Airgun import experiences - via post/ courier route

[deepakvarde]

Hey thirths,

Yes I am. I thought you had some doc which stated that import of .177 rifle by a non member is also duty free.

[tirths]

Hey thirths,

Yes I am. I thought you had some doc which stated that import of .177 rifle by a non member is also duty free.

Wrong thought

[deepakvarde]

Hey tirths, saw your pic with your New BAM 40. Congrats!!! Where did you get it from and for how much?

[deepakvarde]

Dear friends,

After visiting the Santacruz office of Postal customs in Mumbai, I've learnt a lot about Customs & Excise. I met people (officials) who said that everything is alright and come with your rifle associations letter and we'll clear it in 5 mins, next day the supritendent who goes by the rule book puts lot of spokes in the entire procedure. He cant find any documents on Custom & Excise Notification that could help clear my rifle. Then there are these office colleagues giving you hints that things will be done in 5k if you are willing to spend. If you go well prepared, you dont even need to hear them out.

I have understood that in addition to the normal procedural documents like:
1] Call Letter from Customs office
2] Letter from Rifle Association
3] Copy of ID card of Rifle Association
4] Invoice Copy of the rifle
5] Notification from Customs excluding Customs duty for .177 calibre - CUS NTF NO. 120/2008 DATE 04/11/2008 - look at 582
6] NOTIFICATION No. 12 (RE-2005)/2004-09 - allowing free import of .177 calibre
7] Copy of Letter from Police Commissioner's Office stating that .177 calibre dosent require a lisence. (I have a copy of this and can mail it if you need one) - this letter is from Mumbai Commissioner.

It helps a lot to keep these documents with you when dealing with babus:

a) Notification No. 11/2002-Central Excise - look at point 12 & 13
http://www.cbec.gov.in/excise/cx-act/no ... 11-2k2.htm

b) Notification No.9/2001 -Central Excise - For exemption of Excise on imported rifle.
http://www.cbec.gov.in/excise/cx-act/no ... e9-2k1.htm

c) Notification No. 9/2001-Customs (N.T.) - increase of import limit from 10 thousand to 50 thousand - keep this for safer side.

d) Notification No.9/2002 -Central Excise - Superceded point c above
http://www.cbec.gov.in/excise/cx-act/no ... e9-2k2.htm

e) PUBLIC NOTICE NO. 01 / 2008 - From the OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS & CENTRAL EXCISE - Read section "Chapters 90 to 96".
http://cenexcisenagpur.nic.in/tradenotice/tn_2008-1.htm

f) Compliments point e above.
http://www.cbec.gov.in/customs/cs-act/n ... 21-2k8.pdf
http://www.cbec.gov.in/customs/cs-act/n ... 21-2k2.htm

And most importantly A VERY GOOD LUCK such that the above a to f is not required.

Regards,
Deepak

-- Fri Sep 25, 2009 2:26 am --

Dear First time importers,

One more piece of information, whenever you are importing a rifle, pistol. Please ensure that the invoice bears the calibre written on it & if there are identifications on the barrel or somwhere embossed (Not sticker) which states that its a .177 or what.

If the above is not met, then the rifle or pistol has to be taken to the arms and ammunition dept within the Crime Branch and have it tested for the calibre.

One more not so good thing that would happen is that it'll be put to the "deal wood" test there. If you are getting a higher fps gun ..... then your gun is surely going to fail the test. You would then have to apply for an arms lisence to possess an airgun

So while the above documentation (my previous post above) needs to be ok, ask your seller to help you by mentioning it on the invoice.

Regards,
Deepak

[to_saptarshi]

Very Informative Post Deepak, Surely help a lot to others..

[pkjeetesh]

very good Deepak...

[tirths]

Finally, have you got your gun out?

[deepakvarde]

Dear All,

Today I the gun home. Attaching some of the pics for you.

It wasnt that easy though ..... Have got the gun out without paying the excise duty. But have made a commitment to the supritendent that if it is applicable, then I would do so after he would call me.

This baby is very very hard on paper targets. You cant even find the pellets .... the pellet turns into splinters and the paper seems to have many small holes all around the edges. This is maybe because I placed a thick 3" marble tile behind it.

I still have to tune it perfectly.

Regards,

Deepak

[tirths]

Congrats!! Very happy for you!

[deepakvarde]

Dear Friends/Forumites,

Attached please find the so called NOC which is a letter from the Commissioners office stating that .177 calibre dosent require a license.

Regards,

Deepak

[swordfish123]

Did you get the scope also or only the rifle. There is not much clarity regarding importing scopes.

Congratz on your new rifle.

[deepakvarde]

Thanks Tirths,

Next I'm planning to get the BAM B40 like yours. Please let me know your review on the rifle.

Regards,
Deepak

-- Fri Sep 25, 2009 9:39 pm --

Hi swordfish,

Yes, the scopes are restricted and have a very high duty on them. But the officer himself said to his colleagues who pointed out the scope in the box that, its a shooting requirement and its part and parcel of the gun. So it shouldnt be a problem. I got lucky this time..... maybe ... not always.

He was already beginning to feel sorry for having me come so often and spend the day with him searching various notifications on the net and in his fat books.

Regards,
Deepak

[pkjeetesh]

congratulations buddy.....what did i say...eventually you will get her!....a little later get a Maccari tune kit for her...meanwhile enjoy shooting...it is a fantastic rifle.....

[deepakvarde]

Thanks jeetesh,

Thank you for all the support and information. I'll surely love to get the tune kit. Any suggestions from where to buy and at what price?

Regards,
Deepak

[tirths]

Thanks jeetesh,

Thank you for all the support and information. I'll surely love to get the tune kit. Any suggestions from where to buy and at what price?

Regards,
Deepak

Seal you can buy from me. I have two spare. for Spring (model E3650) from http://www.airrifleheadquarters.com/pag ... 251327.htm