Purchases on ebay.com

[blazer_buttons]

Hi. I have been checking out a few things on eBay.com. Got some doubts and would be glad if someone could clear them.
Firstly, if you buy from ebay of ay other country then arent you protected by eBay's policy?
Second, is the USPS Expressmail Service reliable?
And lastly, do you have to pay Custom Duty even if the seller sends the item to you as a gift?
A quick reply to this would be highly appreciated.

[urbanplatter]

1) When you buy on ebay - you're always protected - be it on any ebay website.
2) USPS is very reliable.
3) Yes, gifts are liable for duty. As a matter of fact, NEVER ask seller to send it as a gift because then the Customs officers levy duty like crazy + penalty of undervaluing goods. Ask seller to ship on actual cost and pay duty. Duty is never more than 5-6%.

[baptusarma]

@blazer_buttons - as per Indian Law - You DON'T have to pay any Custom Duty if that gift item's cost under Rs-5,000 (for electronics-its under 2000/)..

@istoredirect - sorry - you alsolutly wromg 🙂
read below
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"IMPORT OF GIFTS "
All goods imported into India from abroad is liable to duties of Customs under Section 12 of the Customs Act and also is liable to all the restrictions under the Foreign Trade (Development & Regulations) Act 1992. However, the Government has exempted gifts received from abroad by persons residing in India from the whole of duties of Customs and from restriction under FT (D&R) Act. At present, import of goods upto the value of Rs. 5,000/- is allowed as gift, duty free. This exemption is allowed only for bonafide gifts imported by air or post. For the purpose of calculation of this value of Rs. 5,000/- the air freight or postal charges paid are not added. The clarifications that may be needed are as under:

"Who can send the gifts? "
Any person abroad can send gifts. There is no specific restriction that only relatives can send the goods. Business associated, friends, relatives, companies or acquaintances can also send the gifts to residents in India.