1 Please give me the rate of duty on a particular item.

All the necessary information to work out the rate on your own is given on the web site (http://www.cbec.gov.in).

2. I am not able to find the latest notification or a particular notification.

As soon as a notification is received by us it is put on the 'what's new'. If you are already conversant with the tariff, you need look no further.

3. I need Notification No. 1/64-customs, dated 18-01-1964 which prohibits the import of certain goods.

Click here for Notification 1/64-Cus., dated 18-01-1964.

4. I have a digital photo camera which I bought here in South America. I am working here on an assignment and will return to India after two months. My problem is I don't have the recipt of digital photo camera which I bought for USD 400, almost four months ago. Could you please tell me , how can I prove the actual cost and the usage time of it, at airport for customs duty.

The Indian Customs will have the approximate value of digital camera of popular make/brands. You can also get a copy of the manufacturers brochure/printed pricelist of the digital camera, from any dealer and that can be shown to Customs.

5. I am residing in Denmark for the last 14 months wish to bring a used microwave oven (Costing Approximately 4,200 INR (800 DKK) and weighing 15 Kilograms) with me to India. I purchased this oven here in Denmark 6 months back and I have been using this oven for my personal use in my kitchen. Now while coming to India I wish to bring this item with me. I am not aware of Indian customs rules. Would you please help me sending rules and regulations for the above said article and also the amount of custom duty to be paid in case, if this item falls in any category of articles to be charged under customs rules.

You are entitled to Rs 12000 allowance. If there is no other new/electronic gadget being imported by you, then the used Microwave oven can be cleared free of duty within the permissible allowance

6. I am NRI US citizen and I plan to travel to India (mother land) in coming days. Although I have obtained info about Duty Free Allowances, I am still afraid about harassment from Indian custom officers.

Thank you for your letter. 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

7. We want to import parts of lead acid battery from china however lead acid battery complete from china is facing anti dumping duty we plan to manufacture batteries here in india after importing only some parts and making some of them in india. Is it legal ?

In absence of any details as to what is being imported it is not possible to give any clarification. As regards importability/Anti dumping duty please make a reference to DGFT/Ministry of Commerce.

8. Please can you clarify what the duty free allowance is for someone of Indian Origin (British passport holder flying to India form the UK) returning to India for a short holiday ?

The persons of Indian origin (British Passport holder) coming to India are eligible to a free allowance of Rs 12000/.

9. I am Canadian citizen. I would like to bring a new car to India. Furthermore, I would like to know that how much is the custom duty on a BRAND NEW car?

Yes. Approval is accorded both on the Automatic under certain conditions and FIPB route. Applications should be accompanied by a Resolution of the Board of Directors of the existing company and a consent letter from the Indian partner/foreign collaborator.

The Indian Customs will allow you to clear food items etc if they are imported for your own personal use during your stay of 1 week in India. The value of personal effects/goods including food items,upto Rs 12,000 are allowed free of any Customs duty.

11. I am an Indian national residing in the UK for the past 8 years, and now planning to return back to India for good. I have gone through the website and have noted the customs allowances / contents in Annex 1 and 2 etc. However I was not still clear about the exact procedure particularly in terms of the paperwork involved. Should I have to have any formal kind of paper work for customs purposes (to avail transfer of residence) before I ship our house hold articles via a removal company? And also can I avail a door to door service or customs clearance in an inland customs depot (in Bangalore)?

You are entitled to claim a Transfer of Residence. This allows you certain duty concessions, on the list of items mentioned in the Annex. For all other items, there is no duty. As regards being able to clear it at ICD,Bangalore, and the answers yes You are advised to have a complete, carton wise inventory of goods. For the electronic items, the purchase bill/invoices also come in handy in helping the Customs officer in arriving at the fair value.