The parcel are delayed because of inland transportation within country and Customs clearance procedures.
It depends on what do you import and from where do you import.For example, gold and jewellary items require valuation by the jewellary Expert of the Customs department.Similarily drugs and medicine are required clearance from The Assistant Drugs Controller.If you are importing Insecticide and pesticide then you have to obtain clearance as per Insecticide Act.The same procedure is followed whether you receive goods through post, Air cargo ,ICD,and Seaport.
The postal department does not assign any local number if the parcel is not detained by the Customs department.
But ,if it is detained for want of information, then you receive intimation from Postal department with local number and also from the Customs department.
you can enquire status of parcel with this local reference number at Customer care centre of Foreign post Office..
259 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 201 – 259 of 259Dear Samar,
IF he ask you to pay duty but Customs have told you during your visit that there is no duty.Then do not pay duty before verifying from customs.In future,refer my website www.globaltaxguru.in ,
www.ebay.globaltaxguru.in(This is exclusive for ebay users).
If have any doubt pl write to me. I would be grateful ,if you use the site and recommend to all interested person.
Regards
Ravindra Kumar
Dear Ravnidra,
all the customs officer told me was that things were fine.
he didn't say that the item would attract no duty.
i had spent the entire day at the foreign post office - in the evening after the inspection i checked with him if everything was all right - he said fine.
what i am concerned about is the non receipt of the item subsequently.
and its making me wonder if i should go to the foreign post office and speak to the people there again.
since i am on leave this week - the coming two days i could go - earlier i took leave specifically to go find out about the item.
also the detention letter is not with me as i had requested for the inspection to be preponed to that day( jan 28 ) instead of the feb 10 they had scheduled it for
what i am not clear about is how long does it take the item to be dispatched after the inspection.
and if due to some reason they decide to hold it up will i be informed.
they seemed to be very reluctant to share any information till one pleaded a lot with them.
really appreciate your inputs on this.
and yes - i will certainly spread the word about your blog and your site globaltaxguru.in - such initiatives are very badly needed in india.
thanks and regards,
Samar
Dear Samar,
Do not worry. I will guide you if there rise any problem.
Normally postal clearance take time.
Regards
Ravindra Kumar
Sir,
I have ordered a diecast metal model plane from eBay USA and it was shipped via usps First Class mail on 5th february.The actual value of item is $29.40.I wanted to approx. time when it will clear customs and arrive at Pune,and the shipment status is not changing since one week..
Dear Mr Shahrukh,
There is no time bound clearance by customs. Normally , decision by customs are taken immediately as soon as goods are presented by Postal Department.
You may inquire at your local area post office, whether your goods have arrived at Pune or not.
Regards
Ravindra Kumar
Dear Ravindra,
There is still no sight of the projector.
Please advise what course of action should i take.
thanks and regards,
Samar
hi Ravindra,
I have finally got the projector.
A duty of 2500 Rs was levied on the cif price of Rs 18,700 approx.
Have summed up the process - believe others may find useful.
the process as i understand is -
four stages -
a. the parcels come to the nearest foreign post office. they are received.
b. the fpo has a customs department inside the building. the packages are opened, examined in presence of the customs and the postage officials and the custom authorities identify which are to be detained. reasons for detention can be many - a few valid ones such as banned, illegal item, improper low value declared etc - mostly the reasons are arbitrary - the intention of the customs officials is to harass and test your patience - so that it can lead to their desired result
c. when the customs have detained an item they have to send a notice to the addressee - they can take an arbitrary amount of time in doing this - the notice calls the addressee to the fpo for an inspection - at the inspection the package will be opened by the postal people in front of the customs - and the contents of the package will be verified with your invoice - the slightest inconsistency can become an excuse for delaying your item - the invoice for the item - often the credit card statement showing the true amount paid for the item will be asked.
d. the customs people will estimate the duty applicable, if any - and the estimation goes for one/two rounds of edit.
e finally the customs gives the duty order to the postal guys who prepare the release order and dispatch the package to the nearest post office
f - the local post office will either call you to the post office or the post man will deliver and collect the estimated duty.
all i have learnt from the process is -
a - have an endless amount of patience
b - your package should eventually reach you
c - courier route is better option as the duty is applied at the airport customs and when you order from a well known vendor there are clearance agents involved - yes, the charges involved are higher but anything to avoid the pain of dealing with fpos.
Would like to thank you again for the extremely useful information that is there in this thread.
Regards,
Samar
Dear Samar,
Thanks for sharing your experience. Writing blog and developing website www.globaltaxguru.in and www.ebay.globaltaxguru.in is to reduce, if cannot eliminate ,suffering from unreasonable delay.
Lot of organisations ,Govt and private, are involved in clearance of cargo,shipping, payment and delivery, before it reaches to destine person.
Courier is better option if the time and duty are not very much important for the same cargo.
Regards
Ravindra Kumar
Dear Ravindra,
My name is Prasoon.I live in Jammu.I had sent 2 speed posts from Jammu on 9th March,2010 from Jammu with reference numbers:
EE816603155IN
EE816603164IN
These letters were supposed to be sent to US.The problem which I am having is that on the USPS site(which handles the speed post out of INDIA to US)have no updates about it.I had sent one more speed post on 12th March,2010 and they had been acknowledged by the USPS site on 15th March,2010 and left INDIA on the same date.
The parcel consisted of some papers/documents which were reqd. for admission at two particular universities.So these were urgent posts.I had contacted Jammu Speed.Post Centre and they told me that these packets had left for Delhi on 10th March,2010.So I assume they should have reached Delhi Foreign Parcels office by now.I wanted to enquire abt it there but I have no contact numbers of that office. Please help me out.
Is there any chance that these letters would have got misplaced.
Awaiting a reply!
i had ordered a dress for my daughters birthday through usps and the status is showing into customs clearence. Is it possible in anyway to get it cleared really fast as her birthday is on sunday and it is thursday today. Please help as she will be so upset.
Dear Goodoldtime,
Wish you a happy birthday to your daughter. Regarding gift parcel, you may contact your local post office or city foreign post office(if any) to know the status. You may also visit my site for postal import ,www.postal.globaltaxguru.in .
Kind regards
Ravindra Kumar
hi ravindra, its so nice seeing u helping people regarding importing rules...
i have one query to be asked. i wanna import a mobile phone costing 350 GBP from UK to India through DHL Intl Couriers...
i wanna know should i have to pay any duties if at all & if yes how much for that price? that price includes shipping to india(bangalore)....
waiting for ur response....
Dear Manuvaidya,
Pl see my site
www.courier.globaltaxguru.in for duty on mobile phone.
If youb are purchasing from ebay then enter www.ebay.globalatxguru.in.
Regards
Ravindra Kumar
Hi Ravindra,
i found this website very useful. Sometime back i bought a watch from ebay US which they sent through First-Class Mail International. I stay in BAngalore and Its almost 20 days and i have not received this article and neither any communication from indian post or customs. i contacted USPS and they are saying tracking is not enabled for this article. on USPS site it just shows shipmentaccepted on 22nd April. what should I do and how should i contact? The watch was worth 100$ and fo that will i have to pay and duty or penalty?
Thanks,
-Vikas Singh
Dear Vikas ,
Only option left is to visit first local post office then foreign post office. Meet Post and Customs Staff.
You may read other readers experience on using USPS and Post service on this blog.
Best of luck.
Regards
www.ebay.globalataxguru.in
Hi Ravindra..
Let me congratulate you for running this amazing blog as it has a lot of valuable info regarding import/exports.
I have a general enquiry for you.
I would like to procure USB flash drives from China/Taiwan from the wholesellers through online shopping websites.
I would like to know whether i can apply for an IEC code for this purpose?
I have PAN number and am a income tax payee.
Will IEC number be issued for an individual?
Also once i receive the IEC number is it ensured that when i make an order online,my goods sent through post will not be detained by customs and will not charge any duty?
Expecting a prompt reply.
I have lot more questions to you.
:-)
Thanks and Regards
Aneesh
Dear Mr Anees,
Thanks for all your appreciations.
You can visit and apply ONLINE TO DGFT for IEC .Normally within one week time you can get IEC.
As far importing is concerned, you can visit my site www.globaltaxguru.in for knowing duty on products.
If you are interested on regular import and export business, then you can use my charged service.
Thanks and regards
Ravindra Kumar
Hi Ravindra
Many thanks for your valuable reply.
I have the following queries which am separating into points so that i wont miss the valuabe answers provided by you.
1) Does it mean that IEC number will be issued for individual also.
Once i receive the IEC number is it ensured that when i make an order online,my goods sent through post will not be detained by customs and will not charge any duty?
2) If the products are shipped through DHL/Fedex rather than through EMS will the same be detained by customs?
3) I went through your website but am unable to figure out the import duty for USB flash drives.
Thanks a lot for your time and expecting a reply.
Regards
Aneesh
Dear Mr Anees,
1.If you are importing for personal use and through Post, you dot require IEC.
2.If you are importing through Post,
then check my site www.postal.globaltaxguru.in.
3 If you are importing through Courier then www.coureir.globaltaxguru.in.
4. As far product is considered, enter flash drive for search.Either enter similar goods for search.
5. If you are interested in commercial import, i can advise you for a fee .
Warm regards
Ravindra Kumar
Hi Ravindra
Am not planning for personal use.But for selling through online shopping websites.
If i purchase the flash drives from china and ship it through DHL or Fedex will those goods be detained by customs?
Or is it like goods send through post are only detained by customs?
You just mentioned about an advise fee?What was that?
Thanks
Aneesh
Dear Mr Anees,
Flash drive will not be detained by customs ,whether you import from Post or Courier.
Duty on Flash drive is 8.29%
There are many readers of my blog who import regularly and do trading of goods, such person, ask me total duty, Notification benefits and licencing conditions,etc, which are required by Customs authority.
They pay fee for per product information.
warm regards
Ravindra Kumar
Hi Ravindra
recently i ordered 10 pieces Kingston 16GB Flash drives and it was shipped through EMS from china.
This was actually marked as gift and the value is shown as 20USD.
Customs detained it and i got a memo.
I went to the appraising department and they charged me 27.84% duty.
So why did you say that the duty on flash drives is 8.29%.
Thanks
Aneesh
Dear Mr Anees,
I cannot comment on why Customs department has charged you so much duty and they are right person to answer. At the most you can ask for re assessment and get refund of excess duty.
However, declaring commercial goods as gifts amounts mis declaration and
intention is duty evasion, which is similar to smuggling .
Warm regards
Ravindra Kumar
Hi Ravindra
Yes that is wrong..I completely agree..But the seller specified the amount like that and mentioned it as a gift..i didnt know that.
Actually i was completely unaware that buying from online websites outside INDIA will ultimately lead to paying the duty.
I am not going for any reassessment as i still dont know how much will be the duty i need to pay finally.Because the product has not yet reached my door.
But the fact was that i ordered this for gifting to my cousins and there was no intention for commercial use.
But i am now thinking why cant i apply for an IEC and then start commercial import so that i can sell those through online websites..
Hi Ravindra
But what i was wondering was that if i buy say 30 pieces of 16gb flash drive from online websites in china (say a total cost of 400USD)and they ship through DHL do i need to pay the duty?
Will customs detain the products ship through DHL as well?
Or is it like while delivering at my door DHL will themselves charge a duty?
Expecting a reply.
Thanks
Aneesh
Dear Mr Anees,
It is DHL who is going to pay duty on your behalf.
Regards
Ravindra Kumar
Hi Ravindra
DHL will pay the duty and while collecting the parcel from me i need to pay the duty ampunt to DHL is it like that?
Thanks
Aneesh
Dear Mr Anees,
Yes, it is this way only.
Regards
Ravindra Kumar
Dear Pranav,
I had a bad times dealing with mumbai customes. My tracking site is showing me that my parcel is dumped at mumbai customs on 07/28/10,but still i havent heard anything from custom after 2 months.hence i found out the mumabbi custom number and called up i got such a poor response when i asked about my parcel the guy on the other side said your parcel has been detained because you gave the company address and we dont knw wether it is indvidual or company use.when in fact the parcel is just 2 rain coats from taiwan and nothing else even it is checked as gifts.I asked the custom guy about further progress he said we sent letters to your company adress but appearntly i havent received any.he said come with documents to mumbai custom and i will clear it.BUt i am not sure what to do now could you please suggest the appropriate way to handle it.I am from pune and mumabi is quiate distant to me if i travel their its hectic and if i dont knw what required documents its even worst.any reply will be helpful to tacle this situation.
Thanks
Prasad
Dear Prasad,
If you can write letter addressed to AC/DC stating about facts of the case, they will clear your cargo. Send it by registered post with AD,and ,may follow up over phone.
Regards
Ravindra Kumar
Global Tax Guru
hi i am salim panjwani from surat, gujarat, india i want to know that i was expecting a parcel sent from USA via USPS on 28th Sept is not yet delivered when i trace the number on USPS website it shows the parcel has reached India on 14th OCt and is now in customs ..this parcel contains a used mobile phone and some used clothes along with Old Jewellery .i want to know that what amount of custom duty will i be charged for it and also when will the parcel reach my Postal Address ??? Thanks reply Soon
Dear Salim,
Used phone and used jewelery are not allowed to be imported for import with out fine and penalty,in addition ,to duty.
First Customs department will value your goods with the help of Jewelry expert ,then may adjudicate the case.You may also receive notice from Customs. Duty on items may be find my site www.globaltaxguru.in.
Regards
Ravindra Kumar
Hi Sir,
I have sent a parcel to my family in Kolkata on 20th Dec 2010 through USPS through regular mail. So unfortunately I do not have a tracking number. Its been 15 days and there is no sign of the parcel yet. My dad alternatively is checking at the post office.
I sent a few dresses for my 1 yr old niece's bday -the value of which is hardly $50. I did fill out the customs form to make sure to tick it as a gift because my family had to give fine on previous parcels I sent since the customs thought they are samples for commercial purpose.
Anyway, I would appreciate any help you can provide me track it. I have the customs number but don't know whom to contact - pls help
Best
Kajal
Dear Kajal,
You will receive your package. Contact in local post office,whether it is received there.
Best wishes,
Ravindra Kumar
dear ravinder ji,
wanted to know if i can import for personal use a single audio receiver (for USD 385=18000) the shipping cost by post parcel is USD 175(8000Rs). this is purely personal import. what will be the duty for this kind of import..will there be penalties...what will be the rate inclusive of cvd etc..
any help is appreciated...
dear ravinder ji,
wanted to know if i can import for personal use a single audio receiver (for USD 385=18000) the shipping cost by post parcel is USD 175(8000Rs). this is purely personal import. what will be the duty for this kind of import..will there be penalties...what will be the rate inclusive of cvd etc..
any help is appreciated...
I ordered some capacitors and resistors, around 90$, for repair of an old electronic equipment. They shipped it by USPS international letter and it says it left Seattle 3rd Jan, 2011. No update or no news after that. Do resistors/capacitors attract customs duty? Where is it likely to be stuck? I live in West bengal.
Hey, This is a wonderful blog and great work keeping it alive.
I had purchased an unbranded ,yet very useful in terms of function, Digital watch from ebay.com through paypal. The seller has send it through Hong Kong registered Post. He has marked it as a gift. I had also asked to declare its price below 20$ and not to sent any invoice with it. I am not sure if he has done these last set of requests. The cost of the watch is 83 USD and 14 USD for shipping. A branded watch with a same features would cost more than 10K. What do you think is the chance of it getting through customs without any duty? and in case if there is a duty, what do you think the amount would be? Also its been 10 days now since it has reached Mumbai Airport and I still haven't got it. How long do you think it would take to reach me? Thank You.
Dear Sunil,
Consumer electronics goods above Rs 2000/=,(C.I.F) is not allowed through Post. You may pay fine and penalty , in addition to duty . If it is detained by Customs then they will issue notice to you.
Regarding duty , you can visit my site www.globaltaxguru.in for more detail.
Final decision for charging duty ,fine and penalty is power of Customs Authority.
Regards
Ravindra Kumar
Hello sir,
My friend sent a parcel from chicago US which contains a mini tripod for my camera.It was from USPS Express Mail International®
he said it'll be here in 6-7 days...its now more than 6/7 days..Tracking status is so :
Out of Foreign Customs, March 07, 2011, 10:38 am, INDIA
Arrived Abroad, March 07, 2011, 9:01 am, INDIA
International Dispatch, March 03, 2011, 9:02 pm, ISC CHICAGO IL (USPS)
Arrival
Processed through Sort Facility, March 02, 2011, 5:59 pm, CHICAGO, IL 60604
Electronic Shipping Info Received, February 26, 2011
its 9th of march today.
What do you think has happened?
what can be done get my stuff with me as soon as possible?
postal address given is of Noida..
but i can go to delhi and pick it up....
help me out...
Dear Samar,
It will reach to you. Contact local post office.
Regards
Ravindra Kumar
Samar?
i guess you replied to a wrong message...kindly help me out for the issue i mentioned.
when i track the same article number on speed post tracking website its giving following info at movement section:
NEW DELHI|INDRAPRASTHA HPO|Article Bagged|Bag Number : EBD0000923155
what this new number is?
Inder
i have a query about buying something from abroad.
I wish to import a used photographic lens from US, which will come by US postal service, duly insured. Item will be marked as gift. I understand that duty at present is 26.85% on SLR lenses. Approximate value of lens and courier charges are INR 22,000. Do i need to pay Import Duty for same? If i have to pay the duty (approx 6000), it will take away all the monetary benefit i am getting by getting it from US.
Dear Reader,
Used goods for commercial use will attract duty,fine and penalty. Visit my site www.globaltaxguru.in for duty.
Regards
Ravindra Kumar
Hello, Ravindra
I am working as a freelance graphic designer and have client overseas does that count as a export of services and can i get any custom duty benefit on my import . Even when the volume is as low as $1000 per month on an average.
If yes what are the formalities to claim refund on the item i import.
Thanks
Rahul
Dear Ravindra Kumar,
Please accept my appreciation for the effort and time you put in to patiently answer our questions.
I live in the USA and have ordered a gift for my nephew from a online store in Hongkong. The store shipped the item (an accessory to the Nintendo DS handheld console- Value $14.75 including shipping) to Hyderabad on March 14th and it first reached Kolkata on March 25and the next day the tracking status said it left for its domestic location.
My questiosn are:
1. When it says domestic location-Does it mean Hyderabad or will it go to a central place like Mumbai or Delhi for customs assesment?
2.As the package first touched Kolkata-is it safe to assume that it has been cleared by Customs or is there a possibility that the airmail packet will get evaluated by Customs Dept in Mumbai(central location) or Hyderabad (Destination)?
Your views are highly appreciated.
Regards
B J Rao
Dear Sir,
You may inquire to Hyderabad GPO office or your local Post office.
If it is detained by customs ,then ,you will get notice,and ,ask to submit documents.
thanks
Ravindra Kumar
Dear Ravindra,
My Parcel was out of customs on 25june 2009. Its now over 2 years. No communication from Customs. I purchased it on ebay, an vintage brand new electronic item to be delivered at the gurgaon address, worth $63 along with shipping. Though i have loosed every hope to get it now but after reading this long post i am desperate to ask you: CAN I STILL EXPECT TO GET IT? What address and where should i go and whome should i meet? My address is also now changed from Gurgaon to Agra. I am a diehard vintage electronics lover and i feel very bad still whenever i think about my first parcel i ordered from abroad. Brand new vintage electronics is not available in India. It was through USPS priority Mail and the tracking no. is: CJ 192 453 705 US. I also have the scanned copy of the sellers sending recipt with me as well as all the tracking Info on USPS website. Any help will be highly appreciated. Have a nice day, Thanks.
Dear Anupam,
Pl contact foreign post office at Delhi ,it may be lying their uncleared ,or,It might have been returned to sender.Also, enquire at local post office of Gurgaon. If it insured then contact insurance company.
Wish you all the best.
Ravindra Kumar
I am expecting a package of supplements and Protein powder from US through USPS priority mail costing to Rs. 16000. I want to know how much custom/import duty I need to pay for it?
Dear Rachita,
Pl visit my site www.globaltaxguru.in for details about duty.
Regards
Hi Mr Ravindra,
My sister has send me a mail from the USPS. It contains so makeup items with t-shirts and sunglasses. The status says as follows..
12/11/2011 7:54:00 AM UNITED STATES ISC CHICAGO IL (USPS) Receive item at office of exchange (Otb)
12/11/2011 7:54:00 AM UNITED STATES ISC CHICAGO IL (USPS) Insert item into bag (Otb)
12/17/2011 2:50:00 PM INDIA DELHI FOREIGN POST OFFICE Receive item at office of exchange (Inb)
12/21/2011 3:34:00 PM INDIA DELHI FOREIGN POST OFFICE Send item to customs (Inb)
12/27/2011 1:45:00 PM INDIA BANGALORE SUB FGN POST Return item from customs (Inb)
12/27/2011 2:57:00 PM INDIA BANGALORE SUB FGN POST Send item to domestic location (Inb)
12/30/2011 2:57:00 PM INDIA MARATHAHALLI COLONY P.O Unsuccessful item delivery attempt (Inb)
Reason : Other
Measure : Item forwarded/redirected
I have called and also went to the Marathahalli Post Office but they seem to be very rude and say that they don't have my package. I also tried calling the number of the customs in Museum Road Post Office, Bangalore but seems that particular number is not working and upon calling another number in the same Post Office they insist that I should call the previous number.
I am totally confused and mad as I don't want to loose my parcle and as they are cosmetics I am also scared that they it might break or something. Do u suggest I should visit the Customs office or just wait for my parcle. Please suggest.
Thanks
Pam.
Dear Pam,
It looks like that your local Post office could not delivered at address. You have to contact your local Post office. Otherwise, they will send back. You may read my recent blogs on Postal procedures.
http://personalimport.blogspot.com
Hi it would great if you can help me out to know what is going on with all my parcels every time i send to India, sometime my items are missing,ok lets say drugs or etc, that Completely understood if you do clearance, but what about T-shirts? I lost my items which is included adult and baby clothing, Girl accessories without you are giving information which items you did clearance ?! that is bad right?and again this time i send parcel from hk and been arrive in India since 10 Nov 2014 until today 17 Nov the status is still the same in costumes inspection , and i am facing difficulty to contact the officer just want to know what is going on? please check my parcel CP900094563HK , PLEASE let me know what is going on ! why its take sooooo long Thank You !
Sir,
I am perche an order through Ali express, item send to domestic location (inb),chennai foreign post office (5th Dec 2014).till status doesn't change (14 Dec) .,what is reason.
Pls reply.
MD.BAJI
THANQ.
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 ordered two pair of sports shoes from china costing a pair about 55$.. The sender sent the parcel on 11/3/15..I tracked my parcel today and it shows that it is received at delhi customs and says RETENTION:OTHER REASON..I would like to know till when would they leave the parcel for deliver and would they impose any duties or not?
Dear Sir, I have been sent some food items from Abu dhabi (UAE) on 07/03/2015 through Emirates Postal service for my brother who is under treatment for brain tumor.I checked with the Abu dhabi post office and as per their status statement the parcel item still is with postal customs department Cochin from 09/03/2015 till today.CP Number is CP150078734AE.kindly send a confirmation about the above maetoned item early as soon as possible please.
I ordered iphone from aliexpress. I told seller to mark it as gift and price 50$. Custom detained my package. What should I do? Do I have to go to custom office to release my package? Will there be fine for lieing? How much custom duty do I have to pay?
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