Flat Panel (LCD/LED/Plasma) Television not free baggage - What is the effect?
THE Indian Government's decision to disallow Flat Panel TVs under Baggage Rules has caused a ripple in the Gulf where TV sellers feel that there would be a 20 percent fall in sales. Now - a - days every passenger, a NRI or Indian Tourist coming from any part of the world brings in a Flat Panel TV, which is promptly cleared by a liberal Customs - for a consideration of course.gulf news.com reported yesterday that a NRI told them, "even if somebody takes a television to India, it may not benefit the government. A corrupt customs official could take a bribe to avoid the import duty."
Khaleej Times reported, "The availability of cheap television sets in the UAE, Thailand and Singapore had created a huge market from India as tourists took advantage of the price difference due to the baggage allowance……. The LCD and LED TV sets by major brands like Samsung, LG and Sony are priced almost 30 to 40 per cent cheaper in the UAEmarket….. Every day, more than 3,000 flat-screen TV sets land at Indian airports. The number increases to almost 10,000 during the sale season and Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) when special offers are provided to retail customers."
Perhaps almost everybody who needs a Flat Panel TV has already got one - the Government has only unleashed the dog after the thief has bolted.
Identical quality Flat TV sets are available in India - at a slightly more price - but those who can afford to go abroad crib when they have to pay a small duty, get clearance by bribing the Customs officers and then tell the whole world that Indian Customs is awfully corrupt!