Hello all,
I had ordered some parts for my project from HobbyKing.com. The parcel arrived in Delhi on 4 May 2010. It was pending in customs from about a month. So i decided to enquire about the parcel. I went to the customs office. I came to know that customs are not releasing any parcels which have HOBBY PARTS written on them. This is because of the ruling from the govt. after they had caught some helis in Mumbai with cameras with very high range.

So this is the reason if you are facing delays in recieving parcels from HobbyKing.com.

The Assistant Comissioner is releasing random parcels of Hobbiest from Delhi. You might be the lucky one, but this happens very rarely..

My advise is that you do not declare "Hobby Parts" on your parcel, declare something as "Misc. Parts" or "Replacement Parts".

They also told me that they have detained A parcel from Honk Kong which was supposed to go to U.P. which also has some heli or some plane (i dont know exactly). If it belogs to someone who is reading this thread then please contact the customs (Please dont refer me, due to personal reasons).

Change your name on every parcel as they keep a record of your name(how many parcels you recieve and past history). This also speeds up the work.

IF YOU MAKE ANY ENQUIRY ABOUT YOUR PARCEL WITH THE CUSTOMS DEPT AFTER READING THIS THREAD, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE DONT REFER MY NAME...!!!

Thank You
Regards
Anam Aggarwal
(anam_funny@yahoo.com)

Pretty soon (if not already), it will not only be "Hobby Parts", but "Toy Parts", "Replacement Parts" etc.  I am surprised that they do not Xray parcels first, then open if needed.

Helis with cameras in the same parcel ? That it just a brain-dead idea to order them together.

What will they do with the parcels that are not released ? They have to release them sooner or later, after ensuring no restricted items are there (like any aerial photography stuff). 

Yes... The parcels which they detain will be kept there in the detained section. They are not even auctioned. They will send it back to the sender after you submit a letter to them to do so.

I must mention that i had ordered my parcel through registered mail about which i have told above.

One of my parcels sent through speed post is also lying in customs since 25 days, i havent claimed it yet. Although it was showing "sent to domestic location" on IPS Web Tracing System. So if your EMS Parcels are late or showing sent to domestic location since a very long time, you might be facing the same problem.

If you order some FPV Stuff, declare it as "sample", "surveillance systems" on special request. Keep it seperate from the main order. Try splitting you order in many parts.

I am not sure about declaring "Toy Parts"... The restriction goes for any RC Car, RC Train... or any RC Item...

These are hell lot of restriction...

Before that they should ban import of Motor Car, Bike and Boat parts and ask people to use Bullock karts. There has been no incidents involving R/C planes used in Terrorists activity in the entire world. Cars/Trucks have proven lethal. I think Terrorists are more rational in thinking that our A****le authorities!

Wish Ramesh Sir and AMAI brings the change sooner..

We just cant do anything... but still parcels are being passed... its just your luck... my 2 parcels out of 4 were detained. so its just your luck. now we need to be more carefull and not order very frequently... like 3-4 times a month

I always wonder why people want to install cameras on RC model planes and take Arial Videos and Photos especially in the current period situations. The only reason I see is, that since it is a novel idea and makes them special in other people's view, they do it to satisfy themselves. These Imaging devices, Flower showering and banner towing etc are never a part of RC Model plane flying. In my opinion RC modelling hobby is about building model planes and enjoy flying them. My view may be an old fashioned.   

Well, there is a professional side to it, like Mr Arvind of Rotor Chennai who is a professional cameraman, and an RC heli mounted camera is one of his tools. 

For an average hobbyist, there are two aspects (at least).

1.  It is fun to see the field they fly in from above.  But the curiousness would only last a few flights.  Hopefully people do it away from any kind of sensitive area.

2.  The thrill/adventure/technique/fun of FPV flying.  It is a different feel, with even the stick movement completely different (more like in a real plane).  In my view, this is not about "being cool or special", it is truly a different branch/style of enjoying RC.

One can say this is not part of the original/core definition of RC/model flying, but that is just a very personal point of view

This is an example of ham - handed government which our government is famous for.  I am appalled at the trends today in the name of terrorism. Watch out people, governments are usurping power in a myriad of small ways..  If I am a career  terrorist(I believe there are many!!), I have many other foolproof and efficient ways to lay hands on electronic equipment!!  Terrorism is a business much like any and just like money laundering has its own channels to support logistics..

I know I am digressing... But confiscation of a R/C parcel is insignificant but I think if a parcel is traceable and the owner is identified then they should hand it over..  period because it is not their property!! 

FPV is illigeal in India. Period
Go check out WPC site for approvals and you would find none. So even if it operates on one of the unrestricted radio spectrum bands unless it is type approved it is as illegal as a gun without a licence.
As for bans etc, there is absolutely no ban on parts/equipment required by us. You need to fight it out if your parcels are detained. Ask them for notification, under which this has been detained, file an RTI query read as much as you can from Govt and other sites and go armed with information to fight for your rights.   

if it is banned than how some of us has managed to import it .

It isn't banned... there are restrictions... the restrictions were imposed for 6 months... but now the govt. have extended the restrictions. There are some parcels which are released randomly... but some are detained... its all your luck... some are really sent back if not claimed for long time... i have also seen hobby parcels which were kept there since 2008... they are now being disposed off i guess... in the north zone all parcels are cleared from delhi... so people in nothern zone (incl UP, Punjab, J&K, Haryana, Himachal and some more states) will definately face the problem... for sure... 

IT IS DETAINED AND YOU NEED NOC FROM DGCA- Directorate General of Civil Aviation of your region.

go to www.dgca.nic.in and go under rules... under sec2(air worthiness) there are hell lot of requirements...
For more information, you can also contact your regional office (ask for air worthiness)

If Quasi-LHS take the postal route for their own benefit, instead of ports, episodes like these are deemed to happen.
I bet many people would be happy to hear this 

I think we are missing a very vital point here, none of the models (as long as you are within ambit of definition of models) come under the ambit of DGCA purview.
Also I could not find section 23 under airwothiness, could you please post the url for that page?
Also please read the aircraft rules on the same site, where you would find definition of aircraft which needs to be read in conjugation with the roles and functions of DGCA.
As long as you are not hampering or endengaring civil/military avaiation operations there is nothing which would get model flying under DGCA's purview   

I don't think the Rules you mentioned are applicable for R/C controlled airplanes as they don't carry 'Civilians' and not critical to human lives (except freak accidents of crashing into crowed).
Its Customs ignorance to route to DGCA, as there is no clear guideline for these items - I would prefer they put it under 'Toys' as  they are 'Big Boys toys' indeed!

Hope IMAI effort soon shows up and the stupid ban on R/C toys are completely taken off.

<Edit> Captain, I guess  Anam is referring to
http://www.dgca.nic.in/rules/adv-ind.htm

This is totally impractical to Aeromodelling as many hobbyist are involved in Scratch/Plan build and  people like Ashta sir  comes up with a new plane almost every week. How would he call DGCA people  to inspect his plane every week, when the plane is still in testing period!! 

No these are not toys, please read through the IHS tarrif and classification manual, these are classified as models (working or not).

The URL takes you to circulars page from 2007 to 1995 and after going through all of them I do not see anything which covers aeromodels.

Anam,
Could you point out to what exactly are you referring to?

Also I think you must have told the customs officer that there are aircraft parts on which he would deal with them as per Full size parts and hence the requirment of DGCA clearance. You need to point him out that these are covered under different chapter i.e. chapter 95
Please see the classification below under heading 950300

9503 00 - Tricycles, scooters, pedal cars and similar
wheeled toys; dolls' carriages; dolls; other
toys; reduced-size (“scale”) models and
similar recreational models, working or not;
puzzles of all kinds:
9503 00 10 --- Of wood u 10% -
9503 00 20 --- Of metal u 10% -
9503 00 30 --- Of plastics u 10% -
9503 00 90 --- Other u 10% -
____________________________________________________________________________________________________

This has happened to me the first time I imported model items and was set right when the officer was pointed the correct chapter. Also he may come up with query that since these are toy parts from China and hence need safetuy clearnace as per some IS and European standards, you could downlaod these standards and take it along, and politely point to him that these do not apply to models and are meant for safety standards for toys used by children, once you have read the standards it would be clear as to thier application  

And one more caution this only applies to engines and models not to your radio equipment or part thereof, these are under chapter 85 and are restricted.    

What a beautiful way to put this Captain!!
I bet bet if be discrete to higher authorities and ready with right justification and papers, we could definitely get through at least non0-flying models (read -ARF, sans any electronics/engine).

actually till now this is the only information i could gather from dgca high officials... i called them yesterday and today also and had a talk with 2 different officials. both have to say that read the rules and regulations before applying for the NOC. I visited the office near S.J. Airport, delhi. They also had to say the same thing. I was trying to get an NOC for my second parcel and i have failed to get one.

They are aware of the RC rules and regulations but they let me to the same page again and again...

So how do we get out our parcel from the customs if it is caught?? I need some sugestions here. Yeah sure Bribing the officials if one of the many options but it isnt working out there. The lower staff is also not listening...

I totally agree with Ujjwal because i have studied CAR (Section 2) and passed long back thats different matter  and no where i have seen rules regarding RC planes or UAV and i have personally met Officer of RAO (DGCA) bangalore his name is Mr Selvam who told me until n unless aircraft carries human and which has some registration it dosent  matter in any ways  ,only restriction is you should not fly above 500ft AGL near airports! practically below 1000ft even 1/4 scale  plane cannot be detected by RADAR.

When did you visit him??? this ruling is passed not even 6 months ago... it has been extended for another 2 to three months... i guess customs dept have more information about this...

Anam, why did you visit DGCA at all !! its like shooting at your feet! You could have contacted the local flyers before taking such extreme step!! You are not the first guy getting stuff from overseas!

See, there is already no clarity of the hobby in the country. If people coax DGCA for unnecessary affair (like contacting F1 regulatory for street race), they may create unnecessary hurdles which does;t exist today.
Customs is at fault to ask DGCA, tell them that this is not for real plane- its for model making for educational purpose - say IIT competition.
I would strongly suggest to settle the matter with customs or forget your packet. Bringing DGCA would create a BIG mess.

Anam,
I think you need to read all the posts here more carefylly, the 6 month back ruling you are talking about is regarding toy ban from China, about this please read my post and the ruling itself which would clarify you things.
You are only making matters worse for you. And no you do not need to bribe anyone.

The best suggestion I can give you is to visit this site  http://personalimport.blogspot.com/ and write to the guy with your problem he will sure tell you a solution. But before that read through the blog as he does not post anything which he has already posted. Another caution it applies only to personal import/exports and he does not advice to commercial guys.
 

Nice find Captain!! Keep us informed!!

Yes it is a nice find, the guy who writes the blog is retired from Central Excise and Customs and does the blog thing with the aim of educating people on the provsions of law relating to export and import for personal use

My Hobby city parcel got stopped. I was just asked for IE code etc, I just gave an undertaking along with invoce, payment details etc that its for personal use and was released with 14.71% customs.

My next parcel from US has also been stopped, need to visit them tomorrow.

Then i would call it shear luck that both my parcels were stuck in customs... i am so frustrated now... they are not even accepting to take the custom duty... they want a NOC... they are so stubborn... uff... I hate that fat guy... they have sealed  my parcel... what do they want... they are just asking for DGCA NOC DGCA NOC... i told them it is for my personal project... i gotta complete it... just take the duty... it is for me...

Is it adivsable to send back the parcel and then get it shipped again in some other name and address...!!!!!!???

What is the nature of the products in the parcel? What was mentioned on the parcel? Was the value too high?

it contains a radio set, 2 HK Gyros, pc cable, 4 servos and many many wires...

One thing that seems to work in such cases is to go through a "clearing agent".  These folks seem to have personal contacts with many officials, and can help expedite things. For a fee, of course !

And if push comes to shove, go with what Capt Manish said... ask them in writing which section it is under which they have detained the goods, and try to put pressure via RTI.  You can expect the reply from DCGA to be "it is not a matter that is under our jurisdiction", so you can try to convey that angle to postal guys too. 

He He! looks like they have you marked as well like me. Yes 14.xx % is the correct rate of duty on personal import the base rate is 10%. Also you do not need to even visit them you can send your declaration and invoice copy by post if you are not in a hurry

yeah... ill try that tomorrow. ill definately get in writing that what is wrong and why are they not leting in my parcel... i have contacted a clearing agent... will finalise the talks on monday... he says he can take care of the future parcels for sure... but he isnt sure of this parcel as it is gone into the detention room. and if he tells anyone to take it out or try to get it passed... other employees will object to it and ask for letter of authority from assistant comissioner.... but still ill give it a try...

Hmm! no wonder your parcel is stuck. It has the radio which is on restricted list. They have all the rights to stop it if you do not have type approval certificate for the radio, they can also classify all the other components as radio parts/accessories and no amount of RTI or other written applications would get it out if they decide to detain it
All the best to you

yes I think radio imports are not allowed.

It is allowed but on fullfilling certain conditions etc

A friend got a Spektrum car radio from HK dealer, without no issues. Just came through.

I didnt know you can give declaration and other docs through post. Does it work?

Couple of things to note here....

1.  We have at least one case of a radio being detained (at least "held for some time"), but being released when relevant documentation was submitted :

http://www.rcindia.org/rc-general-topics/technical-spec-of-2-4ghz-blitzrcworks-tornado-3d-aerobatic-rtf-1766/msg16432/#msg16432

2.  Now here is real deal with radio imports and legality.  Most of this came from a member of this forum, who may identify himself if he chooses so (probably at a more opportune time later). The information was collected by directly visiting the regional WPC office in his city.

Radio imports into India consists of two parts.

2a)  WPC type approval : This is the first step, and validates that this equipment is safe for use (both for humans and non-interference with other devices, verification of transmission power limits etc).  Once a particular model of equipment is approved, all such models are approved.  Such approval is subject legalized bands (27Mhz and 2.4Ghz currently).  There are 5 models currently approved.  To get WPC approval, there is some application process, involving submissions of FCC/CE testing data etc.

2b) Import approval/license from WPC : Any *individual* or shop can apply for import license for any type approved equipment.  Note that even individuals can apply. There is a Rs500 fee.  This other forum member is trying to get import license for couple of models, and I am personally trying to get approval for a Futaba 8FG, just to see what it takes. 

Any radio that does not satisfy both above conditions are not legally valid in India. This is also why Indian Hobbies claim that their radios are *fully* legal, as they satisfy both conditions.  But it should also be noted that ANY person can apply for an import license for any one of the 5 already type approved radios, making his radio imported from outside fully legal, as long as he gets the import license also from WPC BEFORE importing it (per WPC officials).

Hopefully this settles/clarifies the "radio legality" arguments. If you read between the lines, this is another big reason why 2.4Ghz may be a better choice going forward.

RADIO !! Hahhh.... you should have at least read miserable storied like that of mine ! When you can get the Bio data of that  chick appearing first time on a movie, getting info on importing R/C stuff, specially like Radio which has been talked so much about, shouldn't  have been so hard... common

Anwar bhai,
Capt's advice for RTI would hold good for non Radio Tx items only. I have had enough discussion with the very near relative of mine who is  high ranked customs official. He clearly showed me his hand book where our Tx falls under restricted category. the additional WPC approval is already  talked about in length in the forum. Apart from Radio, Anam has a case on other items which Customs cannot cease just on the pretext of the R/C plane episode in Mumbai. But the fact that other items are along with radio further complicated the matter.

how many radio have u ordered still today
they have noted u when u ordered 1st radio
 


dude u require import licence to buy lot of radios

Got my parcel released today, Same declaration and docs. I checked and they said that I could clear through post too. Thanks Capt

had a tlk with the officer incharge in customs... will get it out on wednesday... not officially but unofficially... i dont know that he will take some money or not... but atleast my parcel will be realased... thank god...

On the basis of the discussions in this thread, i asked the same question to the officer incharge... that why is that some parcels are released and some are not... he laughed and said that it is uncertain that who checks the parcels... they are released on strict checking... he said that we are not allowed to release parcels which have hobby parts... but after duscussions with the Assistant comissioner some parcels are released after a month or so... but your parcel contains a radio set and batteries so your parcel was detained...

ill tlk to him more when i will go to claim the parcel... i still cant get that why did he block my parcel... my other parcels which came before arrived with no hurdles... its too difficult to understand these govt officials minds... BIG PUZZLE....

Oops, too many details

Anam, please be informed. Kindly don't discuss any thing on this open forum which is again intellectual property or against the LAW of land. As the Moderator Anwar said above, please refrain putting such intrinsic details in open. You can always guide needful on PM with your experience.

Well as far as Customs saying they are not allowing 'Hobby' items, this is TOTALLY against Customs HS classification which does not have general hobby items, raging from coins, adventure sports, electronics etc as **Restricted** an individual Custom house cannot have their own written list and you can certainly file a RTI asking how when the hell Republic of India barred its citizens fulfilling their legitimate technologically inclined hobby from procuring the necessary from abroad even after paying duties.

Apart from Radios, they CANT, I mean can't, bar Servos, BL Motors, ESC, or Lipo (though Lipos do hav extra anti dumping cess) just on the pretext that they could be used in making R/C Planes. Withstanding temporary ban on 'Chinese' planes, I guess making model plane for technology/hobby quest is not banned, when even peanut butter and Agricultural Urea could be used to make bombs!! They are yet not declared as making Guns/Bombs  at home. R/C planes Cannot be classified as Pyrotechnic devices even they could explode on accident.

I hope this 'illegal' curb is not handi-work of people having conflicting interest to individuals importing R/C stuff and influenced officials to harass individual hobbyist.

What ever might be the reason. I think that even if they have some rules... they should verify the parcels, our identity and release the parcels ASAP... Why should we, the common people, GENUINE PEROPLE...  suffer due to someone else's mistakes or actions...

I am pretty curious why a particular question was often repeated but never got answered?
If you missed it, "it was how many radios have you imported till date?"

i have imported 2... but didnt have problems with the previous one..

so far i can understand from this thread that radios cant be imported i.e there is all possibility that the customs may hold your package.
My question is , whether there will be a problem when i buy a radio  abroad and carry it long with me in baggage?

http://www.rcindia.org/rc-general-topics/airport-customs-issues/msg19005/#msg19005 (and the rest of this thread).
http://www.rcindia.org/chatter-zone/help-with-customs/msg11239/#msg11239 (and the rest of this thread too).

Short answer, almost never a problem so far, unless YOU overdo it.  Like most things in life, there is no 100% guarantee, but till date, it is pretty close !

thanks Anwar bhai for the quick reply! I am in a big dilemma as I  already have a funjet ,couple of servos  and power pack for the funjet ,dremel 300 delivered to me here in Texas, dono if i am pushing my luck too far if i order a radio! but the sweet deals are tempting me!

Hi All,

 http://www.infodriveindia.com/Notifications/Import-Policy-of-Toys-21819.aspx

This is the latest policy of importing toys to INDIA from China.I dint understand that up to what age group of toys ,they need the specific certificate to satisfy the customs.All our hobby products are above 14+ years of age.Can anyone help?

Regards,
Kalyan.

first hobby products are not toys. to clear the parcel from custom you have to find a midator or you can solve the problem yourself togive some money to them. no need of any type of certifecate.

Please note that this is a public forum.  Yes, this topic is discussed before, but discretion is advised.

All items related to RC Flying except models & Tx rx falls under misc. items and never detained. however IC engines are a little tricky to import. anyways as i was saying all parts excluding above mentioned items will not create any problem for importer. now if u r importing models then the correct category is 95.3.8 (models incorporating a motor/engine) and that category is free to import. no certificate or duty is required.

Hello Everybody!

A few months back when i received my parcel from HK i found that there is indiapost tape sticked on the parcel, that means they have opened it without informing me.
After that i called to customs to confirm what happened exactly. The replied that customs may open your parcel if it is necessary for some security reasons.

Customs opened my hk450 heli's parcel too..Its their duty..

Guys, my worry started. Hyperion has sent me an 'Enigma' aircraft few days ago on EMS. Its still not updated after being dispatched from Japan. I suppose it is with our customs. And hyperion guy told that they declared the item as 'RC Hobby Parts'. After reading this thread, really I lost a lot of hope that it will be cleared.

Please help me out guys with some info. At least some links of phone numbers. I think our city (Vizag, AP) comes under jurisdiction of Chennai Customs.

Please somebody suggest me something guys, its really a legendary plane for me as that is a 'Prize' for designing its skin.

Please guys, please please please.

Please dont panic. Wait for a week or so and then do head for Chennai FPO and PAD. I recieved a Customs memo after the item was received 2 weeks back!! prepare a small Writeup and get a memo / price list (as it is a gift item).Look out for employment opportunities with Hyperion .

It is no wonder that pretty much every international seller says "Do NOT contact us about delayed/lost shipments until after 45 days".

Anwar Sahab,

They say it because most of the payments online are made using Paypal. As per paypal policy if there is a problem with some transaction, one can file a dispute/claim with paypal upto 45 days. after 45 days no claim is entertained. so most of the online sellers have 45 day rule.

or i might be wrong.

Mm. ok, you mean I need to go to Chennai? No possibility on calling them? What kind of write up should I prepare - explaining what had happened or something? And price list means?

Could be.  I did notice that the longest successful delivery for me into Qatar was about 40 days from Tower. After 30 days, I contacted them and they pointed me to this page :

http://www.towerhobbies.com/help/faqs.html

So it looks like the policy is country dependent, and not directly related to Paypal (at least for Tower).

Ujjwaaana.  EMS and FPO are different entities. They may or may not be in the same place. In Mumbai FPO is in town, EMS near the domestic airport, 30 kMs away. Not sure about Chennai.

I dont understand what you said, can you please explain a bit on what to do exactly?

Please guys, need help. Somebody with some contact numbers (functional) of Chennai Customs to inquire about my detained parcel? Somebody guys with something?
Really need help. It worth a million dollar to me.

guys please help, I cant start a new thread to attract peoples attention, I am restricted to stick to this thread only. please help.

Your thought process is wrong. Everyone is reading the forum using either "Recent Posts", "Recent Topics" or "Unread Posts".  Whether it is a new topic, or post in an existing topic, they will see it.

The reason people are not responding is most likely because they don't have the information, or the people with the information have not logged in.  Your chances would be much higher if you had tried to contact some senior folks here who are confirmed to be from Chennai via PM, instead of thinking a new topic will solve your issue.  PMs would get delivered to people via emails, so even if they are not logging in, they might get your message.

oh thank you.

So looks like you did get it without issues ?

http://www.rcindia.org/electric-planes/my-enigma-a-little-show-off!/

Oh yeah anwar, I got it, I thanked Mr. Sai too in that thread for encouraging me to be stable during the time in customs.
Thanks to RC india.

It is Allowed...And you can Buy it...

Can anybody tell me that the ETA is required for wireless mic - transreceiver?/ this is operating in freq. 180 to 270MHz.??