India Customs Baggage Rules

Site Map : Indian Government Customs & Baggage Law

noreply@blogger.com (Real Blogger) — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 07:24:17 PST

Import regulations by India Customs

India Custom's Tariff
Personal and household effects are treated as baggage and can be imported freely without any restriction as to the value of the goods..

Customs Website
Central Board of Excise and Customs website & URLs

Registering a complaint : vigilance
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.

Prohibited and Restricted Goods
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”

Frequently Asked Questions Faqs

Laptop Rule
Import duty for bringing laptops into India....One Laptop Duty Free

Import of Gold & Silver
FAQs on Import of Gold by NRI's

Importing Firearms
Import of firearms is strictly prohibited. Import of Cartridges in excess of 50 is also prohibited.

Import of Passenger Automobiles to India

India Customs Rules for Transferring Residency to ...
Transfer of Residence entitlements are applicable to returning Indians

India Currency Regulations
Money should be exchanged only at authorized centers likes banks and money changers who will in turn issue an encashment certificate that is required...

India Currency: Indian Rupee Rs INR
The issuance of the currency is controlled by the Reserve Bank of India. The most commonly used symbols (abbreviated) for the rupee are Rs, Rs....

Foreign Exchange Import of Indian Currency

India Airports

Mumbai Airport

India Custom's Tariff

noreply@blogger.com (Real Blogger) — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 20:18:45 PST

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

Customs Website

noreply@blogger.com (Real Blogger) — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 20:08:07 PST

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

Registering a complaint : vigilance

noreply@blogger.com (Real Blogger) — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 06:32:59 PDT

"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.

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.

Grievance Redressal Mechanism

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)

Email to the PM of India

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

Lodge Complaint at CVC

Frequently asked Questions (FAQ) on lodging Complaints at CVC.

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

Prohibited and Restricted Goods

noreply@blogger.com (Real Blogger) — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 06:25:35 PST

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”

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).

Import / Export Restrictions / Prohibitions under Customs law

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

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.

Frequently Asked Questions Faqs

noreply@blogger.com (Real Blogger) — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 19:42:30 PST

India Customs Baggage Rules FAQs

India Customs Faqs Page

# I got a Camcorder in a very reduced price in a sale. I have original bills of both. # 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.
# 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 we 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.

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

Example :

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.
Is There any Duty on Computer Software or Software Games ?

and may change

Do used mobile phone handsets also attract customs duty?

Can goods be kept in the temporary custody of Customs?

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.

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.

Laptop Rule

noreply@blogger.com (Real Blogger) — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 13:15:42 PDT

Import duty for bringing laptops into India

"Indian Customs do not bother about laptops anymore"

In General, If you are travelling from USA, Canada, Australia, Europe,.. and aged above 18 years... stayed more then 3 days abroad... carried on the person (carry on baggage) or as accompanied baggage (checked baggage)... you are entilted Duty Free Allowance of Rs 25000 and 1 Laptop (18 years / one Laptop Duty Free) + unlimited used personal effects (excluding jewellery)

Layman's Terms
If you are 18+ years and has stayed more then 3 days overseas...then you are allowed 1 Laptop (Notebook) per Passenger

Free of Customs Duty . Duty Free Allowance doesn't apply to the laptop

Desktop, LCD and Other Computer Accessories are not covered under Laptop Rule

Customs Website:
One laptop computer (notebook computer) over and above the said free allowances mentioned is also allowed duty free if imported by any passenger of the age of 18 years and above

Import as Gift Custom Circular
Import of goods upto the value of Rs. 5,000/- is allowed as gift, duty free. This exemption is allowed only for bonafide gifts imported by air or post. For the purpose of calculation of this value of Rs. 5,000/- the air freight or postal charges paid are not added.

What should you do when you leave India?
If you intend taking out with you articles of high value such as a camera, laptop, notebook computer, video camera or jewellery, be sure to ask the Customs Officer, at the time of your departure, for an export certificate for such articles. He will examine the items and certify that they are being taken out of India by you.

Keep this certificate safe with you and when you return to India, show the Certificate to the Customs Officer who will then be able to pass these free of duty.

The advantage of having the Export Certificate is that the concessions you are entitled to, when you return, are not affected.

Please take special care to obtain an Export Certificate in respect of jewellery that you intend to take out to avoid any problem on your return.

Export Certificate
Goods taken out from India by a passenger while going abroad can be imported again into India free of duty provided the passenger had received an export certificate from the Customs in respect of that particular item while going abroad.

FAQs on Laptop / Notebook Imports into India

Import cost for a laptop in india

Is it custom free if i import laptop from outside india?
I might get a laptop as a gift from USA, what will be the charge when i receive it india including all charges ? it is a gift will there be any customs duty?

Yes it will be too costly if u need to pay custom duty... ask some one to carry it along as a luggage and show it as personal item

I have 2 laptops >> One I had bought from India. Are Both Duty Free ?

If you are lucky you can walk away without any hassles but recently I had taken my Laptop on my tour and fortunately i had taken a Customs Export Certificate while going because when I landed at Bombay the customs officer insisted on seeing that certificate otherwise he would have levied customs duty on that. I think it is matter of luck.

Does it make financial sense to buy laptop from USA and send it to India instead of buying one in India itself.?

Laptops are Cheaper In USA
Warrenty may not be covered in India if the device is bought in USA.
Buy Global Warrenty For India Coverage...I think BestBuy Offers It

Suggestion: Laptops cannot be repaired in India...so u will have to send it back to US to replace it....better off buying high end laptops like HP...failure chances are slim

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

Registering a complaint : vigilance

Import of Gold & Silver

noreply@blogger.com (Real Blogger) — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 06:35:47 PDT

FAQs on Import of Gold by NRI's

Can NRIs bring gold into India?

Yes.
NRIs can bring into India gold upto 10,000 grams as part of their baggage once in
six months provided they have stayed abroad for a continuous period of six months.

In what form can the gold be brought into India?
The gold may be brought into India in any form, including ornaments (other
ornaments studded with stones and pearls).

Are NRIs required to pay customs duty on the gold brought by them into India?
Yes.
They are required to pay customs duty in any convertible foreign currency at a rate equivalent to Rs.220/- per 10 grams of gold. (may change from time to time)

How often can a NRI bring gold into India?
A NRI can bring gold into India once in six months.

Is it necessary that the NRI should have stayed abroad at least for a minimum period of six months prior to his return to India for being eligible to bring gold?
Yes.

Check Gold Prices & Charts in India and Overseas Market

Import of Silver by NRI's
Can NRIs bring silver into India?
Yes. NRIs can bring to India silver upto 100 kilograms as part of their personal baggage.

What is the rate of duty payment on such import?
The rate of duty on import of silver is Rs. 500 per kilogram which is payable in foreign currency. (may change from time to time)

Can NRI's bring both gold and silver?
Yes.

Can NRIs sell gold/silver imported by them to residents?
Yes. Gold/silver so brought by NRIs can be sold to residents against payment in rupees. Reserve Bank has granted general permission to persons resident in India to make payment to NRIs in Indian rupees by means of a crossed cheque in India and that such rupees are credited to Ordinary Non-resident Rupee (NRO) account of the NRI seller.

Rules & Regulations

Jewellery which is in addition to the duty free jewellery otherwise allowed

without payment of duty only is liable to payment of duty

(a) Who can import Gold as Baggage

Any passenger of Indian origin or

Any Passenger holding a valid passport issued under the Passport Act 1967

(b) Eligibility Conditions and Customs Duty

Short visits if any during this 6 months is ignored if the duration on such short visit does not exceed 30 days and the passenger has not availed of the exemption under this scheme at the time of such short visit.

The duty at the rate of Rs. 250 per 10 gm should be paid by the passenger in convertible Foreign currency

The weight of Gold (including ornaments) should not exceed 10 Kg per passenger

The gold is carried by the eligible passenger at the time of his arrival in India or is imported by him within 15 days of his arrival in India

Ornaments studded with stones and pearls will not be allowed to be imported under this scheme.

The passenger can also obtain the permitted quantity of gold from Customs bonded warehouse of State Bank of India and Metal and Mineral Trading Corporation subject to conditions (i) and (iii). He is required to file a declaration on the prescribed Form before the Customs Officer at the time of arrival in India stating his intention to obtain the gold from the Customs bonded warehouse and pay the duty before clearance. Customs bonded warehouse and pay the he passenger can also obtain the permitted quantity of gold from Customs bonded warehouse of State Bank of India and Metal and Mineral Trading Corporation subject to conditions (i) and (iii)He is required to file a declaration on the prescribed Form before the Customs Officer at the time of arrival in India stating his intention to obtain the gold from the duty before clearance.

Note: The jewellery, which is in addition to the jewellery otherwise allowed without payment of duty, only is liable to payment of duty under the above mentioned scheme for import of gold/silver.

Clearence of Silver on payment of duty

(a) Who can import Silver

Any Passenger of Indian Origin or

Any passenger holding a valid passport issued under the Passport Act 1967.

(b) Eligibility conditions and Customs Duty

Short visits if any during this 6 months is ignored if the duration on such short visit does not exceed 30 days and the passenger.has not availed of the exemption under this scheme at the time of such short visit.

The duty at the rate of Rs. 500 per Kilogram should be paid by the passenger in convertible Foreign currency

The quantity of Silver should not exceed 100 Kilogram per passenger

The Silver is carried by the eligible passenger at the time of his arrival in India or is imported by him within 15 days of his arrival in India

Ornaments studded with stones and pearls will not be allowed to be imported under this scheme.

The passenger can also obtain the permitted quantity of silver from Customs bonded warehouse of State Bank of India and Metal and Mineral Trading Corporation subject to conditions (i) and (iii). He is required to file a declaration on the prescribed Form before the Customs Officer at the time of arrival in India stating his intention to obtain the silver from the Customs bonded warehouse and pay the duty before clearance.Customs bonded warehouse and pay the he passenger can also obtain the permitted quantity of silver from Customs bonded warehouse of State Bank of India and Metal and Mineral Trading Corporation subject to conditions (i) and (iii). He is required to file a declaration on the prescribed Form before the Customs Officer at the time of arrival in India stating his intention to obtain the silver from the duty before clearance.

Importing Firearms

noreply@blogger.com (Real Blogger) — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 06:39:27 PDT

Importing Firearms & Ammunition into India

Import of firearms is strictly prohibited. Import of Cartridges in excess of 50 is also prohibited.

Transfer of Residence to India However, in the case of persons transferring their residence (as per conditions specified in the rules) to India for a minimum period of one year, one firearm of permissible bore can be allowed to be imported subject to the conditions that:

the same was in possession and use abroad by the passenger for a minimum period of one year and also subject to the condition that such firearm, after clearance, shall not be sold, loaned, transferred or otherwise parted with, for consideration or otherwise, during the lifetime of such person.

AND
the firearms can be allowed in such cases on payment of applicable duty provided the passenger has a valid arms licence from the local authorities.

Import of Passenger Automobiles to India

noreply@blogger.com (Real Blogger) — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 06:45:36 PDT

Import of Car to India
Passenger automobilies including Cars, Jeeps, Multi-Utility Vehicles and Motor Cycles etc. are restricted items of import and can be imported against an import license. However individuals coming to India on Transfer of Residence after two years continuous stay abroad and other importers as specified in Public Notice No. 3(RE/1997-02) of Directorate General of Foreign Trade, New Delhi, may import these vehicles without a license but on payment of customs duty .

The Imported Vehicle should have right hand steering and controls.

Indian nationals coming to India for permanent settlement:

Used household goods and personal effects, which have been owned and used by the shipper for at least 6 months and are not part of other concessions, up to total value of Rs.75,000

Transfer of Residence Rules are subject to change from time to time

Import of one passenger car with engine size not exceeding four cylinders and not exceeding 1600 c.c. is permitted, whether the car is new or old. However, if engine size exceeds four cylinders or 1600 c.c., the car should have been in the use of the importer for more than a year prior to his return to India
The importer has stayed abroad continuously for a period of at least two years prior to his coming to India for permanent settlement.
The payment for the car is made abroad before his return to India. Custom duty can be paid
The car should be imported into India within six months of the arrival of the importer in India for permanent settlement.
If the importer transfers his residence out of India again, he will be entitled to import another car under the policy only after a minimum period of five years from the date of importation of the previous vehicle. Customs authorities shall endorse on the passport of the importer " Transfer of residence with car" at the time of clearance of the car.
The importer is free to sell the car in the open market after his return to India without any restriction as regards the period of retention of the vehicle.
Import of one two-wheeler in place of car is also permitted whether the same is new or old subject to fulfillment of the above conditions.
Import of any other type of automobile vehicle may be permitted by the Director General of Foreign trade,on merits.
On the import of the vehicle, it should be registered in the name of the importer.

* Special Excise Duty exempted in the case of cars capable of being used by physically handicapped persons

Valuation of Car & Duty Rates

The value of the car is determined in the following manner:

Manufacturer's invoice value is accepted wherever such invoice is available.
When no such invoice is available, value is determined on the basis of the world car catalogues available with the department or on the basis of manufacturer's price list, where ever available. Normal Trade Discounts are allowed to be deducted where ever the value is taken on the basis of World car catalogues.
Value of Second hand car is arrived at in the above manner after allowing the deductions for depreciation as per the schedule below, subject to maximum of 70%

Customs Duty for New vehicles

Vehicle	Basic Duty	Addl. Duty	Spl. Addl. Duty
Car / Jeep / MUV	60%	32%	4%
Motor Cycles / Scooters / Mopeds	30%	16%	4%

Customs Duty for Used vehicles

Vehicle	Basic Duty	Addl. Duty	Spl. Addl. Duty
Car / Jeep / MUV	105%	32%	4%
Motor Cycles / Scooters / Mopeds	105%	16%	4%

The restrictions/conditions imposed on import of car by importers for commercial purpose shall not be applicable in case of the passengers bringing their own car on Transfer of Residence. However, these imports shall be subject to the condition that, the vehicle should have right hand steering and controls (applicable on vehicles other than 2 and 3 wheelers).

Value of these vehicles for the purpose of levy of customs duty is CIF value, where C stands for the cost of the goods, I is the insurance and F is the freight. Cost in the case of new vehicle is the transaction value between the seller and the buyer, however in the case of old and used vehicles cost is arrived at by taking value of the vehicle in year manufacture and after allowing depreciation at following rates:

For every quarter during 1st year - 4%
For every quarter during 2nd year - 3%
For every quarter during 3rd year - 2.5%
For every quarter during 4th year & after - 2% (subject to a maximum depreciation of 70%)

Import Duty on Motor Cars
Motor cars, Motor cycles and scooters whether new or old imported into India are chargeable to duty on the basis of their list price prevailing in the country of the their manufacture on the date on which a bill of entry is presented. However, trade discount and depreciation on the value are deductible from the price list but freight from the country of manufacture and insurance charges are added. The landing charges are also added to this to arrive at the final assessable value.

Homologation:
Homologation is the process of certifying that a particular car is roadworthy and the Pune-based Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) provide this clearance. According to existing norms, every original car model brought into the country by an individual or a manufacturer must have homologation clearance. Even domestic car manufacturers need a homologation certificate for new models. There are some exclusions as well

Manufacturers can import left hand drive vehicles only for testing and research purposes.
Individuals importing top-end cars can waive off the testing — or homologation — requirements. Any individual can import a vehicle priced above Rs 20 lakh without sending it for road-worthiness tests.
Import of new vehicles is only permitted through Customs ports at Nhava Sheva, Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi Air Cargo and at ICD, Tughlakabad

For Non Residential Indians (NRIs)
Individuals coming to India for permanent settlement after two years of continuous stay abroad can bring in a car provided the vehicle has been in their possession for at least one year abroad. This now ensures that individuals coming to India do not bring in an absolutely new car.

Payment of Custom Duty for Import of cars and vehicles
In case of Indian nationals or foreign nationals of Indian origin returning to India for permanent settlement, custom duty can be paid in rupees derived by sale of foreign exchange or by debit to their NRE/FCNR accounts held in India or out of the funds held in their RFC account. In such cases, the authorized dealers will have to issue a certificate to that effect for submission to the Customs authorities. It will also be in order for the authorized dealers to open and maintain special non-convertible accounts in the name of the above categories of persons with funds derived either by remittances from abroad or by debit to their NRE/FCNR/RFC account in India for the purpose of paying custom duty. The certificates issued by authorized dealers should, however, bear a clear superscription that the same have been issued for submission to the customs authorities for payment of custom duty, after assessment thereof.

India Customs Rules for Transferring Residency to India

noreply@blogger.com (Real Blogger) — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 06:49:50 PDT

Indian Customs Rules for Residency Transfer
Following rules will apply to the people who are Transferring their Residency to India apart from the usual allowances applicable to Indian residents or foreigners residing in India.

Check the Latest Transfer Rule Updates from cbec.gov.in

I. Articles not allowed free, but at a concessional rate of duty of 30% :

Colour TV/Monochrome TV.
VCR/VCP/Video Television Receiver/VCD Player.
DVD Player
Video Home Theatre System
Washing Machine.
Electrical/Liquefied Petroleum Gas Cooking Range (other than Electrical/Liquefied Petroleum Gal stoves with not more than two burners and without any extra attachment)
Dish Washer.
Music System.
Personal Computer/Desktop Computer.
Air Conditioner.
Refrigerator.
Deep Freezer.
Microwave Oven.
Video Camera or the combination of such video camera with one or more of the following goods, namely:
1. Television Receiver;
2. Sound recording or reproducing apparatus;
3. Video reproducing apparatus.
Word Processing Machine.
Fax machine.
Portable Photocopying Machine

Conditions :

Passenger to affirm by a declaration that the goods (Items 1 to 14 of above) have been in his/her possession abroad or the goods are purchased from the duty-free shop by him/her at the time of his/her arrival but before clearance from Customs.
Unaccompanied goods were shipped or despatched or arrived within the prescribed time limits (within two months before arrival and within after one month of arrival - see rules regarding unaccompanied baggage for details)
Only one unit of each item (Items 1 to 14 of above) per family is allowed and total value of these items should not exceed Rs.1.5 Lakhs.
The person claiming this benefit affirms by declaration that no other member of the family had availed, or would avail this benefit. The term "family" includes all persons in the same house and forming part of the same establishment.
Passenger has not availed this concession in the preceding three years.
Minimum stay of two years abroad, immediately preceding the date of the passenger's arrival on transfer of residence. Shortfall of upto 2 months in stay abroad can be condoned by Assistant Commissioner of Customs if the early return is on account of -
1. Terminal leave or vacation being availed of by the passenger, or
2. Any other special circumstances.
Total stay in India on short visits during the 2 preceding years should not exceed 6 months. Commissioner of Customs may condone short visits in excess of 6 months in deserving cases.

Note 1:Transfer of Residence entitlements are applicable to returning Indians as well as Foreigners transferring their residence to India subject to the fulfillment of prescribed eligibility conditions

Note 2:Earlier there was a clause of minimum stay in India of 1 year after taking TR. This has since been abolished.

Depreciation of value on old and used items

Though there are no specific guidelines in the Baggage Rules for according depreciation benefits to old and used items of baggage for the purpose of their valuation, as a matter of practice, the following depreciation benefits are given on the purchase value of old and used items:

For every quarter during 1st year - 4%
For every quarter during 2nd year - 3%
For every quarter during 3rd year - 2.5%
For every quarter during 4th year & after - 2%

Since there are no specific guidelines, the assessing officer uses his / her judgement and discretion for determining the maximum limit. The depreciation for each year is supposed to be calculated on the reduced value of the previous year and not on the original value. However, for quick calculation and clearance, sometimes the straight line method of calculation of depreciation is followed at the airport, which incidentally is more beneficial for the passenger.

India Currency Regulations

noreply@blogger.com (Real Blogger) — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 06:53:50 PDT

India Currency Regulations

While Traveling to India or to any other foreign country, it is important to be updated about that particular country's currency and customs duties. Chalking out a meticulous plan about what and how much to carry and the customs formalities that needs to be followed better equips the traveler than being a novice on his/her tour.

It is advisable to carry a mix of cash and travellers cheques to guard against any situation.

US Dollars are the easiest currency to change with euro coming a close second. Other hard currencies such as Yen, British Pound, Deutsche Mark can also be changed in tourist areas and big cities.

On arriving in India, a Currency declaration Form needs to be filled in, on which the amount of currency you are bringing into the country need to be mentioned.

Exchange receipts will be asked if you wish to exchange any remaining Rupees back into foreign currency.

Encashment certificate
Money should be exchanged only at authorized centers likes banks and money changers who will in turn issue an encashment certificate that is required at the time of re conversion of unspent money into foreign currency.

There are no restrictions on the amount of foreign currency or traveller’ cheques a tourist may import, provided a Declaration Form is completed on arrival by the tourists if they enter the country with US$10,000 or its equivalent in any other currency. This will facilitate the exchange of imported currency as well as the export of unspent currency on departure or for tax clearance certificates. Cash, bank notes and travelers’ cheques up to US$2.500 or equivalent need not be declared at the time of entry. Any money in the form of travellers’ cheques, drafts, bills, cheques, etc. which tourists wish to convert into Indian currency should be exchanged only through authorised money changers.

Import of Indian currency is prohibited. However, in the case of passengers normally resident of India who are returning from a visit abroad Indian currency upto Rs 5000 is allowed.

Tourists are warned that changing money through unauthorised persons is not only illegal but also involves the risk of receiving counterfeit currency. To exchange foreign money other than through banks or authorised money changers is an offence. Please note that no Indian currency whatsoever can be imported or exported, except for Rupee travellers’ cheques. Banks abroad do keep Rupee balances with their agents in India and are able to draw upon these balances to issue Rupee traveller's cheques to intending tourists. There are 24 hour exchange facilities available at all big cites and international airports. Banking hours in India are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Mon.-Fri.) and from 10 a.m. to 12 noon on Saturdays. One can also wire money into India. These services are offered by foreign banks and wire services like western union.

A growing number of hotels, restaurants and shops are beginning to accept credit cards, the well known and more accepted ones being American Express, Visa, Mastercards and Diners Club

Exchanging of foreign exchange other than through banks or authorized money changers is an offense under the Foreign Exchange Regulations Act 1973.

Custom Regulations
All personal objects which are required in India are free from duty. Under this heading fall personal jewellery, presents up to a value of Rs. 600, 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars and 0.95 l alcoholic beverages. Professional material and articles which have a high value can only be imported duty free if the traveller gives a written undertaking that these articles will be re-exported.

Travel Tax
Passengers embarking on journey to any place outside India from a customs airport / seaport will have to pay an Foreign Travel Tax of Rs.500/- and on journeys to Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Burma, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and the Maldives of Rs.150/-.

An Inland Air Travel Tax is leviable at 10 per cent of the basic fare, on all passengers embarking on an inland air journey. However, those passengers paying their airfares in foreign exchange will be exempted from payment of this tax. In addition, infants, cancer patients, blind persons and invalids (those on stretchers) are also exempted from payment of this tax after fulfilling certain conditions, stipulated in the relevant notifications.

India Currency: Indian Rupee ₨ INR

noreply@blogger.com (Real Blogger) — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 06:52:42 PDT

Indian rupee INR
The Indian rupee (Hindi: रुपया) is the currency of India.

The issuance of the currency is controlled by the Reserve Bank of India. The most commonly used symbols (abbreviated) for the rupee are Rs, ₨ and रू.

The ISO 4217 code for the Indian rupee is INR.

The modern rupee is subdivided into 100 paise (singular paisa) or in laymans term One Rupee is equal to 100 Paise

Indian Coins in various denominations

More Information about Indian Coins
India became independent on 15 August 1947 and was left with a legacy of non-decimal coinage. One rupee was divided into 16 annas or 64 pice, and each anna was equal to 4 pice. In 1957, India shifted to the decimal system, but for a short period both decimal and non-decimal coins were in circulation. To distinguish between the two, the coins minted between 1957 and 1964 have the legend "Naya Paisa" ("new" paisa). The denominations in circulation were 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 25, 50 paise and 1 rupee.

Foreign Exchange Import of Indian Currency

noreply@blogger.com (Real Blogger) — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 20:48:25 PST

Import of Indian Currency : India Rupee

Latest FEMA Notifications from RBI

Import of Indian Currency
The import of Indian Currency in to India is prohibited. However the Reserve Bank of India has permitted import by any person currency notes other than notes of above Rs.100/- and from other countries by indian travellers currency notes of Government of India and Reserve bank of India notes up to an amount not exceeding Rs.5000/- per resident Indian provided the amount sough to be brought to India had earlier been taken out while proceeding abroad on a temporary visit period.

Indian Customs Manual If the Customs Site is down check Google Cache

Import of Indian currency is prohibited. However, in the case of passengers normally resident of India who are returning from a visit abroad Indian currency upto Rs 5000 is allowed.

Export and Import of Indian currency and currency notes :-
Save as otherwise provided in these RBI regulations, any person resident in India,

may take outside India (other than to Nepal and Bhutan) currency notes of Government of India and Reserve Bank of India notes upto an amount not exceeding Rs.5,000/- per person;
may take or send outside India (other than to Nepal and Bhutan) commemorative coins not exceeding two coins each.

'Commemorative Coin' includes coin issued by Government of India Mint to commemorate any specific occasion or event and expressed in Indian currency.

who had gone out of India on a temporary visit, may bring into India at the time of his return from any place outside India (other than from Nepal and Bhutan), currency notes of Government of India and Reserve Bank of India notes upto an amount not exceeding Rs.5,000/- per person.

Import of Foreign Exchange
As far as foreign exchange is concerned any person can bring in to India from a place outside India foreign exchange without any limit.Reserve Bank has granted general permission to any person to bring foreign currency into India from any place outside India without limit, provided he declares to Customs authorities on arrival the particulars of all such foreign currency brought in by him on the Currency Declaration Form (CDF).

Currency Declaration Form PDF Format from RBI

However,if the aggregate value of foreign currency brought in by him in the form of currency notes, bank notes or travellers cheques does not exceed U.S.$ 10,000 or its equivalent,and/or the value of foreign currency notes does not exceed U.S.$ 2500 or its equivalent, CDF is not required to be completed.

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.

Reserve Bank of India

India Airports

noreply@blogger.com (Real Blogger) — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 06:57:38 PST

India Airports, Airfields & Heliports

Bombay Airport, India Mumbai Airport
Mumbai has two Airports-The Chattrapathi Shivaji International Airport and Santa Cruz Domestic Airport.At a height of 26 feet above mean sea level, The Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport serves as one of India's major international airports.
Chennai Airport Tamil Nadu, India formerly Madras
Meenambakkam Airport or Madras International Airport is situated at Tirisulam, 7 Km south of Chennai. It has two terminals, Kamaraj Terminal, handles domestic flights connecting 20 destinations across the country with Chennai. The International Terminal, named Anna Terminal, connects major destinations.
Cochin Airport Kerala, India CIAL Airport
Cochin International Airport is one of the country's youngest Airports with modern facilities and conveniences.Located at Nedumbassery, which is about 30 kms off Kochi (Cochin) city,this is the first airport in India that was constructed with private participation ,outside the ambit of Airport Authority of India. Government of Kerala, Non-Resident Indians from over 30 countries
Begumpet Airport Hyderabad Airport
Begumpet Airport (IATA: HYD, ICAO: VOHY) at Hyderabad, also known as Hyderabad Airport, is currently the only international airport in Andhra Pradesh. It is a civil enclave located in Begumpet. The airport is host to the Andhra Pradesh Aviation Academy and the Begumpet Air Force Station of the Indian Air Force as well.
Delhi, Indira Gandhi International Airport, India
Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport (IATA: DEL, ICAO: VIDP), located in the city of Delhi, India is one of India's main domestic and international gateways. Earlier known as Palam Airport, it was renamed IGI airport with the inauguration of a new international terminal
Kolkatta Airport
The international Netaji Subhash Airport (Dum Dum Airport) is 20 kms from the city. Most of the domestic airlines have direct services to and from Kolkata-Kolkata to other important cities of India such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Patna, Varanasi, Lucknow, Bangalore.

The Airports Authority of India (AAI)

Agartala Airport Agatti Island Airport
Ahmedabad Airport Aizawl Airport
Akola Airport Along Airport
Amritsar Raja Sansi Anand Airport
Aurangabad Airport Bagdogra Airport
Balurghat Airport Bangalore Airport
Belgaum Airport Bellary Airport
Bhatinda Airport Bhavnagar Airport
Bhopal Airport Bhubaneshwar Airport
Bhuj Airport Bikaner Airport
Bilaspur Airport Birsa Munda Airport
Calicut Airport Car Nicobar Airport
Chandigarh Airport Chennai International Airport
Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport Cuddapah Airport
Daman Airport Daparizo Airport
Darjeeling Airport Deland Municipal Sidney H Taylor Fld
Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport Dhanbad Airport
Dharamsala Airport Dibrugarh Airport
Dibrugarh Airport Dimapur Airport
Gaya Airport Goa Airport
Gorakhpur Airport Guna Airport
Guwahati Airport Gwalior Airport
Hissar Airport Hubli Airport
Hyderabad Airport Imphal Airport
Indira Gandhi International Airport Jabalpur Airport
Jagdalpur Airport Jaipur Airport
Jaisalmer Airport Jaladhar Airport
Jammu Airport Jamnagar Airport
Jamshedpur Airport Jeypore Airport
Jodhpur Airport Jorhat Airport
Kailashahar Airport Kamalpur Airport
Kandla Airport Kanpur Airport
Keshod Airport Khajuraho Airport
Khowai Airport Kolhapur Airport
Kota Airport Kullu Manali Airport
Leh Airport Lilabari Airport
Lucknow Airport Ludhiana Airport
Macdill Air Force Base Aux Field Madurai Airport
Malda Airport Mangalore Airport
Muzaffarnagar Airport Muzaffarpur Airport
Mysore Airport Nagpur Airport
Nanded Airport Nasik Airport
Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport New Century Aircenter
Neyveli Airport Ormond Beach Municipal Airport
Panaji Airport Pantnagar Airport
Pasighat Airport Pathankot Airport
Patna Airport Porbandar Airport
Port Blair Airport Pune Airport
Puttaparthi Airport Rae Bareli Airport
Raipur Airport Rajahmundry Airport
Rajkot Airport Rajouri Airport
Ramagundam Airport Ratnagiri Airport
Rewa Airport Rourkela Airport
Rupsi Airport Schuylkill Co Airport
Sheldon Municipal Airport Sholapur Airport
Silchar Airport Simla Airport
Srinagar Airport Surat Airport
Tezpur Airport Tezu Airport
Thanjavur Airport Thiruvananthapuram International Airport
Tiruchirappalli Airport Tirupati Airport
Udaipur Airport Vadodara Airport
Varanasi Airport Vijayawada Airport
Vishakhapatnam Airport Vizag Airport
Warrangal Airport West Tinian Airport