How many laptops can you bring when returning to India?
THIS is another area of confusion. Normally a techie returning from US or other countries would bring a new laptop for some dear member of his family or a friend. He would like to bring his personal laptop and he may also have to carry the laptop provided by his Company for official work. Will he be allowed duty free clearance of all the three laptops - two old ones and a new one? Actually a free laptop is not covered under baggage rules; it is separately exempted by Notification No. 11/2004-Cus dated 08.01.2004. Should he pay duty on the two laptops and what if he carries them back when he goes back - will he get a refund? The Customs have no mechanism to monitor exported goods returning and imported goods taken back by passengers.
Youngsters coming back from foreign countries to their dear native land have so many questions on the perils and procedures of Indian Customs and they rarely get authentic answers. The solution they get from peer group is - carry some dollars and bribe the Customs officers - that's the easiest way!