custom duties
p.s- i am buying it from pro direct
I have ordered a watch worth 10$ in a online store from singapore. Now the postman in india asking me to pay a duty of Rs5000 for it which is too much. What should i do now? Should i ignore the package or do i have option to speak with customs about the duty pricing..Someone please advice..
hi,
i had ordered some art and craft related items from aliexpress about 15 days ago. the tracking shows the items have reached india (kolkata). but from what i could gather from around the net, it will take a lot of time till the packages reach me. i don’t know if they will be chargeable, since i am only ordering them for personal use. this is so pathetic, postmen stealing stuff.
has anyone else bought something from aliexpress?? what problems did you face??
I had thought that if this shipment reached me safely, i’ll probably order more.
I placed one item from singapore on 14th NOV 14 and IPS web tracking shows status as below.how much time it wil takes to rech door?.and what are the next formalties the parcel has to be finish?
Please answer me
ITEM n° RF*********SG new search
Local Date and Time Country Location Event Type Mail Category Next Office Extra Information
11/17/2014 8:23:00 PM SINGAPORE SINGAPORE S05 Insert item into bag (Otb) Air CHENNAI AIRPORT SORTING OFFICE
11/19/2014 9:15:00 AM SINGAPORE SINGAPORE S05 Send item abroad (EDI-received) Air CHENNAI AIRPORT SORTING OFFICE
11/20/2014 7:19:45 AM INDIA CHENNAI (MADARS) AIR Receive item at office of exchange (Inb) Air CHENNAI AIRPORT SORTING OFFICE
11/20/2014 10:11:24 AM INDIA CHENNAI (MADARS) AIR Send item to domestic location (Inb) Air CHENNAI FOREIGN POST OFFICE
I have purchased clothes and handbags from a chinese online store worth USD115.00 (Including Courier charges USD 54) for persnal use. The courier is Aramex. will I be charged custom duty for this. if yes how much.
I want to purchase a DSLR for $90 from eBay. Shipping through expedited Intl shipping for $30 from South Korea. Will I be charged? And how will be the custom duty if I get charged?
Dear concern,
My company has sent me a laptop from Malaysia with a company letter saying that it is only for company use and belong company only. They have handed over the laptop to courier service on 1st Dec, and from 6th Dec, Courier service is showing the status as “Custom Inspection”. Can you help me in understanding that how long it should take in custom and is it hold there for duty payment. how will I come to know that I have to pay duty or not to collect the laptop.
Please guide.
regards,
Seema
I ordered a product from UK Sam tech mobile and product has to reach Chennai but it had been stuck in Delhi airport and I paid 33800 all the iPhone 6 price they asked but now they are asking me more money.. And i dont have anything to be pay.. But the Sam tech company says to help them and get the courier to your home.. So they will gift me from there company but nothing I can do now? What can I do please help me. 🙁
Hi !
I had ordered an item which has been termed obscene and prohibited. I received a speed post stating this, and items have been held up at customs. What should I do? Go explain the case or should I just leave it and not go there? The item is a device for the treatment of male impotence. I am really stressed and am loosing sleep over this. Need urgent help .
Thanks
Hi,
I am ordering about 100 earphones from China .
Do I need to register the business name before it meets customs. I will be re-selling those.
I have checked out the customs India site, the maximum charge will be 28.85% ,but will they consider the price at which I bought them or they will consider a different price .
Thanks .
hello
I want to know if i buy some accessories like jewelery or hand bag in bulk below 10,000 from aliexpress. Should i need to pay custom for it in India. Like some seller offers for minimum quantity they ship the parcel through fedex or DHL for free. Is it safe to get through courier services. Please suggest me how can i import the accessories through which courier services without paying customs and to what quantity.
@anjali @monisha. Did u face any problem while receiving parcel through courier service. Plz suggest.
thanks
I have ordered vehicle horns through ebay and it has been shipped through USPS. its been 25 odd days. estimated delivery date has lapsed. From where i can trace the package??
Hi ,
I Have ordered one Cree LED Torch from alixepress, that amount is 16 $ .Now that status 12/13/2014 9:45:36 AM INDIA CHENNAI (MADARS) AIR Send item to domestic location (Inb) Air CHENNAI FOREIGN POST OFFICE.
when will clear the customs clearane. and how will pay the customs duty?
my friend stays in Australia and i bought a ps4 from him. He has no plans of coming to India soon. So can he ship it? do i have to pay customs?
Hi,
Please help me to locate where my parcel is and when can I get it.
This is the status of my parcel in the tracking system of China post.
Destination Country – Cache Time:2015-01-05 10:39 – Go to official website
2014-12-28 19:00
INDIA, KOLKATA FOREIGN LCAO, Send item to customs (Inb), Air, BANGALORE SFE
2014-12-28 16:48
INDIA, KOLKATA FOREIGN LCAO, Receive item at office of exchange (Inb), Air, KOLKATA AIRPORT SORTING OFFICE
2014-11-27 08:01
CHINA, BEIJING, Send item abroad (EDI-received), Air, KOLKATA AIRPORT SORTING OFFICE
2014-11-25 23:04
CHINA, BEIJING, Insert item into bag (Otb), Air, KOLKATA AIRPORT SORTING OFFICE
2014-11-20 19:33
CHINA, 528032, Receive item from customer (Otb), Air, KOLKATA AIRPORT SORTING OFFICE
Thanks,
Mani
hi there,
before few days, i made a online shopping for MuscleMeds, Carnivor, Bioengineered Protein Powder from USA of 4.4 lb, this is worth of $58.26, in INR it is about 3800 or 3900 rupees. Now the shipment charges are paid by the manufacturer, At the time of receiving the product DHL guys are asking me to pay import duty, and that is about 1300 rs, and about 33% value. So what should I do with. Is the import duty is about 33% . is this right or this is something wrong?
i ordered some clothes and makeup stuff from UK sites.. they have sent the parcels to Indian customs an it has been 10-15 days …and i still haven’t received them..can you tell why would they keep this stuff??
hi
i want to purchased 3000 adapter (100pieces per box 6.5kg per box) at Rs 7000 approx from china& seller send them via dhl.
i am new.
please tell should i required any documents (import-export registration) or only to pay custom duty upto how much.
thanks in advance
Hi
i want to buy a touch screen and display for my mobile which costs around 3700-4200 INR. From DHgate.com. Do i have to pay custom duty and they are shipping me free of cost via hongkongpost or china post air mail. when it reaches india will the courier company will charge some thing as it is covered under mobile accessories.Please help
Thanks.
Sir I online purchased some electronic irems from Hong Kong of Rs.24000 and in USD around it comes around 366$.
And it is detained in chennai foreign Post Office.
This is the first time I’m ordering something outside of india and I have no idea what to do.
They said it will take 10 days and already I was waiting from 15 days.
Can you tell what I should do or any guidance
Hi
I have order a digitizer from ebay for 1500 rupee indian money company sending me as a gift so can pay custom duty charge
I want to buy a ps4 in dubai and bring it to india without paying duty…….is it possible to bring here duty free?if it is then how…….thanks in advance
I am going to import apple iphone 5s 32gb 10 pieces from Hongkong with the price of nearly Rs.2,80,000 how to import the item it will cause customs duty then how around it will come as in percentage of the products price 7 more over which shipping service is best one to import above the items as best prices….
Hi
Firstly lovely forum and thanks for all the help.
I ordered a iphone5 via ebay USA.
It’s value is below 10000.
It’s used and not declared as gift. Ordered via USPS
After a month the postman carrying it asked me to pay customs of 12500.
Which is too high.
I didn’t accept it as was not holding that much cash on hand.
It’s gone back to post office.
Now what?
Ideally I though customs would b under or around 2000inr. Which I am ready to pay.
Please guide as to how I can get the phone by paying appropriate customs duty.
And the process to do so as post office says they can’t help with any customs number etc.
HELLO! WISE,
I am purchasing DSLR Backpack via ebay usa
it’s value is below INR.10000/=
Any Custom duty will apply on that? please guide me.
Thanks…….
I bought Asus Fonepad touch digitizer from ebay beijing 1500 indian rupee
Well finally my digitizer reach home without paying any duty …
I have seen an ad in 91mobiles.com..about a phone I contact the man who posted his ad about the mobile phone. He contact me via email and told me that he buy product from the Manufacturer and delivered the product in 24 hour to your address. Then I asked him about the cost of the phone i.e rs12500. i paid him the money, after a day later he told me to pay insurance money then again I paid him the insurance money of rs 14 500. then he told me that u get ur product in 24 hours. Instead of ordering one phone he order 5 more phones and told me that due to mispackage. Now a day later again he told me that your product is stuck on custom because I pay the insurance money in two days time. I told him that that is not my problem and why should I pay the custom duty.he replied that because the product is shipping to your address.Then I againt replied and told him that I will not pay the custom money because I don’t have money( the custom money is rs 18500). Then he replied that he bring police to my address and put me in jail.
plz help me
and reply me as soon as possible
@Vikash, you have been scammed. The person will never deliver your phone and will keep on asking for more money for one reason or the other. Your best bet is go to the police and file a complaint, but more realistically your money is gone.
Brother can you call me on my number that is 896****744 (MOD: edited number for privacy).
@Vikash, me calling you will not really help, unfortunately. You can try approaching the website but in their terms they say that they are not responsible for transactions. This is a very common scam. If you paid using a credit card, ask your bank to reverse the payment. Hopefully you did not use cash or some money transfer service. That is all I can suggest. Good luck!
Brother what if i not file a complaint and let the money go .. is any way the scammer file a complaint against me?
I bought couple of networking devices, on UPSC tracking all units are in custom clearance since 3rd Feb on wards, is there any contact numbers or way to reach them and see what will be next….
@Vikash, no. Thieves do not go to the police.
hi im planning to import / buy a phone sony xperia z worth $170 Rs 12000 from online store aliexpress to Delhi india via EMS as seller is providing me only dhl and ems courier services.
so tell me whether it is safe to buy from such store?
Vikash – you did nothing illegal, you are a victim of a well known scam, I would suggest consolidate your losses and move on, the money is essentially gone.
..hi
i want to purchased 3000 adapter (100pieces per box 6.5kg per box) at Rs 7000 approx from china& seller send them via dhl.
i am new.
please tell should i required any documents (import-export registration) or only to pay custom duty upto how much.
..thanks in advance
Hi..
I ordered 2 Football Jerseys From aliexpress. The Cost of Both $26 And $21 total $47 .will I incur any Customs. Sorry, But this is My First Time .
hi
iam ordering one gemstone and one semi precious stone from amazon.com, which is costing me aroung 160dollar total with shipemnt cost included. will i be levied custom.
do i need anything or should do something.pls help
hi,
i want to order a laptop display screen from ebay that costs around 140(90+50) dollars including shipping charges.what are the charges that may be levied as duty?
will it make any difference if i ask my cousin to send it as a gift?
hi,
i want to order a mobile from ebay from abroad to india.The cost of mobile is 200$….
Then, could u tell me how much i have to pay to custom..?
Hey. Gr8 post and quiet knowledgeable.
Could u pls tell me how many days does it take for a parcel to be shipped from China to India (Chennai). I have ordered a few apparels and the same has been shipped vide China post register air mail. But I am unable to track the provided shipping details.
Thank u for your reply in advance.
Dear Sir,
I am going to buy laptop from ebay USA. it cost between 170$ to 200$. could you tell me the custom charges?
Thank you so much for your great help.
dear
can you please tell me how many custom duty and penaelty i have to paid to custom when i order an item from china about $129 dollar is there any personal penalty charge for order an item over $35 dollar
I want to import dresses for my wife. The total value will be approx. Rs. 8,000/-. Will i have to pay import duty? is there a way i could save import duty?
HI
I purchased SJCAM SPORTS CAMERA
BELOW DETAILS ARE GIVEN WHAT CAN I DO.
NEED HELP
ITEM n° RF320015311SG new search
Local Date and Time Country Location Event Type Mail Category Next Office Extra Information
3/7/2015 8:02:00 PM SINGAPORE SINGAPORE S05 Insert item into bag (Otb) Air CHENNAI AIRPORT SORTING OFFICE
3/10/2015 9:15:00 AM SINGAPORE SINGAPORE S05 Send item abroad (EDI-received) Air CHENNAI AIRPORT SORTING OFFICE
3/12/2015 10:38:49 AM INDIA CHENNAI (MADARS) AIR Receive item at office of exchange (Inb) Air CHENNAI AIRPORT SORTING OFFICE
3/12/2015 11:04:57 AM INDIA CHENNAI (MADARS) AIR Send item to domestic location (Inb) Air MUMBAI AIR
3/13/2015 10:20:17 AM INDIA MUMBAI AIR Send item to customs (Inb) Air MUMBAI FOREIGN POST OFFICE
3/23/2015 4:26:49 PM INDIA MUMBAI FOREIGN POST OFFICE Record item customs information (Inb) Air CHENNAI AIRPORT SORTING OFFICE
Retention reason : Articles importation subject to restrictions import- license
3/23/2015 4:26:52 PM INDIA MUMBAI FOREIGN POST OFFICE Return item from customs (Inb) Air CHENNAI AIRPORT SORTING OFFICE
I bought a flash for US$ 118 on aliexpress. The seller sent it as a gift with US$ 25 as its value thru china registered air mail. It took almost 40 days to reach with almost 10 days at the mumbai FPO and now it has been delivered to me with a Custom duty of Rs 4179, which I believe is very very high. At the max, it could have been around Rs 2000.
I did not know know what to do and therefore have accepted it , but would like to take up with customs for charging such a high duty…Please advise
we are importing the books from the japan for our college in the name of college .
of amount INR 85000 as we dont have IEC code please confirm.