outrageous chennai customs charges for items bought from US through DHL

[mathaindia]

Hi - I purchased online two items from the US - both were health supplements of multivitamin type. The total price for them was 20$ - about 900 R. Shipping was written on the invoice at 12$ . The problem was that they were shipped with DHL. I thought this would be good when I made the order - until I got a phone call from DHL Chennai asking me if it was OK to pay 2900 R customs taxes!! After long discussion with rep about how it is impossible to charge 300% tax on 20$ items they told me to come to Chennai to deal the matter in person.They sent me a memo from customs with 150% tax on total invoice price including the shipping as well as a host of other charges.
I requested the goods be returned to sender as I consider this an outrage but do not have energy or time to fight the matter.They told me they will let me know the charges for the return shipping.
I have had these products sent to me before many times through normal India post without any problem at all.
So I am just advising - if you are ordering from overseas beware DHL customs channels - it will not be worth your while finally making the order...

[17-9-13-3]

Yes DHL is worst if U getting items from abroad, they are commission suckers, most the customs charges up-to 35% on personal stuff, but these guys add more juice"" and send U a tax letter. But they just pay 35% of taxes while getting the package from customs & squeeze more from U. If U don't pay the customs charges levied then they have all the rights to "sell" these stuff anywhere. And there is no way U can beat with guys(unless U have hundreds of thousands and Ur precious time)