Uncompanied Baggage FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (UB related)

1. What are rules & regulations for the import of unaccompanied Baggage?

The passengers can also send their baggage through cargo which is treated as unaccompanied baggage. However, no free allowance is admissible in case of unaccompanied baggage.  The duty leviable is similar to the duty on passengers’ baggage.

Provisions of Baggage Rules are also extended to unaccompanied baggage except where they have been specifically excluded. The unaccompanied baggage should be in the possession abroad of the passenger and shall be dispatched within one month of his arrival in India or within such further period as the Deputy / Assistant Commissioner of Customs may allow.

The unaccompanied baggage may land in India upto two months before the arrival of the passenger or within such period, not exceeding one year as the Deputy / Assistant Commissioner of Customs may allow, for reasons to be recorded, if he is satisfied that the passenger was prevented from arriving in India within the period of two months due to circumstances beyond his control, such as sudden illness of the passenger or a member of his family, or natural calamities or disturbed conditions or disruption of the transport or travel arrangements in the country or countries concerned on any other reasons, which necessitated a change in the travel schedule of the passenger.

  1. What are rules & regulations for the Transfer of residence (BAGGAGE RULES 2016)?

(1) A person, who is engaged in a profession abroad, or is transferring his residence to India, shall, on return, be allowed clearance free of duty in addition to what he is allowed under rule 3 or, as the case may be, under rule 4, articles in his bona fide baggage to the extent mentioned in column (2) of the Appendix below, subject to the conditions, if any, mentioned in the corresponding entry in column (3) of the said Appendix.

(2) The conditions mentioned in column (3) of the said Appendix may be relaxed to the extent mentioned in column (4) of the said Appendix.

 

APPENDIX

Duration of stay abroad Articles allowed free of duty Conditions Relaxation
(1) (2) (3) (4)
From three months upto six months Personal and household articles, other than those mentioned in Annexure I or Annexure II but including articles mentioned in Annexure III upto an aggregate value of sixty thousand rupees. Indian passenger
From six months upto one year Personal and household articles, other than those mentioned in Annexure I or Annexure II but including articles mentioned in Annexure III, upto an aggregate value of one lakh rupees. Indian passenger
Minimum stay of one year during the preceding two years. Personal and household articles, other than those mentioned in Annexure I or Annexure II but including articles mentioned in Annexure III upto an aggregate value of two lakh rupees. The Indian passenger should not have availed this concession in the preceding three years.
Minimum stay of two years or more. Personal and house household articles, other than those listed at Annexure I or Annexure II but including articles mentioned in Annexure III upto an aggregate value of five lakh rupees. (i) Minimum stay of two years abroad, immediately preceding the date of his arrival on transfer of residence; (a) For condition (i), shortfall of upto two months in stay abroad can be condoned by Deputy Commissioner of Customs or Assistant Commissioner of Customs if the early return is on account of :-
(i) terminal leave or vacation being availed of by the passenger; or
(ii) any other special circumstances for reasons to be recorded in writing.
(ii) Total stay in India on short visit during the two preceding years should not exceed six months; and (b) For condition (ii), the Principal Commissioner of Customs or Commissioner of Customs may condone short visits in excess of six months in special circumstances for reasons to be recorded in writing.
(iii) Passenger has not availed this concession in the preceding three years. No relaxation.

ANNEXURE–I(See rule 3, 4 and 6)

  1. Fire arms.
  2. Cartridges of fire arms exceeding 50.
  3. Cigarettes exceeding 100 sticks or cigars exceeding 25 or tobacco exceeding 125 gms.
  4. Alcoholic liquor or wines in excess of two litres.
  5. Gold or silver in any form other than ornaments.
  6. Flat Panel (Liquid Crystal Display/Light-Emitting Diode/ Plasma) television.

ANNEXURE II (See rule 6)

  1. Colour Television.
  2. Video Home Theatre System.
  3. Dish Washer.
  4. Domestic Refrigerators of capacity above 300 litres or its equivalent.
  5. Deep Freezer.
  6. Video camera or the combination of any such Video camera with one or more of the following goods, namely:-

(a) television receiver; (b) sound recording or reproducing apparatus; (c) video reproducing apparatus.

  1. Cinematographic films of 35mm and above.
  2. Gold or Silver, in any form, other than ornaments.

ANNEXURE III (See rule 6)

  1. Video Cassette Recorder or Video Cassette Player or Video Television Receiver or Video Cassette Disk Player.
  2. Digital Video Disc player.
  3. Music System.
  4. Air-Conditioner.
  5. Microwave Oven.
  6. Word Processing Machine.
  7. Fax Machine.
  8. Portable Photocopying Machine.
  9. Washing Machine.
  10. Electrical or Liquefied Petroleum Gas Cooking Range
  11. Personal Computer (Desktop Computer)
  12. Laptop Computer (Note book Computer)

13.Domestic Refrigerators of capacity up to 300 litres or its equivalent.

  1. How to clear unaccompanied baggage?

Procedure for clearance of unaccompanied baggage:

Following documents are generally required for clearance of unaccompanied baggage: 

  1. Passport
  2. Airway Bill Copies
  3. Delivery Order
  4. Baggage Declaration Form
  5. Payment Receipts of the items purchased if available
  6. Any other documents in support of their contention and evidence for clearance of unaccompanied baggage.
  7. Authorisation letter duly attested, in case the passenger cannot come in person for clearance of his baggage.Filling of “BD” Form with Customs: (Location: UB Shed)

The Baggage Declaration Form duly filled and signed by the passenger could be processed either by the passenger himself or by the Customs approved Clearing Agent only. The documents are scrutinised by the Superintendent of Customs and if found in order, will be admitted for clearance. The Superintendent of Customs will also indicate the name of the Customs Officer for examination.

Payment of Duty: (Location: Import building adjacent to AAI Computer Counter)

The examination will be carried out by the Customs Examining Officer (PO) and the details of Customs Duty leviable will be prepared. After the duty is assessed by the Customs Officer, the same has to be paid in the State Bank of India (SBI) located near the Air Cargo Complex and receipt shall be obtained.

Delivery of Baggage:

The Baggage is delivered to the passenger at the main gate against the gate pass by the AAI staff or the authorised clearing agent.

Contact Numbers of UB Unit of ACC, Chennai:  

Asst./Dy. Commissioner of Customs (UB): 044 – 2256 0651

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