Hey Guys!

I am planning to visit India for 2 weeks and then return to US. I am planning to carry drones(FPV gears and stuff with radio of course) and not IMPORT. I repeat I am not importing it. I will carry all the stuff and take it back. Does this need any procedure? All I see is about importing. Is there a document needed for this? If anyone has carried it, let me know how it went through.

Thanks
Karthik

@VTOLkarthik,
See this:
https://cag.gov.in/sites/default/files/audit_report_files/Chapter%203%20of%20Report%20No.%205%20of%202016%20Compliance%20Audit%20Customs%20Union%20Government%20Department%20of%20Revenue.pdf

For some reason I'm not able to copy/paste the first few paragraphs that are relevant.

Despite your contention that you are not importing, the fact is that you are. And then you will re-export when you go back.

I fear that this import/ bond for duty amount / re-export mechanism may not apply banned items like drones.

My guess is bringing in a drone is not worth the hassle, unless an imp/exp expert advices you otherwise.

I doubt if it will be allowed.

One has to surrender to local regulations.
Let me give an example. In July, I did one flight at a US model airfield, before someone asked for my AMA membership card. Use of the field was free, but you needed AMA membership, and the insurance cover.
Before flying there again, I got 'Affiliate membership' for me and my wife.

Moral: probably not worth it!
Leave your drone behind and enjoy time with friends and relatives

I don't have big drones like DJI's. Its a cinewhoop. As it is mostly 3D printed, I could disassemble that and keep it in separate pieces. The drone and gears itself is not a problem, I am worried about the radio transmitter which would cause a problem.

The reason I want to bring it is because of the occasion I am visiting to. I really wanted to take a cinematic shot of the event. As you told, it is not worth taking the risk. I'll see if I can find some alternative.

Instead of taking risk for bringing it I would suggest you to rent it from the location you are visiting. Post about your requirement her on this blog and I am sure someone will contact you.

Ya I was thinking to do that. But I guess no one has cinewhoops I guess. I have been into fpv acro that its very diffucult to fly the regular ones with stabilization. I'll what I can do.

EDIT: My cinewhoop can carry gopro. that's the reason I wanted to bring it. I'll get 4K cinematic shot from my drone.

I recently built a cinewhoop. Megabee v2 from iflight.. It's super fun! Just dismantle it and get it along, the only problem you might face is with a tx. Pm me and lets discuss the possibilities. Somethings can't be said on a forum.

Hello, Karthik I have read all your queries and Im sorry that I couldn't help with suggestions on bringing your parts but I can help you in some other way.
I recently built a cinewhoop(shendrone nutmeg with GoPro mount) with decent electronics which will hold GoPro for sure, the whoop is working fine and I own X9d Plus TX. One big problem am facing is lipos. I got one 5s lipo which was super fine but I can't able to import more lipos. 5s 460mah or 4s 850 95c should do good.

My suggestion is I can give my whoop and tx for you to shoot your event for return can you buy me 5 or 6 4s lipos when you coming from US. I will pay you for the lipo. Bringing lipos alone while coming should be fine as far as my friend told, you can keep those in check-in bags.

Its a win-win for both. I will get lipo to fly my whoop and you will have whoop for you use. you can return the things while leaving. Ping me to to talk about it if you are interested.

"There is a limit of two spare batteries per person for the larger lithium ion batteries described above (101-160 watt hours per battery)."

From: https://www.faa.gov/hazmat/packsafe/more_info/?hazmat=7