THose 5 points are the golden points VC. thats what I and many here have been telling and nobody listens 

Quote from: VC on December 08, 2010, 09:57:22 PM
a. Try and avoid EMS
b. Keep the consignment small, if need be, reorder
c. Avoid calling up the Customs Authorities or writing to them - Have PATIENCE!
d. Declare a respectable value on the Customs Invoice
e. Fix up a middle man who knows his way around

+1 VC

Quote from: saurabhhsrivastavaa on December 09, 2010, 09:37:59 AM
+1 VC

+10 VC

Hi Anwar according to the customs order that is happened some where in 2008. The HS code 95.03.80 is prohibited not restricted.
Link : http://www.infodriveindia.com/Hs-Codes/9503-Other-toys-reduced-size-scale-models.aspx

You can Clearly see that as on 23-Jan-2009 the status is prohibited after that no update of the status.

Quote from: chkalyan on December 09, 2010, 12:19:34 PM
...You can Clearly see that as on 23-Jan-2009 the status is prohibited after that no update of the status.

Hi Mr Kalyan

The link posted by flyingboxcar clearly mentions date as "the 27th January 2010". So isn't this the latest one ?
The website is not updated i guess?

http://dgft.gov.in/exim/2000/not/not09/not2709.htm

Regards
Ankur

Quote from: VC on December 08, 2010, 09:57:22 PM

a. Try and avoid EMS

My experience with EMS has been quite positive. Perhaps because I am in Mumbai and have been able to follow up and resolve issues, personally. But it goes to their credit that they have been reasonable and willing to listen to you, if you are talking sense, of course!

HI ankurkaul17,

                        That is right and main thing is after imposing ban on certain items,they have relaxed the policy with some restrictions but the policy restricted is not freed after that date means that is banned right?
9503 80 status is prohibited.


Pls follow the link : http://www.infodriveindia.com/Hs-Codes/9503-Other-toys-reduced-size-scale-models.aspx in this one you can see the total items and the status.

The link is the notification of the policy relaxing but what about the items which are prohibited.

 
While I agree that many may have had issues, my experience either through EMS, USPS, Royal Post and other government postal agencies have been absolutely positive. As many would know, whatever postal service you use, once it lands up in India, it has to go through postal apprisal department (PAD) of customs and this is where all the issues arise
I have been questioned several times on the contents, value etc but never had my parcel been stopped. And most of my packages have been kits upto 46 inches length.
I attribute this ease of clearance to correct declaration irrespective of what the sender chooses to declare on the package, and refusal to yield to demands which have been sometimes made.
I should also say that I was always ready to fight out and bear the delays becuase I know I was within my rights to import and I was not misdeclaring anything and ready to pay the duty on my imports.  
There was one instance where I was made an overt demand by one of the lower rung functionaries in the office and which was refused. I had thought that maybe this was once case where I would have to slug it out but to my surprise the package landed at my door steps in two more days with usual duty.

While it is very easy to blame the Govt functionary for corruption and greed, almost alll of us always forget about the supply side of the equation!

Please note I am not taking a high moral ground, I am just trying to state the facts as they are.  

Quote from: chkalyan on December 09, 2010, 12:57:26 PM
Pls follow the link : http://www.infodriveindia.com/Hs-Codes/9503-Other-toys-reduced-size-scale-models.aspx in this one you can see the total items and the status.

The link is the notification of the policy relaxing but what about the items which are prohibited.

Kalyan,
From what I understand the information at your link is not from a Govt site, but a third party. Then if you see they have information for years, where while the item is listed as free in 2006, it is prohibited in 2009. But the DGFT/CBEC site information says it is free.

HI flyingboxcar  can you pls give me the website address? Directlink

Quote from: chkalyan on December 09, 2010, 02:12:35 PM
HI flyingboxcar  can you pls give me the website address? Directlink

http://dgft.gov.in/exim/2000/not/not09/not2709.htm

Thanks Ankur,
that is what I was referring to.  

Some one today sent me a PM asking for some advice.
"Hello sir,i'm thinking of ordering a trainer plane kit from tower..Wat will be the result in customs? How much duty they'll charge for the kit?"
I thought it would be better to put my answer here so that all may benifit.

If assume you are planning to order a wodden kit and not an ARF. Go ahead and place the order, but my suggestion would be to opt for UPS as the customs process would be dealt by them. If it is an ARF, I would not suggest for simnple reason of damage in transit unless you opt for UPS which would make the cost very unattractive.
However please do this at own risk as there would always be the probability of the package getting stuck in the custom process and you should be ready to go through all that.
If you think you are willing to take the associated risks, go ahead and order
   

Kindly read this notice.....where is clearly menction...and until further orders

jo ki abhi tak aaya nahi hai...

http://www.infodriveindia.com/Notifications/Ban-on-import-of-toys-20933.aspx

Date:  27-01-2009
Notification No:  CUSTOMS INSTRUCTION
Issuing Authority:  INDIAN CUSTOMS    
Type:  Instruction  
File No:  450/142/2008-Cus.IV  
Subject:  Ban on import of toys from China by DGFT  
Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Revenue
Central Board of Excise & Customs

159A, North Block, New Delhi.
27th January, 2009.

Subject: Ban on import of toys from China by DGFT – reg.

Sir / Madam,

Kindly refer to the DGFT's Notification No.82(RE-2008)/2004-09 dated 23.01.2009 wherein the Schedule - I (Imports) of the ITC(HS) Classification of Export and Import Items, 2004-09 has been amended as follows:

"(1) Import of 'Toys' from China appearing under ITC Codes 9501, 9502, 9503 of Schedule – I of ITC(HS) Classifications of Export and Import Items is prohibited for six months with immediate effect and until further orders."

2.Further, it is reiterated that in the context of greater concerns about sub-standard toys containing toxic and poisonous material being imported into the country, the Board had issued instructions vide circular No.21/2008-Customs dated 18.12.2008 providing for stringent measures such as absolute confiscation along with necessary penal action against the importer for non-compliance with the existing legal provisions as applicable on import of such toys.


3.In view of the above, you are requested to take further necessary action in the matter accordingly.
Yours faithfully,
(M.M. Parthiban)
Director (Customs
F. No. 450/142/2008-Cus.IV

Quote from: laxmansuthar on December 09, 2010, 04:11:13 PM
...and until further orders

Jo ki aa gaya hai Sir
check my post above..official govt site pe..order date "the 27th January 2010" jo ki  27-01-2009 k baad ata hai..lol 

Regards
Ankur

Bang on Laxman, that was the initial order in 2009, then there was naother ammendement to it in 2010, and then if your read the above letter, it said ban on "toys" not on other items covered under the heading of Chapter 95.
This takes us back to my lengthy post where I have clearly indicated that our models (or atleast the models/parts/engines I import are not toys or toy counterpart but reduced size scale or recreational models and hence the ban even if effective till further orders does not affect my imports

Quote from: ankurkaul17 on December 09, 2010, 04:32:13 PM
check my post above..official govt site pe..order date "the 27th January 2010" jo ki  27-01-2009 k baad ata hai..lol 

but sir...where is shown you can import toy from china......in you post..here is shown.."in supersession of notification No. 113/(RE-2008)/2004-09 dated 16th June, 2009."
"   What About This...."DGFT’s Notification No.82(RE-2008)/2004-09 dated 23.01.2009 "

Quote from: flyingboxcar on December 09, 2010, 04:33:35 PM
Bang on Laxman, that was the initial order in 2009, then there was naother ammendement to it in 2010, and then if your read the above letter, it said ban on "toys" not on other items covered under the heading of Chapter 95.

But when you ordered from Hobbyking...they indicate "China plastic toy parts " with Hs Code..9503 on Invoice.

Dear laxman Sir

Yes we cannot import toys from China without the required certificate.
But our plane do not come under toys at all.
The DGFT's Notification No.82(RE-2008)/2004-09 dated 23.01.2009 has been superceded by the notification mentioned in my post as that is the latest one...so forget about puraney notification  

And even when i ordered just linkage stoppers and push rod snap-ons (no plastic just metal) it still had the "China plastic toy parts". I think they put that on everything..invoice ka print lene se pehle delete kar dena 

Regards
Ankur

Today i went to Foregn Post office & meet to Asst.com..he said we have not recived Any notification about
release China Toy parts Without Any certificate..But if you need your parcle Pay 26.83% duty Or forget about your parcle

Laxman.

Quote from: ankurkaul17 on December 09, 2010, 04:46:12 PM
And even when i ordered just linkage stoppers and push rod snap-ons (no plastic just metal) it still had the "China plastic toy parts". I think they put that on everything..invoice ka print lene se pehle delete kar dena 

how to proove this is not a Toy...becouse Hobbyking indicate China plastic toy parts..on invoice..
or delete karne ka idea to meine Pahle he de diya tha..

Laxman,
What is your intention not to pay duty?
And next time you dont even need to go to meet, if they send you a call memo reply with all information through a letter that is sufficient, but do not expect not to pay what is legit duty.
If you think duty is more than it should be when the delivery happens you can make a written request that you are not satisfied and make an appeal to prescribed authority for correct assesment of duty

Had a talk with Laxman Sir..the issue is that HK puts invoices inside large parcels which clearly mentions "Made in China. Plastic toy parts" thus we cannot prove to customs that this is not a toy even if the exim policy clearly mentions that it is.


Regards
Ankur

This is going to hit the fan, I know, and probably go through the roof. OK, I gave it a lot of serious thought and decided to post this.

I can help with imports from HK or wherever, as long as it comes in thru Kolkata and enters India by 31st. Dec. I've just got hold of a contact who can clear them for a price.

FYI, I paid 3000 for a consignment valued at US$ 98. Do the math. (US$ 66, steep I know, but I just got desperate.)

No restrictions on price band / size of packaging / items contained (ONLY hobby / RC stuff - Radios included).

PM me.

VC

This issue is now on Hobbyking forum as well. Lets see how does HK responds

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=14555&PID=102922#102922

Link for ASTM f963-03 certificate..details

http://www.timeihk.com/TechnicalInfo/iso_doc/ASTM_F963-03_2003_EngOri.pdf

read  carefully....

"1.3 This specification covers requirements and contains test methods for toys intended for use by children under 14 years of age. Different age limits for various requirements will be found in this specification. These limits reflect the nature of the hazards and expected mental or physical ability, or both, of a child to cope with the hazards.

1.4 Articles not covered by this specification are as follows:
Bicycles
Tricycles
Sling shots and sharp-pointed darts
Playground equipment
Non-powder guns
Kites
Hobby and craft items in which the finished item is not
primarily of play value
Model kits in which the finished item is not primarily of
play value