I am giving one-star because items are not damaged. Rest all worst experience
I was shipping 16 boxes to India from USA and it took more than 150 days to deliver to home. The consignment was in the port for almost one month idle not moving anywhere, for that I paid RS.29000 as port charges(Port charges are the fees that shipping operators and their customers pay to port authorities for the use of the port’s facilities and services). Easily within a week or two, 16 boxes can be sent for custom clearance and can be taken out but that didn’t happen and the charges are posted on my head as they have clause in the contract that customer need to bear the port charges. This shows how lethargic they are with timeliness and delivery.
Next custom clearance:- They will request you to give power on your behalf to do custom clearance along with your original passport to be submitted to them, pls don’t ever attempt this, if you do, you will lose your money. Please appear by yourself for custom clearance as it is not tedious process(I gave power to them because of my laziness and I paid the price).
Also, they withhold my passport for around 45day in the name of custom clearance and received back after multiple follow ups.
Coming to custom charges:- They sent me denomination for custom assessment of RS.1, 55, 925 for below items. (Mentioned in brackets used duration and original cost of items)
• Others Used Sony TV 55’ - Assessed amt - 1, 00, 000 X 38.5%= 38500(but original cost 1000$(75K rupees) - 3 years old)
• Others Used Washing Machine - Assessed amt - 80, 000 X 38.5%= 30800(but original cost 240$(15K rupees) - 2 years old)
• Others Bose Soundbar- Assessed amt - 2, 00, 000 X 38.5%= 77000(but original cost 400$(30K rupees) - 1years old)
• Others bike - Assessed amt - 25, 000 X 38.5%= 9625(but original cost 160$(12k rupees) - new)
This is the point I realized why I gave power to them. This is actually called looting customers money, then I had multiple arguments that the total item cost would not even come near to 1.55lakhs and you charged me duty of 1.55lakhs & asked how the officer arrived at this calculation. But they are stubborn and clever enough to tackle you.
Next day they asked me can we go under the table deal bla. bla. and came up with reduced the charges to 40K. They demanded to pay otherwise consignment will not be delivered. Later I just visited the government site and found out RS.17325 paid as duty for my baggage. I strongly believe the charges they came up with are not real but a crooked up charges.
Here are some of things we should know:
1. If you are transferring your residence to India from USA after 2+ years of stay in USA, you have been exempted for 5lakhs worth(excluding some electronics).
2. According to Transfer of residence baggage allowance of GOVT of India used washing machine is tax exempt.
3. GOVT of India baggage allowance for travelers:-
http://www.cbic.gov.in
4. You can pay your customs duty online
epayment.icegate.gov.in/
5. Please ask for BD –baggage declaration or receipt of customs duty if you are giving power to them and pay by yourself online.