- I Paid A Bribe
- 14 years ago
- 848 views
To get an LED TV through Customs
- Customs, Excise and Service Tax
- Customs Check and Clearance
- Paid INR 2,500
I had landed from Singapore with an LED TV worth about 38,000 rupees. At the airport customs, however, they had a list with Rs 79,000 against the TV's model number. I was told that the TV would attract 33% customs duty for the amount above the free limit of Rs 25,000 ie, 33% of 54,000 = Rs 18000.
When I produced the bill for the TV, the Customs officer said OK, give me Rs 2500 and I will clear you. He said that the list price for the TV is Rs 79,000, so it is either Rs 18,000 with receipt or Rs 2500 without one. I chose the latter, because the TV would come cheaper in India, if I had paid Rs 18,000 as duty.
There were many others doing the same. That does not make me feel any less bad!