Originally Posted by
KimCy1
I have had an bad experience with Dehli Customs where I had a Carnet to do some demonstration of radio equipment for the Indian airforce. Now one would think that a Carnet would give free passge after they have seen the equipment and stamped that it had come into the country. No I had to have permission from the chief of the Indin airforce which with beaurocracy took 3 days and then another 2 days of paperwork to get it out of the warehouse where it was impounded plus warfage fees. All the time there was the inuendo of that the value was 10 times the annual salary of the chief supt, wanting a bribe which I am not allowed to do and wouldn't do on principle. Now when I go to india I have a copy of the letter which actually states the law of a Carnet which is an agreementr between countries that tax would be paid if goods do not return to the country of origin. This is signed by the chief of the airforce so it puts them on the backfoot as I use a wing commander to gret me whereever I enter. I hate corruption and will not be part of it in any shape or form as my country South Africa is riddled with it
It's probably more an issue of not knowing, than not having a letter. As to "innuendos", it's instinct. For a price, you can get anything through customs. The same people who complain about corruption use it to their advantage when they want to import iPhones, iPads, LCD/LED Tvs, laptops etc.
I am not saying this was the situation in your case, simple possession of Carnet is not enough. You have to ensure that, the passage was processed properly, and you have a stamped receipt in your Carnet duely signed and affixed by customs officials.
I don't know what the requirements are in India for re-exporting items imported into the country via a Carnet. You might have met all the requirment, or you might not have. I don't know. You did make proper arrangements for importing the item into the country duty free. I don't know if there are exit formalities to be completed by the people for who the demo was intended.
There are procedures to be followed for import/re-import and export/re-export of goods. Just like a simple possession of a passport and visa might not be sufficient, the same is true for Carnet.
Chief Commissioner of Customs Mumbai