Customs and duty?

Customs Duty on LCD TV's in India - NRI?

• I live in the UAE and intend to take back an LCD screen for my family back home in India. The cost of the TV in the UAE should be approximately US $ 1000 (INR 40K). Can anyone please explain to me the customs duty that i might have to pay in India. Do NRI's have to pay customs duty for goods required for their family use; If yes, what is how much is the duty for LCD screen TV's; and How much is the basic limit (on which no customs duty is payable) for taking back electronics to India. Would appreciate if someone can give me early and accurate response.

• Answer:

  In General, if you are travelling from USA, Canada, Australia, Europe or Middle East, you are entilted Duty Free Allowance of Rs 250,00 (Approx $600). If the total cost of dutiable goods (which includes electronics and jewellery - excluding one laptop) exceeds Rs. 25,000, the amount over and above 25,000 will be levied a customs duty at 37.5%. Which means you will have to pay customs duty of around 400$ * .375 = 150$ at the Arrival Customs Airport. Also, if the weight of the LCD screen is higher than 50 pounds (the common weight limit in airlines) you will have to pay extra baggage charge at the time of departure. Do ensure you calculate relevant bills for your electronics, or else the customs officials are at a liberty to assign whatever value they like and claim customs duty (which is usually invariably above the actual price of the products) And yes, even if you are an NRI, there is no exemption on dutiable goods, unless you are returning for good and are able to show ample proof that you are coming back to India forever. Even in that case, you would have to transport your goods through a shipment via sea, and the procedure for that is too long and tedious and would require under the table dealings... you wouldnt want to consider that!!! Hope this helps