RC India

[Admin Note] This topic is only for discussion about traveling with RC items through airports.  Not for discussion items shipped via parcel/courier services.


i am beginner in rc, i fly helis and planes, but our govt doesnt allow anything to bring in through cochin airport, i am a frequent traveller,and i have a flying permit from, Qatar rc flyting club. if take anything to  doha ,qatar they will allow free of duty. here in my cochin airport if you bring a foam plane customs people gather around you, and looking at you as terorist. last year i inport some planes and after six  months i rexpoted it. 8 months back i brought 5 engines os 46, 55, 120. they coated 2.5 lakhs price, and some of them was telling it got a capacity to fly 5 kilometres and come back, and it fie3s 5 hours. last month i brought one hirobo nused heli and only the fuselage of a mig 15, without wing ,engine and no eledtronics, they kept it in the customs, so national level we should make club and register and we should issue cards, and should have a understanding with customs. kunjaiprakkat, kottayam ,kerala

But your own general experience on travel with such items have been OK, right ?  You travel so much, and bring in multiple items in every trip.

It seems like the trouble is when there are multiple items OR big items being brought in that the customs folks get interested.

True that the typical customs official knows next to nothing about RC. 

Every once in a while, people talk about getting organized under one banner.  Nobody seems to take it forward :(

The other alternative is to increase awareness by taking this hobby to the grassroots level.  Air shows, demos at schools and as a part of festivals etc. 

This hobby is not gonna become a common place cricket/Fooball. Not even Carom I say. When NCC Cadets can fly why can't civilians at designated place.

One cannot directly use it to kill people, so no license should be required to own them (just like Knives, Acid, common poison) Yes, you should not take it public places / public gathering / Sensitive area to fly, just like you cannot take even licensed arms to Bank, court etc . So why not legalise and control the hobby properly ?

I would love to see this hobby becoming as acceptable like, say photography. I carry a 'Photographers Rights' charter drafted by one of my lawyer friend (Compiled different IPC/Court case reference for his internship), and take photograph of any place which does not have 'Photography Prohibited'. ALL public places, including commercial Air Ports, Mall, Monuments are accessible.

Why the hell flying model planes a Hush-Hush. I bet, if I make my own 27mhz Radio, there is NO Law stopping me to design, make and fly plane in 'private' property, away from public, Airport Funnel Areas. R/C planes are no dangerous than a Bike or a Car to human. I remember there was this small documentary by CIET/NCERT in Doordarshan (Tarang - late 80's/early 90s which was eventually my introduction and inspiration to Aeromodleing), where a naughty boy makes a plane from kite straw and paper and his errant teacher praised him. Wasn't that Govt who inspired me to pursue this hobby ?

I have been stressing to people to reach Educated/interested  MPs/MLAs  (Science Tech/Education/Sports) especially when  they come for some Tech Fest/show etc where some one puts up a R/C fly past. Just small request for 2 min of explanation along with a Hard copy of memorandum,  explaining the importance of hobby, how it is regularized in West and even Asian countries may do the trick.

The advent of these 'Jhola Chaap' journalism has taken the apathy and ignorance of Authorities to the pinnacle. The press bad mouths/fill ears of the authorities with fibs like Cheap Rs 2000 Chinese EP planes capable of carrying 12 KG and the community keeps silence like lamb.   I know there is this natural rational/wiseness of not coming in lime light and spoiling own prospect in the Hobby, but I bet many here might be knowing people in NCC or others who can legally speak for the R/C community without fear. Either this can happen for free with our earnest effort, else no Mallya/SRK/Ambani is gonna put his money like it were for IPL Cricket(permissions, Govt formalities, infrastructure, PR).  

I see people taking parallel steps in similar direction by getting few approval, but that little commercial interest is putting the entire effort orthogonal in the entirety and the veil on the legality is still looming.

Ok, here I am with yet another import related query.
1) Planning to personally carry a 2.4ghz radio from Dubai, do you see any problems with that in terms of customs or banning etc?
2) As per one of the threads, ordering a radio from Tower (or any other online store) is about taking a very high risk of not receiving your parcel. Is that so obviously risky?
3) How about ordering receivers online?
4) This is the last one. I am not able to locate a thread on RCIndia, wherein someone had given details of what frequencies are permitted in India. Does anyone know about it?

1.  Unless your luck is really bad, it is not an issue.  With every mall in India and all over the world carring remote controlled cars/planes/helis, customs folks see these a lot in X-rays of checked-in baggage, and so they do not take much notice.  Of course, it does make sense not to have too many electronic items in one bag.

2.  The risk is that the package will definitely be inspected by customs, and the outcome is unpredictable.  We have seen cases reported where the items were released without even a duty charged, and we have seen cases were the item was impounded (and at least one case were submission of some paperwork got the item released after initial impound).  In short, the risk is pretty high.

3.  Small parts are generally OK.

4.  Legally, only 27Mhz and 2.4Ghz can be used, but the equipment used still has to be "type approved" (which is per radio model (not brand).  Currently, the only two radios that have WPC approval are being sold by Indian Hobbies in Pune, and you have to buy it from them to make the ownership 100% legal (they are required legally to maintain customer records for each unit sold). 72Mhz is widely used (along with some usage of 40Mhz and 35Mhz bands), but that is a grey area.  Usually, unless you do something inconsiderate (like flying next to an airport etc), it is fine (with the legal issues still remaining).

Thanks Administrator. Much of my confusion is clear but on point 2 have you heard/seen a case where a 2.4ghz radio is impounded and not released at all? If such a case were to arise, will the package be sent back or what?

Also, for your information this one is going to be a surface radio for my RC Car and will obviously not be used for flying.

Yes, I believe it would be sent back, and in the rare case of being impounded when you travel with one, the option exists to take it back on your trip back.

Not much reported on surface radios, should be similar though.

lucky me my shipment from bahrain got cleared from bombay customs ..... {:)} {:)} {:)} {:)}

pankaj, you are right.. I just checked online on the aramex site and all your gyros got cleared from the customs in bombay... glad they made it...without any issues  :)

hi guys,
I can speak only from personal experience. This is an issue for me as well since I am studying in the US but keep coming to India with RC items -I actually maintain a fleet of planes here in Delhi and in NY!
So far I have had absolutely zero issues with customs, and I am talking about the last six years. I keep carrying my 72Mhz radio -along with servos, batteries and gasoline engines. The biggest plane I have brought is a 1.20 sized giles.
Just day before yesterday someone carried a  2.4 ghz radio (Futaba 7c) and some digital servos for me back from the US with absolutely o issues. (I am in India these days but got a deal I could not refuse on the radio)
Keep in mind that I have always carried my own stuff or got people to bring it for me - never ordered online from abroad - just dont want to take the risk
The only time I had a slight issue was once when I was actually leaving India with my radio etc. - A woman cop at the airport wanted me to take the battery out of the tx, even though I was checking it in. -funnily enough I had never taken the batt out and lid was so tight I just could not get it open. Fortunately there was another male cop who had done some aeromodelling in his NCC days and he let me through! - talk about being lucky!
Anyway hope this helps to allay you concerns.          

i agree with you flatspin... i never have any issues with the customs both in bombay and bangalore till date when i used to carry helis or a tx.. maybe luck...

Asking to remove the Batteries from Radio equipment in Chcekin baggage is a common drill for flight safety from RF interference. Even I was told to remove batteries from my walkie talkie at IGI 2 years back. Doing so for cabin baggage is all more obvious.

So importing Tx from post is a No-No but fine when carried in personal! great!!

Ujjwaana,
   yes I know - it was a perfectly reasonable request and I was getting embarrassed at not being able to open the back panel! Strangely though, this is the only time they asked me remove the batt.
As for importing through mail order, I suppose many people do it successfully - I just dont want to risk it getting lost or go through the hassle of dealing with customs. These days, with so many good Indian retailers, I would buy in India or if the product is not available or there is a significant difference in price - I would wait for someone coming from abroad.       

Same experience here.  Have traveled multiple times with radios and sometimes with fully assembled 450 size helis, both up and down.  The only time I was asked anything about RC gear was once on the way out of Kochi airport, when a RealFlight sim controller (no transmission capability, just a dummy controller with a long USB cable instead of the antenna) showed up prominently in the Xrays, in a box/bag that only had food items otherwise.  I offered to open the bag and show the item for closer inspection to CISF personnel, who smilingly said that was not needed :) 

I do know of someone who ran into trouble, because the quantity (number of pieces/items and probably due to the size of some of the items) being transported, leading to impound and being forced to take the items back on the way out of India. 

So keep the number of items limited, preferably in separate checked in bags.  Finally, as a disclaimer, be aware that there are exceptions to anything !

I have two more experiences to add here. A 2.4ghz radio was hand carried recently without any problem at all (thanks for guidance) and on the other hand i know of someone who ordered it online and has been charged ~35% on the total package. It was may be because the package contained oils but the highest valued item was the radio so total customs on petty valued oil sounds unreasonable.

Out of curiosity, does ordering oils online attract unwanted attention from customs?

My friend and fellow RC India member Mr Prakkat confirmed that even though his items were held by customs initially (as noted in the start of this thread), they were released later on after a meeting with the officials and payment of duty plus some small fine.  Also, it should be noted that having many items together in a single trip was what caused the trouble in the first place.

Can't be the oils.  Anything ordered online is inspected by default, and radios do catch the attention of customs folks.  This is why everyone discourages ordering radios online.  On the positive side, only the duty was charged, as compared to many other cases where they were impounded (at least for a while).

Oh, for that matter he was very lucky, the order reached his doorstep in exact 20 days. Completely hassle free, just had to pay duty. Overall I would repeat (the golden words of this thread) that, it does not make sense to import a radio because the huge duty structure makes it as expensive as it would be in India had it been available. Also, it would be anxiety free.

Hi folks,

I am planning for a US visit and was thinking of getting a 2.4Ghz radio, receiver some servos and gyros from US, just wanted to check if getting them is allowed by Indian customes. Has any one got such stuff (New).

Hi Jagjit,
I have personally carried a whole lot of stuff (including all the above said items) from the US & Hongkong multiple times and have not faced a problem till date so I would say carrying stuff personally should not invite any issues.

Merged the last two posts into existing thread on the same subject. This was discussed multiple times, in this thread and also here :

http://www.rcindia.org/chatter-zone/help-with-customs/

Guys,

I know its not a good option to get one shipped to India, because Radio is a restricted item. But I wanted to know if there are any hassles if someone would carry it in their luggage, if so...do the customs create any issues for the traveler ? Does anyone have any experience ?

Please advice, one of the friends who is a RC Airplane flyer, wants to get it from US as his relative is coming to India.

Oh man ! People are not searching at all :) This question and related threads were highlighted even yesterday !

Merging this one also into the same thread.

Sorry, Anwarbhai my bad, I did not search before posting the thread...

Guys,

I had asked this question earlier, but just one more final confirmation. My friend who is visiting US has agreed to carry the tx / rx from US for me, can anyone give any heads-up or tips for the same...

How do Indian and US customs deal with it ?? Can some one please tell me as I need to pay for a eBay deal for this radio. I need to decide if I should or should not....Dont want my friend to suffer coz of my radio...

One thing I thought was not carrying the tx / rx with the box....

1. Definitely in checked luggage. Preferably with the battery inside the radio, but disconnected.

2. Minimize the amount of RC stuff in the same bag.

3. There is no absolute guarantee, but one has to be really unlucky to get into customs issues going this route.

hi all,
    I have 35% (100cc) plane that I need to get back from the U.S. Was wondering if it was worth it. The main problem is the fuse which is more around 7ft long. Has anyone attempted to bring similar sized planes - how much is the extra baggage charge - I know some airlines allow you to carry skis and ski poles etc. under the category of sports equipment. Dont know if model planes qualify?
Also even if I manage to get it would they let me through customs?
The thing is that I picked it up second hand for incredibly cheap and dont want to spend a lot simply transporting it.     

Wouldn't sending as cargo (via some courier company) be actually cheaper ?

I think you will end up calling the individual airlines if you want complete confirmation.  The baggage rules seem to be uneven among major carriers, and many of them are adament about those rules.

Just getting all electronics and power plant from outside and getting the frame locally also seems like a better option.

If airlines doesn't work or costly then try sending by ship/cargo. The cost could be lesser. Seven ft. long is beyond the "box" size that is allowed from US. You will need to get the next bigger size crate. Once it lands here you will need to contact the local importing guy who will handle the parcel and then come thru the "circle of fire" .... customs. Application of grease is the only way to release any package - even old clothes sent from US!!!!

Or since its second hand get what ever you can with you personally via checked in baggage and leave the rest :-(

thanks Anwar, TG - yeah might have to send it through sea mail -alternatively sell it there for a small profit  :) and save my money and buy something here - when it comes along. Problem is its an Aeroworks Extra 260 -very good quality ARFs -so dont feel like parting with it. There is a third alternative which I have toying with -splitting the fuse and making it a bolt on two piece fuse - It would solve all transportation problems to the field! Here is a link to a 50% extra made by G&L hobbies, which adopts this method   
http://www.glhobbies.com/50ExtraARF/50extraarf.html

http://www.glhobbies.com/50ExtraARF/PICT0025.JPG

what do you guys think?

Good experiment to split the fuse. But you will need to "build" it back since the split fuse shown in the pictures seems to have the joints built for the purpose.

Guys, please help me out.

My uncle stays in CA, USA. He is going to visit india in the first week of Jan, 2011. I have gathered some used stuff from hobby guys in US, got them shipped to my uncles address, so I planned to ask him to bring them along with him to here when he comes, to lose a lot of shipping charges. As they are used items, collected from so many hobby guys out there, there will not be BILLs for them.

So, here is the question:
Shall the immigration guys take those stuff off to garbage can?
If yes, what is the trick to be done to prevent that?

Am a bit tensed guys, and in hurry. Please help me out if anybody is there with some known thing or experience.

Awaiting replies...//MEROG

carried my stuff in the bagage without any issues ............ :)

Apparently the "Search" box is not being used at all ;)

Merging into one of the existing threads. 

BTW, it is customs that would check for items, not immigration.  Unless you over-do it (lots of stuff in the same bag etc), it is not a problem :

http://www.rcindia.org/rc-general-topics/airport-customs-issues/msg36334/#msg36334

And the person carrying those items should be able to answer basic question about the items being carried. Including it's use, when purchased rough cost etc just in case the custom guys ask.   

My friend(3 people) is coming from united states, (specifically from Michigan),
i was thinking of ordering hpi on-road electric car and a futaba reciever from tower hobby and getting it shipped to his address, and then he can get it to india when he visits.

all i wanted to know was, can there be a problem if he tries to get it.
and is there any advice that anyone can give to help in clearing the customs easily


the cars/remote specifically im ordering are -
 HPI Racing Sprint 2 Flux RTR w/Ford Mustang GT-R Body
HPI Racing Sprint 2 Drift RTR w/'10 Camaro Body
 HPI Racing Sprint 2 Drift RTR w/Nissan 350Z Body

Futaba 3PM-X 3-Channel 2.4GHz Transmitter/Receiver


Thanks in advance

The last post merged into existing thread which discusses this in detail.

Shouldn't be a problem.If the total cost is above 25,000 rupees or something like that,he'll have to declare it to customs and pay the required duties.Ask him to be armed with bills.

A question regarding custom duties:
while importing stuffs by online order ;suppose if they calculate custom duty, is it only for the worth of the item in the invoice or they'll include the shipping cost also? Thank you.

carry things through custom seam to b no problem, i had a 500-600-700 size heli`s and 2 radios chargers and some batteries , when scanned he asked what it was in the bags, that was it

so for the cars... should i put them in the bag or should i hand carry them?
and same question for the remote

All the stuff should be in the checked in baggage.

thanks for your replies guys... really appreciate it... :)

Hi,

One of my friend was carrying couple of RC Airplane's from US to gift it to my daughter. The customs office at Mumbai has detained it.

Does anyone here know how i can get those stuff released.

Right now the detention slip reads that he is to take it back to the US when he leaves back in a week's time.

The RX/TX is a 4 Channel - 2.4GHz from nitroplanes.com

Any help in this regards will be highly appreciated.

Regards

Merged into existing thread...  and this is one of the rare cases of TXes being detained by airport customs :(

This may sound weird... but the most practical solution is that you may know someone who knows someone who knows someone !

+1 :)

Thanks for merging into the existing thread. I had looked for, but didnt find a good thread to join.

Anyways,

I have someone who is going to talk to the custom authority.

But my points are :

1) Isn't 2.4GHz band free and cleared by WPC?
2) Isn't the use of Radio Controller working on 2.4GHz allowed for hobby purposes?
3) http://www.wpc.dot.gov.in/equipment_show.asp lists so many Radio Controllers matching the one they have detained inlcuding those from Futaba, Fly Sky, . So is it really necessary to get clearance for each and every manufacturer+model combination?

Or it is just the matter of putting grease in the govt. mechanism?

Regards

This has been posted here many times, but here goes once more... this is the legality when it comes to radio imports.

http://www.rcindia.org/radios-and-receivers/list-of-all-radios-with-wpc-approval-so-far/msg82538/#msg82538

http://www.rcindia.org/rc-outlets-and-resellers/strict-rules-on-parcel-importing-!!!/msg22616/#msg22616 (http://www.rcindia.org/rc-outlets-and-resellers/strict-rules-on-parcel-importing-!!!/msg22616/#msg22616)

In short, if you go by 100% legality, you should have acquired a personal import license before you imported once, and that too one with ETA.

I guess that 1978 movie starring John Travolta might be worth watching for you ;)

Thanks for the answer anwar, but i am really bad at handling 1978 John Travolta movie :-(

So  i will have to get someone who can do it for me

Adding link to a relevant "success" story.

http://www.rcindia.org/rc-general-topics/bringing-rc-car-into-india/msg92435/#msg92435

How did you have them packed ?  Did you have any lipos ?  If yes, how many (with capacity) and how were they packed ?

Well,

When my friend was going back to US, he asked for the packages to be returned back to him, as that is what the detention slip said. The customs clearly either had no idea on how to return it back or didnt had any intentions to do it. He waited for about an hour for them to return those packages, but atlast he lost his patience and told the custom officer that they can keep him as it was his time to board the plane for his journey. So, bottomline, the packages are still lying with custom authorities on mumbai airport.

And to answer your question yes, both the planes had their stock Lipos as well as that, there was one additional Lipo in one of the package.

I am not sure how those planes were packed but if it is important, i can get that info from my friend.

Regards

Dear modellers.
              my uncle's son is in Germany. he will returning next week or so. so i have asked him to bring multiplex Easy star 2 for me.
But friends i dont want to put him in trouble of customs and so. So i want all ur suggestions . please suggest me as soon as possible for these questions.

Can he bring the plane without problem ?. it is banned or illegal ?  Do he need to do something special to bring it ?

Have some one brought them from outside without any hassle ?

Please HELP . i want all your Valuable suggestions .  please need Urgently before its too fast.


Thanks in Advance
Manoj sharma

Dont worry i he is carrying the plane with him at the time of check they officers may ask..question so without any hassle just kindly ask them its hobby palne of foam or whatever material it is  .I
f radio he is carrying just ask him keep it unpacked and teel him that he was usng in germany or bring the rx/tx certificate with him..
If any how they ask to give some custom charges just pay it.. nd all yours..
Regrds

i my friends got two, tell him to ditch the packing and put fuse in one bag and wings in the others and electronics (If any) separately.

PS
Wonder why ? Ezee II is cheaper here with RCD

Thanks gusty sir and wingman.

I thought it will be cheaper there as the company is located there itself.

Hi there,

I hope you can help me.
I am coming to India (Dehli and Mumbai) very often and next time I would like to takte my hexacopter
with videoplattform with me and some filming with the copter in Mumbai or Dehli.
The power supply will be by 5s Lipos (5000mah)

Will I get problems with customs upon arrival or with police in the cities.


Greetings from germany

TOM

There are a few threads that discussed this

For e.g.
http://www.rcindia.org/rc-general-topics/flying-fpv-in-india/
http://www.rcindia.org/chatter-zone/aerial-photography-using-rc-helisairplanes-in-india/

Hey guys, i wanted to bring in a raptor 30v2 ARF from bangkok, with the tt39 engine, so would it be ok to put it in checked in baggage, and would it not have problems with customs either?

Guys please reply ASAP,
Note: i will be landing at kolkata

experts please advise

Anyone who has bought such items, or anything similar, please post ... I will be carrying money accordingly

Bump.

Pls. Note that the arf includes an engine also.

Bump

Here is the link for the product

http://www.olek.co.th/product_detail.php?group=6&page=1&proId=51&level=2&proDetail=45

 :headscratch: can someone please help me out :banghead:

Yasodhan... take it easy :)  You are not using basic functionality on this forum, that of searching for existing information before starting a completely new thread that just ends up duplicating existing stuff !

I searched for "airport customs" and got this :

http://www.rcindia.org/rc-general-topics/airport-customs-issues/

Since that thread discusses this matter in detail, let us stick to the same discussion.

This is also the reason why no one bothered to respond to this thread.

[Admin Note] Merged into this thread from Reply #57 onwards.

Some related threads, for reference :

http://www.rcindia.org/beginners-zone/bringing-rc-stuff-in-person/

http://www.rcindia.org/radios-and-receivers/futaba-radio-from-singapore/

http://www.rcindia.org/chatter-zone/help-with-customs/

I am really sorry, I didn't search properly enough.

you are going to bangkok and spending money on a heli ??

my friend ... there are far greater pleasures to be had.

A heli is over 7-8k cheaper there, so I don't mind buying it.come on, I can buy another os 37h engine for the money I save.

Or if someone could tell me where I could get the same in india for a few thousand more(not 7-8k more, like 2-3k more)

yashodhanp  ;D

hello sir,
 i am planning to import a rc plane and 2.4ghz radio from singapore .... (will be carried by my sister and brother in law)... its actually coming from HK .... shipped to singapore..... carried then to  india...

should they  carry radio and plane separately... to avoid customs ??

any suggestions??

Please read this thread... especially the links in Reply # 67 :

http://www.rcindia.org/rc-general-topics/airport-customs-issues/msg118445/#msg118445

Guys i have asked my uncle to get me a parrot ar drone 2.0(300$=16500rs approx) from us. in india it is officially available for 31,000rs approx.

recently there was a Toi article stating 1000s of rc helicopters made in china, taiwan etc wer held in mumbai customs and later destroyed.

will there be any problems in getting the ar drone through the customs even though it is officially available in india. will i hav to pay any duty charges??? ???

if you don't mind going in for a brand new second hand one,
then here is the link

http://www.rcindia.org/wanted/looking-for-used-parrot-ar-drone/

And welcome to RC India.

thanks alot saahil:):)

but guys still i would like to know will there be any trouble at the customs?? its frankly cheaper getting it from us..

The only thing one can be sure about dealing with an agency like the customs is that *nothing is for sure*.  People have posted their experiences here, so you already know how it works in general.  I don't think people here can add much more to that.  Especially, if you are looking for assurances as to if there will be any trouble, or if you want to know for sure how much duties will be levied, NO ONE HERE can answer that with complete confidence :(

As suggested earlier, splitting it up would make it less obvious in the initial xray scans... that is pretty much the only thing you can do to help with your "destiny" !

PS:  Please do not write using SMS language on the forum.

sorry mate.. wasnt aware i coundnt use sms language.. wont happen again
really thanks for your input:)

I am returning to New Delhi after a three month stay in US and wish to bring with me a Quadcopter with R/C, fully assembeled. Will there be any issues at the airport ? That is the only electronics stuff I will be bringing. Does someone ave any experience in New Delhi ? Thanks.

Not an expert at Delhi Customs, but hey why cant you disassemble it and bring it safely? At least the propellers, motors and whatever that comes easily out? And keep the radio seperate on another baggage ;)

Its a completely assembeled Quad(DJI Phantom). Only props and landing skid can be removed. The body will come as one. Ok. Good suggestion. Will put radio in another baggage, Thanks. I did the same thing many years ago with an RC system. Took out the guts and packed separately and the outer shell separately and it worked. But I was reading on this forum that they impound Quads and harass. This thing is kinda expensive at 700 USD so did not want to take a chance. Thanks again. Without its original packing is risky because it might get really shaken and stirred during the journey. And will not have the foam protection ! Appreciate the quick reply. Thanks.

if i want to order servo's, esc's, motor's and other assorted stuff...(excluding radios, recievers, and potentially large things)
from HK, will it be detained, or will it come through?

Since this question cannot be reliably answered, let us try to use history.

http://www.rcindia.org/search2?search=customs+will+detained

Hi guys,

so i am new to RC planes. after a whole months research i got the hang of it and ordered it from bananahobby.com

The parcel was couriered to the states only and my uncle brought it for me to india. The parcel was stopped by delhi customs and they gave a slip and said to take it back when he returns.

Any way to convince them or anyway other way to get it out of customs.

all i have now is the slip with me.

Very sad...I thought that bringing RC items along with them is easy...

What happened with it?? Mine got stuck at the delhi airport.

Apart from Radio, I dont think Customs can legally stop a RC plane. There is a $500 item relaxation  per person. I dont think there is any restriction on Static or flying model when there is no Radio with it.
Airport customs have to be know to be very nasty, specially Mumbai one.

 I returned from Hongkong yesterday with two big boxes of planes. 4 planes packed in 2 big boxes. Customs was not a problem (although I had thought otherwise). I had got the receipts but did not have to use it as they passed it when I told them that they were rc planes.

Anyway I think if they are below the allowed limit of rs 35000 per person and as they are not banned in India they cannot block it. You can show the websites where similar planes are available in India so they cannot stop anyone.

I have previous experience and did the above with an undertaking that it is for hobby purpose and they allowed it.

Asutosh

Hello Team,

Need some advice on Airport customs issue. Have ordered a radio and two receivers from HK last month through Air Parcel. The Tracking number is like "CPXXXXXXXXHK". Now the status showing, "Retention reason : Awaiting presentation to customs commissioner". Not sure what to do?

I have gone through several topics in this forum related to this customs issues and I'm aware of the customs hassles. But also have seen many cases where these items got through without much difficulties. Also I have imported stuffs from HK previously without much trouble and no duty of course. So thought of taking the risk and went ahead. But my bad luck, I think it is stuck now. Not sure. The status showing is like this:

7/1/2013 3:54:00 PM, INDIA, KOLKATA FOREIGN PARCEL, Record item customs information (Inb), Retention reason : Awaiting presentation to customs commissioner
6/29/2013 3:33:00 PM, INDIA, DELHI FOREIGN POST OFFICE, Send item to customs (Inb)
6/29/2013 2:46:00 PM, INDIA, DELHI FOREIGN POST OFFICE, Receive item at office of exchange (Inb)
6/28/2013 5:37:00 PM, HONG KONG, HONG KONG AIR MAIL CENTRE, Insert item into bag (Otb)
6/27/2013 2:10:00 PM, HONG KONG, Receive item from customer (Otb)

Seniors, experts and experienced members please suggest what to do now?

Thanks,
Amit.

Wait for the Commissioner to respond

Thanks Sanjay for your reply. Ok I'm ready to wait but for how long? What happens if the commissioner doesn't respond back?

If you try a direct contact, they will spin you a long yarn and rip you off. That is why you wait. Unless, you know someone high up.

How long? Difficult to say. It is supposed to be time bound, they have to release your parcel, at worst with a customs charge if it doesn't fall in a banned list, in which case it will be confiscated.

Hello,
I am moving to the US to do my Masters.
Just wanted to know if I could carry my APM 2.5 (w/telemetry 915MHz) and Sanwa RDS8000 along, that I purchased from RCD 3 years back.
Should I declare it? Customs applicable?
Pls help....
 :help: :help: :help:

2.4radio since its used it shouldnt be much problem but 900mhz is cellphone frequency so cant say.

pravesh, I read somewhere that frequencies around 900MHz are legal.... :headscratch:
More worried about the customs for my Sanwa... :(
My primary question here is, Should i declare the TX?

I dont know much about these but considering this is 3 years old they probably wont find the price tag on ur tx declare the tx at a very low cost and not high cost. Its electronic and they will find it if you dont declare it and charge you more. :(
So its better to declare at much lower cost so the duty will be less, chances are they will accept. Another way to smuggle it is, if you have a laptop or sumthing then just put the boards of your tx behind it. And after you reach us reassemble it :)

Neil, Better to declare than smuggle! Do not want to jeopardize my Master's Program for a couple of $$$.
Liked your idea of declaring a lesser value  :thumbsup:


Price Tag?  :headscratch:

Finally I received my package today morning! The postman delivered it, and surprisingly no customs at all!! I don't understand then for what reason the customs kept the package in their custody for so long  :headscratch: ??
Anyway, a sigh of relief for me  8)
Thanks Sanjay for suggesting me not to take any action and wait. Patience is the key  ;)

Great news! Not just patience (though that's important) one must accept the flaws and idiosyncracies of the customs system. I know for a fact that there have been cases where they have kept it for a month, hoping that the buyer would come personally, and then they spin him some yarn about it being a restricted item under such-and-such section, and the hapless guy has to part with some money in the form of bakshish!

Congratulations  {:)} {:)}

@veloci its not required to declare have been to the us along with a 2.4ghz radio and other rc stuff absolutely issues.The only benifit of declaring it is that by chance in any case if ur bag gets misplaced by the airlines u get full refund otherwise you will be given a general refund like 50$ pe kgs .
Have been through Delhi customs at IGI Airport i must say the customs is not strict they are not at all worried about what you are talking with you ......

Hi everyone
I had paid for USPS parcel about 50 days ago but i had not received any thing from USPS first class
can any one tell me what's the problem
it had align 700mx

please tell me what can i do

was that parcel containig a radio ? ???

it had just a motor

I dont understand for a motor they are taking 50 days ??? . did your track your parcel what does it says?

tracking no  LC166794842US it says

Product & Tracking Information
Postal Product:

    First-Class Package International Service

Features:

        International Letter

Date & Time
   
Status of Item
   
Location

September 15, 2013 , 3:17 am
   

Processed at USPS Origin Sort Facility
   

JAMAICA, NY 11430

September 14, 2013
   

Depart USPS Sort Facility
   

NASHUA, NH 03063

September 13, 2013 , 3:32 pm
   

Processed at USPS Origin Sort Facility
   

NASHUA, NH 03063

September 12, 2013
   

Depart USPS Sort Facility
   

SCARBOROUGH, ME 04074

September 12, 2013 , 7:08 pm
   

Processed at USPS Origin Sort Facility
   

SCARBOROUGH, ME 04074

September 12, 2013 , 5:41 pm
   

Dispatched to Sort Facility
   

BRUNSWICK, ME 04011

September 12, 2013 , 12:27 pm
   

Acceptance
   

BRUNSWICK, ME 04011 


its a motor of align 700

I think you have to wait abhay patience is only the only key . They are man persons who recieved their parcels after 2 months :)

Hi abhay. USPS will take time. Its POSTAL service, not COURIER. And the distance is very large. So you have to wait.  :thumbsup:

Respected Members ,

Currently one of my friends are visiting US. Being a novice I ask you, will it be profitable to ask him buy some RC items for me which does not attract customs duty ?

As I found, used though this appears to be less costly in our context

http://www.ebay.com/itm/MULTIPLEX-EASY-GLIDER-Electric/301000356322?_trksid=p2045573.m2042&_trkparms=aid%3D111000%26algo%3DREC.CURRENT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D27%26meid%3D2282130032668628307%26pid%3D100033%26prg%3D1011%26rk%3D4%26rkt%3D4%26sd%3D251364625433%26

There may be may item like this.

Please suggest

rc_novice

For rc_novice,

there are so many used RTF easy stars and clones already in India, it's more convenient that having someone carry it for you all the way from the USA.  There's a chance that Customs will become interested in the box and ask for a fee at the airport.

Hello i'm new to this hobby i'm planning to get an rc nitro car from dubai while on vacction i'm thinking can i carry rc car in checked luggage eithout any problem in mumbai airport and can i save on custom duty please help me leaving on 7-12-13

yes you can carry. recently my friend brought 4 nitro cars from Dubai he paid some duty for 4 nitro cars. he has his own Rc shop in Dubai . http://hobbieszonedubai.com/  :thumbsup:

hey pastry

welcome to RCI .....

please refer to all the posts from this link

http://www.rcindia.org/rc-general-topics/airport-customs-issues/

Is there any way to avoid customs duty and what is the % of customs duty what dis he do th bring the car to india

Can i carry in 2.4 GHZ radio system without any problem or authorities stopping me 4 the transmitter at the air port

You can get the 2.4gHz radio no issues.one passenger can bring product worth 25k.Exceeding the limit have to pay 35% as customs duty.(LCD,LED TV 32 and above,more than one laptop,more than two mobile phone compulsory has to pay duty)

If passenger have stayed in abroad more than 1.5 years can get 5 lakhs worth product without any customs duty.

Moorthy
Ex Chennai airport staff.

As far as I remember, that limit was increased to 35k per person by Pranab Babu in his last budget as Fin Min.  :thumbsup: Correct me if I am wrong.

Nairitb

We can't judge them because as per chennai 35% were as other station they charge 41% - 50%.The limit might have increased in case we speak about rules to them they definitely charge duty for our inner ware too.

The limits has been increased guys. Guys have some doubt if we want to order a radio of 2.4 ghz then tell me if we order by international airmail do we get custom issues ???? :)

Might or Might not its pure LUCK! Based on mood of MR WHITE  >:D

I see ;)

Friends
Today i went to chennai FPO and met the customs officials.My shipment from HK got held yesterday.saw three to four HK parcel too

They asked for Local number of shipment (got from FPO office) covering letter,Invoice,and payment receipt,address proof and ID and i produced all.They said they will clear it on monday without any hassle.

All detained shipment has Local number which is important for clearing this local number is produced by system when shipment is detained.

customs has retained the shipment because value was $160 and it contain three to four LiPo and JIT items huge box and accessories

@moorthy dont worry you will get it but a duty will be charged as it says retained not detained

no duty for this time they said

well you are lucky then

Hope so

you mean to say it was caught at intl airport by customs ?
well i have never paid cutoms duty at intl airport
last time i visited china i bought a 1:10 ele rc car
all parts to build a hexacopter
walkitalkie
flysky 6ch tx/rx
and they didnt even stop me
even though my bag was scanned in xray
its how you pack it everything depends on that been through it almost a 50 times now so know a lot ....

@chintal

Not through luggage.

Its cargo imported from HobbyKing through EMS

well i guess fedex is better that way
charges are high but your parcel will never get confesticated

when i placed order in HK only EMS was available for JIT i.e big box fedex was not available.

wt was the weight of your parcel ?
just an advice for next time try banggood.com/goodluckbuy.com prices are almost the same or cheaper then hobbyking
sells almost anything and dhl is available no matter what you are shipping
ems gets you in trouble with customs....

lipo,servo,prop adapter and funfighters are not available in banggood.weight was 2.5kg to 3kg.

Then did you get it ? What did they reply ?

@moorthy
Some stuff is available at goodluckbuy

I too have not yet received my order due to same custom issue... First it was at Delhi, now it went to Mumbai don't know why... :banghead: :banghead:

Hello All,

I am new to this forum and beginner in rc flying. I am planning to buy a Champ RTF (http://www.amazon.com/HobbyZone-HBZ4900-Champ-RTF/dp/B003DZ35GK (http://www.amazon.com/HobbyZone-HBZ4900-Champ-RTF/dp/B003DZ35GK)). I stay in Mumbai and planning to get this rc plane ASAP, but have read a lot about Customs in India that its not allowed due to security reasons. I have read that 2.4Ghz is free frequency band and is allowed but still confused about the wpc clearance ??? do I have to pay duty to get this plane ??? Guys Please Please Please help!!!

hi
Good to know that there are such clubs in india too.
Had one doubt. Im relocating to India. Can I get my phantom 2 to india with me? Will I have to take clearance from customs or WPC??
Thanks

Merged into existing topic.  This topic of carrying RC stuff while traveling to India has been discussed to death already, please do a bit of searching.

can we bring radios while coming from abrod?

ok I know this topic is done to death, but I arrived last night. I was traveling with my model box  that I have used all over the world and I got stopped at customs. Net result was that I got them seized as being model aeroplane being 2.4gz and needing type approval. I'm in Mumbai with little understanding of Indian ways and needing clearance from TPS ? I'm faced with providing these docs but I don't know what to do. my aircraft were seized with FrSky receivers. I tried to ask them to remove the receivers but they would not.
limited access to internet is limited and I have to try and get an Indian sim for my phone.

regards Aneil.

Aneil, which is the model of your radio? If it's already freely sold here by local hobby shops then type approval might already have been done for that model. May be you can convince the customs then.

The receivers are frisky, I got in three models, a foam radian, frisky, a 2.4m hardliner, also frisky. Last a 1.5meter dig, no receiver. Right now they are  are detained with me having to provide a clearance for the 2.4 or have to re export it. I guess that means I have to leave the country with it. Really peeved as flying is my life and escape from the world, in India you really need it.

I'm in Mumbai/Bandar if any one can help call me on9167771478 in a day or two as the sim is yet to be activated. Regards
Aneil.

Hi...

I want to buy Parrot AR Drone 2.0 in India or from USA..  as i checked on some Online Retailers in INDIA the price is more than Rs30000
Actual Parrot Official price around $270 ( Rs.18000 to 20000).
If i order from USA then i have to pay Rs 22 to 25000 with shipping... but about custom duty i haven't any idea about it..
any other way is possible to buy it ?

If i order with my relative who living in USA... they have to pay duty when they will come to INDIA ?  or it will be valid... ?

let me know...  i want to buy Parrot if price around 20k.

thanks

Buddy I wouldn't recommend you to buy it from USA , cuz the rules over there are getting stronger and also that I am an owner of a ar drone 2 bought from India and I know that the box is very large , so the customs will definitely check it , sometimes if parcels are small they let em go without checking . Second thing as soon as they would see the price tag of 20000 , you are going to be charged with duties . If your relative brings it for you , there's a chance you can get it without duties , but again the box is too large to fit in a suitcase , so most probably the custom official would stop them and ask for bill .

But you will definitely get from either way , but you will have to pay a little tax .

Ok my experiences through Mumbai Customs recently. I bought in some RC gliders recently to use on my travels in India. Packaged without radio gear that was in my suitcase, the gliders were in a large box. They detained the gliders as requiring telecoms clearance, being radio controlled 2.4ghz. After three hours debating they seized the models but not the transmitter. I went back to customs a couple of times but they would not budge. As I'm here for six months I was not going to risk leaving it there for six months so I booked a flight out and stored it outside India, the other  99% of the world less paranoid. When I collected the box, the seized goods room could of made the best model shop in India, lots of seized hells and drones.
Perhaps they wanted a bribe, who knows, for me born and brought up abroad it's a huge cultural step that I'm not prepared to take.
Your dealers hear do things legitimately , get the right certification, pay the duty, hence the price difference.
Good luck.

Was there any servo or receiver in the glider ? , they could have thought that it was the 2.4ghz receiver or transmitter , with ar drone this would not happen as it works on wifi and also that it already comes registered by parrot

Two things that come to mind.
1. what is wifi? Is it not 2.4ghz
2. Like in a lot of countries any certification or approval is given to the importer of those products who has proven what models he has imported meets the standards required, you may have to do the same.

I knew there were issues but got the feeling that I might get away with it. I pushes my luck and I did not get away with it and accept that. Weigh up the risks and decide. If it gets detained, like me you have two choices, provide the necessary certifications or re export. I chose to re export and have a holiday in Malaysia for five days instead of dealing with Indian bureaucracy for months and months

Best of luck.

Yeah it's 2.4 ghz but it's already registered by parrot , will upload a pic of the sign of the box by this evening .

Hi,

I wish to buy an rc quad (UDI U818A) in Germany and bring it to India - Bangalore.
1. How do I carry it in the flight- as a carry on or checked in?
2. Will there be any issues at the Bangalore Customs?

Obviously their will be a customs issue

So what would you suggest the base way to carry it through to India? its is not a very expensive kit by the way.

@anwar sir I have read this post late the second comment of yours including Rc hobby for awareness and including it in events;airshows may be conducting workshops and forming a Rc club .... Well we tantra team of pvppcoe ;sion mumbai- 22 have came up with the idea to keep a Rc plane event In our college robotic fest we have gathered a. Good response last year for Robowar and moto racing .... Well will be putting more abt the event soon In the events section... And we are looking forward to make. a Rc club for all beginners and experienced hobbyists .... The fest is on 29 and 30th Jan,2015  ....

Hi All,

I'm planning to bring a DJI Phantom 2 Vision plus to India. As you must be aware the Indian govt has banned all drones w.e.f. Oct 2014.

My question is, does the ban included the phantom too? If yes, how do I conceal/hide the phantom from customs at the airport?

Any suggestions, tips or advice, much appreciated. Thanks

1)Dont get a vision rather get a phantom 2 only and put a gopro on it
2)customs if u get caught your phantom will be seized and their can be action taken against you
3) at almost the same cost it is available in india why do need to import and take risk and be worried the whole time travelling ?
4)its customs not kids you cannot hide stuff from them they the authority to check anything anytime you cannot say no to them do t even think about hiding it

Thanks for prompt response chintal. Unfortunately its already been ordered, I got a good deal for $1300 including 2 extra batteries. Is it available in India for that price? If so, from where can one buy it.

Now that I already have it, I got to find a way of getting it back to India. How about I disassemble the unit and pass of the shell as a toy? The internal electronics/motors of the phantom can be easily tucked away in a plastic/bubble wrap.

Any other suggestions, Thanks a lot

Are you getting it with you as luggage, or is it coming by post or courier  ?

If you're bringing it yourself, it should not be a problem. Just disassemble the frame as much as you can and put in in one suitcase and put the motors in the other bag (assuming you will be carrying 2 bags). Just make sure you don't keep all motors together, they get suspicious when the see a big lump of metal  ;) . The new airport is huge and they have only 2 'green channel' counters so the lines are often quiet long, especially if other flights land at around that time. In that case they don't even screen your checked in luggage.

Hope this helps.

Luggage. Should I bring it in my carry-on or checked-in luggage?
What do you think of the disassembling idea? I'm just worried about opening a new phantom and messing something inside by mistake but i'm running out of choices here.

Any other suggestions, Thanks

Better get it in carry on baggage I think.

nice idea :thumbsup: :thumbsup: {:)} {:)}

Checked in luggage. Disassemble it as much as you can. Keep it in the bag that contains no other electronic equipment. You should have no problems then.

Oh yes, very very helpful, Thanks a lot. I'm planning to bring the shell in my carry-on and pass it of as a toy. There are 3 batteries in total and I believe there are some airline restrictions on batteries but 1 per person in carry-on should be ok. We are 2 of us so that takes care of 2 batteries, I'm wondering what to do with the 3rd battery?

Opening a new unit still give me the jitters though. What if i mess up something inside and the phantom never flies?
So this is my last option.

What are the chances of it being discovered? How about if I try to pass the entire unit of as a toy? Have the customs started confiscating phantoms? Any idea on how seriously are the customs taking the P2's considering its a fairly new order, Thanks a million

Thanks bro... any suggestions?

In the worst case if you're asked to open your bags and they do find the phantom, then get ready to explain to them what it is. This according to me is the most difficult task :p (I once had to explain to them what a radio is ;)  ). Just stick to the fact that it is a toy and has very limited range. Whatever you do just stick to your explanation. If you don't have other valuable items, you should have no problems.

You can contact Reiner on this problem, he is a german citizen who currently is in delhi, He has DJI phantom and you can ask him how he managed to bring it in flight while he came India.

Now this guy is planning to sell his RC stuff here in India before return, so that some of as can get it with out any hassles.

His contact number is on his sale thread.
his contact : +91 95 60 355627

Thanks again. So are you suggesting I disassemble it or carry it as is? Which is better/safer in your opinion.

Disassemble it as much as you can but don't do anything you're not too comfortable with.

Fair enough. Any suggestions on whether to carry the transmitter(radio) in carry-on or checked-in? This can/should not be disassembled, I guess.

This is very useful info, Thanks buddy

Carry the radio in a separate bag. If you are traveling with someone else, I would suggest that you give the radio to your companion. Also if possible proceed for custom check separately. Please do not disassemble your radio.

Thanks

Wise words those... thanks a lot once again

Its customs u cant get away from them easily
It all depends on your luck
Dont ask people who have got them ask people who's products are stuck/seized at customs Then you will know from their experiences what reality about customs is
Just a advice its your call at the end

Again the same old story of customs...  & now why have they banned the drones since Oct 2014.. they can make the rules more strict on using n operating it but they cannot ban it.. this is madness.. another major reason why this has happened is also because there are many who have started aerial video n photography without a even a proper knowledge of how to operate it safely... I have seen people do flower dropping with quads  >:( some still use a heli ... can you imagine how dangerous is that.. such people must be banned from operating it rather than putting a ban on such amazing products...

It was never about individuals who could hurt one or two people it was about amazon and flipkart imagine 100's of them flying in a city like mumbai and that too automated flights using ground station
Their are people flying rc stuff since a long time as a hobby which never interfered anything
Once largescale commercial projects took their first steps dgca had to put a ban

O Oh!! I never knew quadcopters were banned, I was planning to get my qrx350pro this time when I came down. Yea, as someone said, it is best to dis assemble and put in different bags as I too have done that before. Last time I got in the whole scale 450 Heli with only the main blades removed, passed the box to my wife standing in the front and the package was screened with a smile..So, I guess if you have a female companion things get easy
 sometimes!

Yes, don't take advice from people who have had recent personal experience bringing stuff into the country, instead stop perusing the hobby in fear or buy from stores locally. After all, that is the intent.

Thanks guys, looks like I have my work cut out for me. Like I said, the P2 has been bought so not getting it is not an option as of now. How to get it, is what i need finalize and looks like disassembling is the way to go. Although, this may be completely unnecessary since I already have a good jack. But I don't want to take a chance, what if jack falls sick on that day :p.... What will surely help is to know how seriously have the mumbai customs started taking the ban? Anyone had their phantom confiscated?? Or just paid duty and let off.

Anyone? Thanks a bunch

Plz  :help: me. I bought JJRC F182 superscorpio quadcopter from shenzen,china through my relative. He sent me the parcel (gati.com). Now its showing that courier is at Mumbai airport ATC. Now they r asking for some documents. but what documents that i dont knw.
Can u suggest me which documents they r asking for? Is this quadcopter is banned in india?? how can i get it nw??
 :help: :help: :help: :help: :help: :help: :help: :help: :help:

How did it reach ATC. They would have surely spellt out that some documents

i also dnt knw dat. on gati.com tracking, its showing location- Mumbai ATC  status- Detention null.  what does that mean?

Plz  :help: me. I bought JJRC F182 superscorpio quadcopter from shenzen,china through my relative. He sent me the parcel (gati.com). Now its showing that courier is at Mumbai airport ATC. Now they r asking for some documents. but what documents that i dont knw.
Can u suggest me which documents they r asking for? Is this quadcopter is banned in india?? how can i get it nw??
On (gati.com) tracking, its showing location- Mumbai ATC;  status- Detention null.  what does that mean?
  :help: :help: :help: :help: :help: :help: :help: :help: :help: :help: :help: :help: :help: :help:

What they are asking is WPC approval or NOC for radio equipments - this is because of the radio transmitter coming with your quadcopter.
You have to request for this at WPC, but getting their approval is very rare :(

You can get more information if you post this in the customs related or WPC type approval related threads,  Posting here in 'multirotors' board is of no or very less help.
You may consider moving your topic to the specific board before admins do that. :)

Plz  :help: me. I bought JJRC F182 superscorpio quadcopter from shenzen,china through my relative. He sent me the parcel (gati.com). Now its showing that courier is at Mumbai airport ATC. Now they r asking for some documents. but what documents that i dont knw.
Can u suggest me which documents they r asking for? Is this quadcopter is banned in india?? how can i get it nw??
On (gati.com) tracking, its showing location- Mumbai ATC;  status- Detention null.  what does that mean?
 :help: :help: :help: :help: :help: :help:
 

Hey copter first of all call their helpline and tell them your tracking number and ask th what docuements they want.
I think they want KYC docuements your id proof and all.
Regards,
Aman.

they must be asking for WPC Clearance (Wireless Planning Commission) letter.

what frequency is that product you ordered using?

its of 2.4 GHz. n I think there shud b no problm with that.. It's my first purchase & m a beginner. so plz explain me about the procedure. plz help. :-\

sorry sooraj. actually its my first purchase. and m a beginner. so i dnt knw about these things. plz if u can explain me.
n thank u for ur suggession.  :)

Hello Aman. Yes i called up their costumer care. but they didn't knw about what documnts required. so they asked me to call later to enquire about the documents. so i'll call again in evening.
My quad has frequancy of 2.4GHz and i think there shudn't b the problm. This is my first purchase n I m a beginner. so i dnt knw about the procedure. If u can plz explain about the procedure n documents.
Thanks :) :)

goto to the main page of the forum and type " WPC approval " in the search option.

the first post has every step in detail.

Hey Well Actually  I Also Don't know about the procedure but I will try to get to know that.
Regards,
Aman.

thankq mate :hatsoff:

Hi,

I am planning to carry a DJI Phantom 2 + H3-3D + Hero4 + FPV from Dubai to delhi. We are three people with very less Luggage. Do you think i should take the chance and bring it by hand with me.

Has anyone carried a Phantom to india recently after the october ban on drones. Thanks in advance.

Best, Vivek

http://www.wpc.dot.gov.in/faq.asp#4 (http://www.wpc.dot.gov.in/faq.asp#4)

I would say dont bring it in the original box package. Get it in your normal luggage but see if you can dismantle it in separate parts & get it if possible I have no idea of this DJI quad, the only major problem is the radio & the receiver that causes the problem at the customs..  ;D

Yes actually always the problem comes with Radio And Receiver.
Regards,
Aman.

I got it. No problem at all. Had kept controller and phantom 2 in different bags to be safe though.

But I couldn't get FPV. I am ordering through HobbyKing. Total value around 17k. Do u think it could be a problem with INDIAN CUSTOMS. they are shipping through FedEx Priority.

I dont think it should be a problem because as its Fedex Priority.
Regards,
Aman.

Hi,

One of my parcel (RBxxxxxxxxHK)has been retain in Airport custom office Kolkata from 17th Jan,15. :(
The message is showing like: "Retention reason : Awaiting presentation to customs commissioner".

Could any one plz let me know is there anything which I have to do, or they will inform me if anything is require.

Normal procedure , what does the parcel contains ?

Mobile phone

How is it related to Rcindia ?

Through HongKong post registered Ari mail

Well we have a thread for 'queries' related to customs/shipping for Non RC items @
http://www.rcindia.org/chatter-zone/all-customs-parcel-discussions-for-non-rc-items/ (http://www.rcindia.org/chatter-zone/all-customs-parcel-discussions-for-non-rc-items/)

As for you drakshit, right now your item will be presented to commissioner, so that they can decide how much duty to charge, and there is no certain time frame, can take upto 2 weeks too. Items are probably presented to commissioner when the people working under him are not sure how to charge an item or if it needs his specific approval due to nature of item. So keep a proof of payment and bank account transaction ready as that may be the only proof you can provide.

Please go through this thread to understand how international shipping works
http://www.rcindia.org/rc-general-topics/need-help-with-customs/ (http://www.rcindia.org/rc-general-topics/need-help-with-customs/)

Thanks for the detail reply.
Previously I brought one mobile phone from HongKong, that time no charge was asked for. On which parameter it depends?
So how will I get informed about it? They will contact me?

You ran out of luck this time and yes they will contact you (will receive a notice) incase they need any docs or they will straight away release it with a duty. It all depends on he mood of the inspecting or handling staff.

Yup That's Correct You Will Receive A letter From Office Of Commissioner Of Customs Incase They Require Some Documents.
Regards,
Aman :)

hey people!! i just wanted to know what will happen if i try getting a lipo!! like in the baggage !! will it get caught or something??

regards,
JK

Well Under 35000 Rs each person is allowed to import Things. So I think you should not get caught but I am not confirm about this ????
Regards,
Aman. :)

Thanks everyone
I have received my item..for your information no extra custom charge for that..and those who don't know who is the custom commissioner..for them, he is not a person..it is a generic term..mostly this message is shown when huge rush is there.

Well Congrats On That. :)
Regards,
Aman.

Thanks Aman :)

Custom commissioner is not a generic term but a person sitting in the position at the respective custom office. You can find details if you search a bit. Previously ppl who have faced similar status have met commissioners, and you can find rest of the details about that in the thread I posted previously.

Anyways you got the item that too without much hassles thats what matters. As I had said earlier it depends upon handling staffs mood what happens with your parcel which is pretty much unpredictable!

That's Correct !!
Regards,
Aman.

I purchased a Syma 107 g with a gift card from Amazon.com(US). This particular gift card is valid only to the US site.So they delivered it to my relative there.I just came across posts saying importing RC toys are banned in India. 107 g uses IR transmitter and not a radio.So should this be an issue at the customers ? :headscratch:

quote "issue at the customers "
Do you mean it's issue at customs?

Oh yes ,customs  ;D. Sorry typo..

seniors comment.
..

Apologies before hand if this is the wrong post. but I believe this thread is specifically to discuss airport customs issues. Asking this question again after reading the whole thread because a lot has changed since this year and last post is around december 2015.

I bought a frysky taranis X9D+ yesterday from Dubai for killer price, planning to get it to India in my checkin baggage around 20th August. Mostly will be flying to Mangalore airport. The taranis came with an Aluminum case. does anyone have any recent updates on carrying just the radio in luggage on flights? Im planning to remove the battery and ditch the Aluminum case (sob!) if needed. Also may be tell that the customs that remote is for some project or for an RC car. What do you guys think? please help.

I beleive, they shouldn't have no issues, provided the following:
1. A letter from any institution accepting the use of your Transmitter in the said project and
2. A bill showing long term ownership of the Transmitter preferably before 2013.
I wouldn't know if you could have the above conditions fulfilled Legally, but if you can, it would be better.

Hi there! I'm planning to get the XIRO XPLORER Version V from the US. So I asked my uncle, who lives in the US and is coming to India soon, to order one. Looking at the Airport custom's queries in this forum makes me quite curious. Will I have any problem at the airport, for getting the drone, when my uncle gets it to India?

Thanks in Advance!

Link of the Drone:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015PE0744/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=AN4GG135354N

Hi there! I'm planning to get the XIRO XPLORER Version V from the US. So I asked my uncle, who lives in the US and is coming to India soon, to order one. Looking at the Airport custom's queries in this forum makes me quite curious. Will I have any problem at the airport, for getting the drone, when my uncle gets it to India?

Thanks in Advance!

Link of the Drone:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015PE0744/

Regards,
Mr.A

I'm also thinking of getting p4pro from US as luggage.
But I think here RTF quads are not allowed even as luggage :banghead:
Am I right  :headscratch:

Yeah! Even I'm not sure. Hope we get some GOOD news :)

What is the port of entry in India?

I guess Mumbai Airport.

If that is the case then you don't need to worry. I carried a lot of stuff with me and did not have a single issue. This was today. Just try not to make it apparent that you are carrying a drone. By that I mean, try to package everything in a generic box that does not have a picture of the drone on the box.

Would suggest you buy locally to avoid any hassles and inconvenience to your relative.


http://m.timesofindia.com/india/Flying-in-Declare-your-drone/articleshow/51487362.cms

 :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

As per the rules, Drones are banned. In the Baggage Declaration Form every passenger has to declare whether he/she is carrying a drone. If one, mentions yes, it will be seized. If one mentions no, that's misdeclaration. If you can get away, good for you. If they catch you, you are up for trouble. Baggages are X-Rayed too..so there is always a chance of getting caught. Once in a while people get away ... but you should be aware of the rules.

If you are carrying a drone totally disassembled then it will no longer resembles a quad or anything it can be viewed only as some arms with something attached at one end.

Is it okay if I put that drone packaging in an amazon packaging box?

That should be fine

Seized by Customs when imported as parts

http://www.asianage.com/mumbai/pune-customs-seizes-7-drones-worth-rs-12-crore-537

So what do you mean to say? Shouldn't I be getting the drone?

That above news is not relevant to you when u are traveling..  As ppl said above if you disassemble and bring it with you have good chance of getting it in.  I brought 2 x  250 size quads but removed  everything and kept it in 3 luggage like motor esc etc....

Sent from my Redmi Note 3 using Tapatalk

I am not suggesting anything. Its better to know the rules before taking the chance.

what if someone is carrying an airplane kit ?   Does anyone have experience with that?  will that be also held by customs? 

Hi

I have a relative coming to India from USA so I was thinking of ordering a Radio (Taranis 9XD) over there and asking him to bring it along.
Are there any reported issues with Mumbai airport customs not letting radios through?
What is the safest way to get the radio through customs?

Any help is appreciated.

TIA
Kartik

Hi all,
I order one Rc circuit n Aliepxress i got tracking info like below can anyone pls explain?

ITEM n° RB294443062SG   new search
Local Date and Time   Country   Location   Event Type   Mail Category   Next Office   Extra Information
8/5/2017 7:26:00 PM   Singapore   SINGAPORE S05   Insert item into bag (Otb)   Air   CHENNAI AIRPORT SORTING OFFICE     
8/6/2017 9:15:00 AM   Singapore   SINGAPORE S05   Send item abroad (EDI-received)   Air   CHENNAI AIRPORT SORTING OFFICE     
8/9/2017 12:58:12 PM   India   CHENNAI (MADARS) AIR   Receive item at office of exchange (Inb)   Air   CHENNAI AIRPORT SORTING OFFICE     
8/9/2017 1:01:07 PM   India   CHENNAI (MADARS) AIR   Transfer from office of exchange (Inb)   Air   BANGALORE SUB FGN POST

Hey Kartik,

I've recently crossed mumbai int airport customs and saw a sign board that they will scan only handbags and not check in bags in customs line. Well they did not even scan my handbag but just my pouch. So it totally depends on your luck. Do they scan check in bags earlier when they enter airport belt from flight? I'm not sure.  Said that, this time I wasn't carrying anything rc related. I think best bet is to ask ur friend to carry it in checkin bag. Hope this helps.


N

Hi, I am planning to buy a mini RC helicopter and a big(80 cm)RC boat from overseas. Does customs usually hold  planes/drones and heli's ? or do they hold boats as well ?
Please let me know.