RC India

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 madhfriendz@gmail.com 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