Carrying LCD TV from US to India?

Question

Hi,

I am from India and living in US since Feb 2006. I will move back to India in Mar 2009. That time I am planning to take 47" LCD TV to India. I did some intial analysis and found solutions for all Tech issue which I may face in India and I am ok with those. So I need few inputs in taking TV from US to India.

What would be Custom duty on it if my TV is used one?

What would be Custom duty on it if my TV is new one?

Which one is better to carry either new TV or used? If you suggest used one what is suggested used duration should be?

Which is better transportation, is it flight in which I will travel back to India or other Corgo Service?

If it is Cargo, any suggestion?

Though I have few more questions on this, will shoot those out once I get some response from my Yahoo friends

If anyone got recent experiences on this please share

Answer 1

I have brought back electronics from overseas into the U.S without declaring them with no problem.  I would go to a picture framing store and have the tv boxed in the flatest sturdiest box with block styrofoam lining the tv.  It will be safe to place it in the cargo hold of the plane that your taking  (if boxed properly)  I dont know how thorough customs in India will be but i wouldnt even say what it was unless asked about it.

Answer 2

Under Transfer of Residence rule, you can carry used household items to India free of customs duty.

Please check the following link for details:

http://www.geocities.com/indiancustoms/b...

Carrying the T.V. with you as checked in baggage will be more

safe and convenient.

Answer 3

Once its open, its used. Whether its on 24/7 or just out of the box. You can't take a 47" LCD TV with you on the plane to India, whether it is hand carried luggage or checked in . The dimensions is way more than what the allow, plus it will no doubt get broken or have some type of damage, even if you put the "handle with care" sticker, the handlers don't give a d**n, they will just keep things moving.

I suggest shipping it to some of your friends in India say in a month or two, using the cheapest method possible.

Good luck.

Answer 4

You can take it as suggested by the first person as hand luggage or pack well and put it in baggage. Handlers normally throw everything and use them for testing their might.

But be careful. I brought lot of electronic and electrical items from abroad and had to pay more for each spare part, if available in India or throw them out. Also proper repair is also lacking. In India we have wide range of TVs with one year service and service there after. So why bother by bringing a head ache from abroad?