Today I got Mumbai customs notice letter asking me to submit below documents.

1) Import / Export Code No.
2) Commertial invoice /
3) Purpose of import
4) Description of goods and Usage
5) Proof of payment
6) Evidence of value
7) Purchase bill

@Anichhatre
So now how you prove to customs that your item is  not gift? In Item package seller mention gift, now you need nairitb's sugestion.

yes as always Nairit helped me and sending documents to them. I hope very soon I will get my parcel.
Thanks to Nairit. 

I am experiencing acute problem with Malaysian and China Post.
One big parcel from Hobby King thru Malaysian Post disappeared like MH370 and bunch of Aliexpress pacakges (my Car HID parts) through China Post are also untraceable for 2 weeks now)

I recently received a package from UK in jsut 10 days, so there is some serious issue with MY/CN post.

What Hobby King is using to send Registered mail/Parcel to India these days ?? HK Post used to be good. Even Swiss Post was fine except manhandling (Poor LiPos). China Post was as bad as we can tolerate. But Malaysian Post is abysmal.

SINGAPORE POST and HONGKONG POST are the BEST Registered Air Mail shipping policy for international importer. It is also BEST to avoid custom duty in 99.9% cases. Other shipping companies may take custom duty or extra charges (EXPRESS like DHL/ FEDEX/ EMS). CHINA POST is the WORST.

My recent update:

8/7/2014 2:26:00 PM    SINGAPORE    SINGAPORE S05    Insert item into bag (Otb)    Air    CHENNAI AIRPORT SORTING OFFICE       
8/8/2014 8:25:00 AM    SINGAPORE    SINGAPORE S05    Send item abroad (EDI-received)    Air    CHENNAI AIRPORT SORTING OFFICE       
8/11/2014 7:02:05 AM    INDIA    CHENNAI (MADARS) AIR    Receive item at office of exchange (Inb)    Air    CHENNAI AIRPORT SORTING OFFICE       
8/11/2014 11:49:00 AM    INDIA    CHENNAI (MADARS) AIR    Send item to domestic location (Inb)    Air    KOLKATA FOREIGN LCAO       
8/13/2014 9:26:33 AM    INDIA    KOLKATA FOREIGN LCAO    Receive item at office of exchange (Inb)    Air    KOLKATA FOREIGN LCAO       
8/13/2014 10:11:46 AM    INDIA    KOLKATA FOREIGN LCAO    Send item to customs (Inb)    Air    CED KOLKATA       
8/13/2014 5:31:22 PM    INDIA    KOLKATA FOREIGN LCAO    Record item customs information (Inb)    Air    CED KOLKATA    
Retention reason : Awaiting presentation to customs commissioner    
8/18/2014 3:01:31 PM    INDIA    KOLKATA FOREIGN LCAO    Return item from customs (Inb)    Air    CED KOLKATA       

Hope, I will get my parcel within 2-3 days. Eagerly awaiting for my lovely phone. 

@ soumenmmch
i am also lucky 
they release mine also.

8/11/2014 1:13:00 PM    SINGAPORE    SINGAPORE S05    Insert item into bag (Otb)    Air    CHENNAI AIRPORT SORTING OFFICE       
8/12/2014 8:25:00 AM    SINGAPORE    SINGAPORE S05    Send item abroad (EDI-received)    Air    CHENNAI AIRPORT SORTING OFFICE       
8/13/2014 6:59:15 AM    INDIA    CHENNAI (MADARS) AIR    Receive item at office of exchange (Inb)    Air    CHENNAI AIRPORT SORTING OFFICE       
8/13/2014 9:12:11 AM    INDIA    CHENNAI (MADARS) AIR    Send item to domestic location (Inb)    Air    KOLKATA FOREIGN LCAO       
8/14/2014 11:06:33 AM    INDIA    KOLKATA FOREIGN LCAO    Receive item at office of exchange (Inb)    Air    KOLKATA FOREIGN LCAO       
8/14/2014 12:13:13 PM    INDIA    KOLKATA FOREIGN LCAO    Send item to customs (Inb)    Air    CED KOLKATA       
8/14/2014 5:05:21 PM    INDIA    KOLKATA FOREIGN LCAO    Record item customs information (Inb)    Air    CED KOLKATA    
Retention reason : Awaiting presentation to customs commissioner    
8/18/2014 3:10:04 PM    INDIA    KOLKATA FOREIGN LCAO    Return item from customs (Inb)    Air    CED KOLKATA       
8/18/2014 4:05:09 PM    INDIA    KOLKATA FOREIGN LCAO    Send item to domestic location (Inb)    Air    CRC (Non-TD) Kolkata RMS

 

@runu2u

Independence day and Sunday (long holidays) are the main reason to hold parcel. It is quite natural though. Hopefully, you will get the parcel within few days.

Good luck. 

Another update:

8/18/2014 4:27:37 PM    INDIA    KOLKATA FOREIGN LCAO    Send item to domestic location (Inb)    Air    CRC (TD) Kolkata RMS    

I have received my lovely ONE PLUS ONE phone without any custom duty. SINGAPORE POST is the best.

Congratulations! 

How much did it cost to you? And did you have an invite to buy it?

@nitin.chobhe

I buy it from Pandawill.com and its cost is around 415$ after 5% on site discount. It is sandstone black version (64 GB). Shipping cost 6$ with Singapore Post and there was NO custom problem at all.

I DON'T prefer invite system. I just need the phone and I buy it from that store.

what about the warranty ?where is the service centre 

Hi, Any one please help me for problem. i order one small gateway and it is with customs, what is meaning of "Return item from customs inb " how can i get my product.
 ITEM n° RF254929559SG   new search
Local Date and Time   Country   Location   Event Type   Mail Category   Next Office   Extra Information
8/14/2014 4:10:00 PM   SINGAPORE   SINGAPORE S05   Insert item into bag (Otb)   Air   CHENNAI AIRPORT SORTING OFFICE      
8/15/2014 8:25:00 AM   SINGAPORE   SINGAPORE S05   Send item abroad (EDI-received)   Air   CHENNAI AIRPORT SORTING OFFICE      
8/16/2014 7:51:20 AM   INDIA   CHENNAI (MADARS) AIR   Receive item at office of exchange (Inb)   Air   CHENNAI AIRPORT SORTING OFFICE      
8/16/2014 9:43:26 AM   INDIA   CHENNAI (MADARS) AIR   Send item to domestic location (Inb)   Air   BANGALORE SUB FGN POST      
8/16/2014 10:09:27 AM   INDIA   CHENNAI (MADARS) AIR   Send item to domestic location (Inb)   Air   MUMBAI AIR      
8/18/2014 12:22:50 PM   INDIA   MUMBAI AIR   Send item to customs (Inb)   Air   MUMBAI FOREIGN POST OFFICE      
8/21/2014 3:59:30 PM   INDIA   MUMBAI FOREIGN POST OFFICE   Record item customs information (Inb)   Air   CHENNAI AIRPORT SORTING OFFICE   
Retention reason : Articles importation subject to restrictions import- license   
8/21/2014 3:59:37 PM   INDIA   MUMBAI FOREIGN POST OFFICE   Return item from customs (Inb)   Air   CHENNAI AIRPORT SORTING OFFICE      

If the status is "Return item from customs", then you dont have anything to worry about now.

However, I am a little confused that the status became "Return item from customs" AFTER "Retention reason : Articles importation subject to restrictions import- license". Generally after a RETENTION, a parcel is not released until obtaining particular documents from the addressee. 

Hope for the best.

HI Guys m a beginner
Even i am facing the same issue as Shivaraj
 ITEM n° RX355090953CH
8/7/2014 5:26:00 PM   SWITZERLAND   SINGAPORE   Receive item from customer (Otb)   unknown   unknown      
8/7/2014 5:26:00 PM   SWITZERLAND   SINGAPORE   Receive item at office of exchange (Otb)   unknown   unknown      
8/7/2014 5:30:00 PM   SWITZERLAND   SINGAPORE   Insert item into bag (Otb)   unknown   unknown      
8/12/2014 10:18:00 AM   SWITZERLAND   SINGAPORE   Receive item from customer (Otb)   unknown   unknown      
8/12/2014 10:21:00 AM   SWITZERLAND   SINGAPORE   Insert item into bag (Otb)   unknown   unknown      
8/14/2014 11:09:32 AM   INDIA   DIMC NEW DELHI 110002   Receive item at office of exchange (Inb)   unknown   unknown      
8/14/2014 1:00:44 PM   INDIA   DIMC NEW DELHI 110002   Send item to customs (Inb)   unknown   MUMBAI FOREIGN POST OFFICE      
8/20/2014 2:49:36 PM   INDIA   MUMBAI FOREIGN POST OFFICE   Return item from customs (Inb)   unknown   unknown      
8/23/2014 2:19:23 PM   INDIA   MUMBAI FOREIGN POST OFFICE   Send item to customs (Inb)   unknown   unknown      
8/23/2014 2:19:39 PM   INDIA   MUMBAI FOREIGN POST OFFICE   Record item customs information (Inb)   unknown   unknown   
Retention reason : Articles importation subject to restrictions import- license   
8/23/2014 2:19:46 PM   INDIA   MUMBAI FOREIGN POST OFFICE   Return item from customs (Inb)   unknown   unknown   

most of the times i can see Send item to domestic location (Inb) on the same date got added for some people after Return item from customs (Inb)
but till now no update on my list.

Hello everyone:

I have sent all requested documents to mumbai customs via Speed post and they have received it on 21-8-2014.
But till today there is no change in parcel status. Not sure how much time they will take to release my parcel.

7/31/2014 10:35:00 AM    SINGAPORE    SINGAPORE S02    Receive item at office of exchange (Otb)    Air    MUMBAI AIRPORT SORTING OFFICE       
7/31/2014 1:21:00 PM    SINGAPORE    Receive item from customer (Otb)    Air    MUMBAI AIRPORT SORTING OFFICE       
7/31/2014 2:21:00 PM    SINGAPORE    SINGAPORE S02    Insert item into bag (Otb)    Air    MUMBAI AIRPORT SORTING OFFICE       
8/1/2014 8:05:00 PM    SINGAPORE    SINGAPORE S02    Send item abroad (EDI-received)    Air    MUMBAI AIRPORT SORTING OFFICE       
8/2/2014 8:16:57 AM    INDIA            MUMBAI EMS    Receive item at office of exchange (Inb)    Air    MUMBAI EMS SPEED POST CENTRE       
8/2/2014 11:45:16 AM    INDIA            MUMBAI EMS    Send item to customs (Inb)    Air    CUSTOM EXAM MUMBAI   

Hurrey.....i receive my item.
Xperia C @ 10580

Yo even I recieved my parcel.
Runu2u did they charge custom on it?
If any how much?
For me they charged Rs.2165 for 60 $ parcel
Is it proper?

We request our seller to mention the word gift on custom declaration form, on the packet cover, and also mention its price below $20. So i never face any type of problem till now. And i also see that they charge duty at big packets. Thats it.

Thanx for the reply
Even my package says 17 $ and marked as gift still the custom is applied on it.
Does anybody know that can we request for refund and how?

Hello all:

Anyone has experience calling customs for detained parcel? Please share if you have ever contacted customs. I may have to call them soon as they have my parcel for last 30 days without any action. I have replied to their notice with required documents.

Also let me know if you know any custom clearing agent at mumbai.

Any help is appreciated.

Thanks
 

Hi All:

Finally Customs has released my parcel today evening, which was detained since 2-8-2014 (39 Days). I would like to THANK to NAIRIT Who was always ready to guide me with his experience. Because of him I could keep my patience for 40 Days.
  

NAIRIT keep up the good job and helping ppl, you are the Best.!!!  

Below is tracking status for my parcel:

Local Date and Time    Country    Location                        Event Type                                     Mail Category                   Next Office               Extra Information   
7/31/2014 10:35:00 AM    SINGAPORE    SINGAPORE S02    Receive item at office of exchange (Otb)    Air    MUMBAI AIRPORT SORTING OFFICE       
7/31/2014 1:21:00 PM    SINGAPORE                               Receive item from customer (Otb)            Air    MUMBAI AIRPORT SORTING OFFICE       
7/31/2014 2:21:00 PM    SINGAPORE    SINGAPORE S02    Insert item into bag (Otb)                            Air    MUMBAI AIRPORT SORTING OFFICE       
8/1/2014 8:05:00 PM    SINGAPORE    SINGAPORE S02    Send item abroad (EDI-received)            Air    MUMBAI AIRPORT SORTING OFFICE       
8/2/2014 8:16:57 AM    INDIA            MUMBAI EMS    Receive item at office of exchange (Inb)    Air    MUMBAI EMS SPEED POST CENTRE       
8/2/2014 11:45:16 AM    INDIA             MUMBAI EMS    Send item to customs (Inb)                            Air    CUSTOM EXAM MUMBAI       
9/11/2014 6:14:53 PM    INDIA             MUMBAI EMS    Return item from customs (Inb)                    Air    CUSTOM EXAM MUMBAI       
9/11/2014 6:15:02 PM    INDIA             MUMBAI EMS    Send item to domestic location (Inb)     Air    SPC PUNE

Thank you,
Aniruddha

9/9/2014 12:05:57 PM   INDIA   MUMBAI FOREIGN POST OFFICE   Receive item at office of exchange (Inb)   Air   MUMBAI FOREIGN POST OFFICE      
9/9/2014 12:26:50 PM   INDIA   MUMBAI FOREIGN POST OFFICE   Send item to customs (Inb)   Air   DELHI FOREIGN POST OFFICE      
9/13/2014 4:31:55 PM   INDIA   DELHI FOREIGN POST OFFICE   Record item customs information (Inb)   Air   DELHI FOREIGN POST OFFICE   
Retention reason : Other

I have 5 questions?

1) Any idea what "Record item customs information, Retention reason - others" means?
2) When should I expect my parcel to get delivered?
3) Is the current location of my parcel New delhi?
4) I read in the above posts that postman can cheat you by modifying the custom duty . How can I get custom duty verified before paying him the amount?
5) Do you guys have contact number for Delhi Foreign Post Office?

Thanks a lot in advance!!! 

Regards
mayank

hii. i want to buy a mobile in alieexpress. but the payment option is in USD dollars. but i have money in indian rupees.how can pay?. any one please clarify my doubt.

no probs u will be charged a basic conversion charge