India Airport Customs : Travelling to India with Drone

What are the Drone rules and regulations in India ?
Can we carry drone to India?
Will the drone be confiscated by the airport customs ?
Is Drone photography/video permitted in India over public property ?

Indian drone regulations

Flying drones is now legal in India    Official Drone Regulations

Drone use is limited by state and will require cumbersome registration processes.

The DGCA uses the term “remotely piloted aircraft” (RPA)  to describe an unmanned aircraft piloted from a remote pilot station, differentiating them from model aircraft. 

Most operators will require a permit (UAOP) but nano and micro drones flying low or inside are exempted. 

India Customs Duty on Drones

The customs duty structure in India for drones can be somewhat intricate, generally comprising a combination of basic customs duty (BCD), social welfare surcharge, and Goods and Services Tax (GST). The exact rates can vary based on the drone's value and type. It's worth noting that these duties and taxes can significantly increase the cost of importing a drone into India.

• Basic Customs Duty (BCD): This is the primary duty levied on imported goods. The rate for electronic items like drones can vary, but it has been in the range of 10-20% of the assessed value.
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• Social Welfare Surcharge: An additional charge, usually a percentage of the BCD, aimed at financing social welfare initiatives.
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• Goods and Services Tax (GST): This tax is applied on top of the cumulative sum of the value of goods, BCD, and any other applicable duties. GST rates for electronics including drones can be between 18% to 28%.

Additional Considerations

• Valuation for Duty: Customs officials determine the value of the drone based on the transaction value or by reference to similar items, which then forms the basis for calculating duties.
• Regulatory Permissions: Beyond customs duties, individuals and entities looking to import drones into India may need to secure permissions from the DGCA or other relevant authorities, especially for commercial use or if the drone falls under certain categories based on weight and capability.

Drone Classification

Before every single flight in India, drone pilots are required to request permission to fly via a mobile app, which will automatically process the request and grant or reject it.

Nano : Less than or equal to 250 grams.

Micro : From 250 grams to 2kg.

Small : From 2kg to 25kg.

Medium : From 25kg to 150kg.

Large : Greater than 150kg.

The Indian government has said that while it restricts the use of drones, it has not banned their import.

Foreigners are currently not allowed to fly drones in India.

The Indian Customs Declaration Form has been revised to include drones in the list of prohibited and dutiable goods. It is now mandatory for the passengers to declare it.

Passengers entering India will now have to declare their possession of drones upon arrival. They will also have to pay an extra duty on it.

Am I allowed to bring drones into India? Will it get confiscated by airport customs or security?

There is plenty of evidence of travellers taking their drone into India, and using it. Your obligation will be to declare the drone, and head for the Red Channel when you reach customs.

India has plenty of no-fly zones especially anywhere near an international border, military areas and  airport areas.

There are some instances of tourists getting arrested for flying drones.

If you want to use a drone for a event i suggest to hire one.

Trying to deal with the Indian Customs is pointless. Indian bureaucracy is not the best. It'll take you forever to get any kind of clarification, if at all.

 

Chinese national uses drone to film temple, held

Flying in? Declare your drone

Permitted and Prohibited Items

Indian Customs Forms

Whats New ?? Whats Changed 

At Indian airports, several forms are crucial for travelers, aiding in ensuring compliance with local regulations and facilitating a smooth travel experience. 

International passengers often need to fill out the Indian Customs Declaration Form, detailing items subject to customs duty. Foreign visitors are required to complete the Indian Immigration Arrival Form, providing personal and travel information to immigration authorities. Depending on the purpose of the visit, additional forms, like business or employment visas, might be necessary. These documents are vital for the effective management of travelers entering and exiting India, ensuring safety, security, and adherence to the country's laws.

India Embarkation Card

Indians flying abroad are no longer required to fill out departure cards, but those going out of the country via rail, seaport, and land immigration check posts will have to fill out the embarkation card.

This departure card is applicable to only Indian Nationals departing India.

Indian Customs Declaration Form

The India Customs Declaration Form is an essential document that all travelers entering India must complete. It serves as a declaration for the Indian Customs Authorities, detailing the items being brought into the country. Travelers must declare currency exceeding specified limits, along with any dutiable goods such as electronics, gold, or gifts exceeding the free allowance. The form helps in the efficient management of goods entering India, ensuring compliance with local laws and regulations on imports. Filling out this form accurately is crucial for a smooth entry process, as it aids customs officials in preventing illegal importation and ensuring duties are correctly applied where necessary.

 

 The new rules will also apply to the members of the crew of a vessel or an aircraft.

India Arrival Card

Indian nationals, are now exempt from filling Arrival card. (Disembarkation Card / Arrival Form)

Indian Immigration Arrival Form : For Foreigners

India Arrival Card is applicable only to Foreign Nationals (including OCI card holders) traveling to India.

Indian Passport Holders do NOT need to complete any arrival card.

The Indian Immigration Arrival Form for Foreigners is a mandatory document designed to streamline the immigration process for international visitors entering India. It requires travelers to provide personal details, passport information, visa details, and the purpose of their visit, whether for tourism, business, or other reasons. This form plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and security of both the travelers and the nation by facilitating the efficient tracking and management of foreign nationals within India's borders. Completing this form accurately is essential for a smooth entry into the country, as it aids immigration authorities in making informed decisions regarding the admission of visitors.

India GST and Custom Duty Changes

India GST & Custom Duty

GST on Imports in India 
Would there be any changes on BCD (Basic Customs Duty) after GST?  Are there any changes in Education Cess, Anti-dumping duty, Safeguard duty? What is the changes in CVD and SAD after introduction of GST? 

BCD has been kept outside the purview of GST and will be charged as per the current law only.

India GST Custom Duty

New Custom Duty on Gold
Prior to GST being implemented, the overall tax rate on gold jewellery stands at 12.2%. ( 10% customs duty, 1% excise duty, and 1.2% VAT)

GST replaces the excise duty and VAT components, but sits on top of the Import Duty. The Gold rate of 3% announced on 3rd June is significantly lower than many had feared. And, on the face of it, represents only a modest tax increase.

VAT varies state-by-state from 1% in Rajasthan to 5% in Kerala. Additional local taxes can push the overall tax on gold jewellery even higher


10 percent basic customs duty (BCD)
On the same day of Goods and Service Tax (GST) roll out across the country, the Government also imposed a 10 percent basic customs duty (BCD) on cellular mobile phones and specified parts of cell phones such as chargers, battery, wired headphones, microphones, keypad, USB cables, and receivers.

Also, the basic customs duty charges of 10 percent will also be applicable for “certain other specified electronic goods,” but the government did not disclose the items.




Impact of GST on imports in India
On the imports side there would be no major impact on levy of Basic Customs duty, Education Cess, Anti-dumping duty, Safeguard duty and the like.  However, the Additional duties of Customs, which are in common parlance referred to as Countervailing Duty (CVD) and Special Additional duty
of Customs (SAD), would be replaced with the levy of Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST), barring a few exceptions.

Latest Indian Currency Rules

Latest Indian Currency Regulations for Travelers

Traveling across international borders often involves the complex dance of compliance with currency regulations, a realm where ignorance is hardly bliss. India, with its rich tapestry of culture, history, and booming economy, is a frequent destination for global travelers and a starting point for Indian residents exploring the world. Recognizing the need for clear guidelines, the Indian government has established specific rules for the export and import of currency by passengers. This article delves into the latest regulations that govern these transactions, ensuring you're well-equipped for smooth financial navigation.

Export of Foreign Currency by Indian Residents

One of the most liberating aspects of the current Indian currency regulations is the provision for Indian residents traveling abroad. Indian residents are allowed to carry foreign currency up to any amount with them, provided it has been purchased from an authorized foreign exchange dealer in accordance with the prevailing foreign exchange regulations. This flexibility is aimed at facilitating hassle-free travel, enabling residents to meet their expenses abroad without the constant worry of financial constraints.

The Essentials:

• No Upper Limit: There's no cap on the amount of foreign currency an Indian resident can carry while traveling abroad, as long as it's acquired legally from an authorized dealer.
• Proof of Purchase: It's advisable to keep the receipt of your foreign exchange transaction. This serves as proof that your currency was obtained through legitimate channels, smoothing your way through any financial scrutiny.
• Declaration: While there's no limit, carrying large amounts may require declaration at customs, depending on the destination country's regulations. Always check the currency import rules of the country you are visiting.

Import of Currency into India

The import of currency into India is guided by a dual approach, balancing the need for financial security with the convenience of travelers. Both Indian residents and foreign nationals can bring in any amount of foreign currency into India. However, certain declarations become necessary beyond specific thresholds.

The Details:

• Foreign Currency: There is no limit to the amount of foreign currency that passengers can bring into India. However, amounts exceeding USD 5,000 (or equivalent) in cash or USD 10,000 (or equivalent) in cash and travelers' cheques combined must be declared to the Customs Authorities using the Currency Declaration Form (CDF) upon arrival.
• Indian Currency: Import of Indian currency is regulated, with Indian residents allowed to bring in up to INR 25,000. Non-residents, however, have restrictions and generally are not allowed to carry Indian currency into India.

Compliance and Consequences

Adherence to these regulations is not just a matter of legal compliance but also part of ensuring the integrity of India's financial system. Non-compliance can lead to penalties, including confiscation of the undeclared amount and possible legal action. The essence of these rules is to prevent money laundering and ensure the traceability of significant financial movements across borders.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Documentation: Always purchase your foreign currency from authorized dealers and keep the transaction receipts.
• Research: Before traveling, research the currency rules of your destination country, especially if you plan to carry large sums of money.
• Declaration: If unsure whether to declare your currency, err on the side of caution and declare. The process is straightforward and can prevent potential legal complications.

The Bigger Picture

The flexibility offered by the latest Indian currency regulations for travelers underscores India's commitment to fostering a global outlook among its residents while maintaining robust checks against financial misuse. These rules reflect a balance between freedom and responsibility, encouraging Indian residents to explore the world confidently, armed with the currency they need, while ensuring their financial journeys contribute to global economic security.

As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, understanding and navigating such regulations become integral to the global traveler's toolkit. Whether you're an Indian resident setting off on an international adventure or a global traveler exploring the wonders of India, staying informed about these currency regulations ensures your financial journey is as smooth and enjoyable as your travels.

Passengers flying into India have to declare over Rs 25,000

Unraveling Currency Declaration for Passengers Flying Into India

 Traveling brings with it a cascade of exhilarating experiences and the inevitable maze of customs and regulations, especially when it comes to carrying currency across borders. For passengers flying into India, understanding the nuances of currency declaration is pivotal to ensure a smooth entry. In this article, we'll dive into the specifics of how much Indian Rupees (INR) and foreign currency you need to declare upon arrival, guiding you through the regulations to make your journey as seamless as possible.

The Currency Declaration Threshold

As per the latest guidelines by the Customs Department of India, passengers flying into India are required to declare any amount exceeding INR 25,000. It's a common misconception that only foreign currency is subject to declaration; however, the rule encompasses both Indian Rupees and foreign currency. The essence behind this regulation is to monitor and control the flow of currency into the country, aiding in the prevention of money laundering and ensuring economic stability.

Understanding the Foreign Currency Aspect

When it comes to foreign currency, the rules are a bit more nuanced. Passengers can bring into India foreign currency without any limit. However, if the value exceeds USD 5,000 in the form of currency notes or exceeds USD 10,000 in the form of currency notes and travellers’ cheques combined, it must be declared to the Customs Authorities at the Airport.

How to Declare

The declaration process is straightforward but requires attention to detail. Upon arrival, if you are carrying currency above the mentioned thresholds, head to the Red Channel at customs. Here, you will find the Declaration Form, which needs to be filled out accurately. The form asks for details about the amount of currency you're carrying, its form (cash, travellers' cheques, etc.), and your personal details like passport number and flight details. It's advisable to prepare this information beforehand to expedite the process.

The Importance of Declaration

Failing to declare currency over the stipulated limits can lead to penalties, including confiscation of the undeclared amount. The rules around currency declaration are not just bureaucratic hurdles but are in place to safeguard the economic fabric of the country and ensure the legitimacy of the funds being brought in. Hence, compliance is not only about adhering to regulations but also about contributing to the broader economic integrity of India.

Exemptions and Considerations

It's noteworthy that certain exemptions apply, especially for residents of India returning from abroad. Residents are allowed to bring in Indian currency within the limits, aimed at facilitating ease of travel and transaction upon return. For non-residents, the focus is primarily on foreign currency, aligning with international norms of currency movement across borders.

Final Thoughts

Navigating through customs and currency regulations might seem daunting, but being informed simplifies the process. For passengers flying into India, understanding the currency declaration threshold is a crucial part of preparation. By ensuring compliance with these regulations, you not only smooth out your entry into the country but also play a part in its economic security. So, before you pack your bags for India, remember to check your currency against the declaration limits and prepare accordingly. Happy travels, and welcome to India, a land of vibrant culture, majestic landscapes, and rich historical tapestry, ready to embrace you with open arms and a few regulations for the greater good.