Customs duty in international return shipping

This query is : Resolved

Rakesh Mondal (Querist)
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07 August 2021 Hello,

I shipped one Handloom Item to Bangladesh. The courier company informed that customs duty to be paid by the customer is more than (almost double) the invoice value. The customer is refusing to pay the customs duty and release the item.
My query is: If I get the shipment returned by the courier company, do I need to pay and tax/ duty in either Bangladesh or India?

Regards,
Rakesh

Asha Kanta Sharma

Asha Kanta Sharma

(Expert)
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06 July 2024 If you decide to have the shipment returned to you from Bangladesh, the tax and duty implications can vary based on the policies of both Bangladesh and India. Here’s a general overview of what you might expect:

### Returning the Shipment from Bangladesh to India:

1. **Customs Duty in Bangladesh**: If the shipment is returned to India from Bangladesh, typically, you wouldn't need to pay customs duty in Bangladesh because the item is leaving the country. However, there may be administrative fees or charges imposed by the courier company for handling the return process.

2. **Customs Duty in India**: Upon re-importation into India, you may be liable to pay customs duty and taxes. The duty and tax would typically be calculated based on the value of the item (including shipping costs) and in accordance with the customs regulations of India.

### Steps to Consider:

- **Courier Company’s Terms**: Check with the courier company handling the return about any fees or charges associated with the return process. They may apply handling charges or administrative fees for arranging the return shipment.

- **Customs Clearance in India**: When the item arrives back in India, you will need to go through the customs clearance process. You may need to provide documentation such as the original invoice, proof of payment of duties and taxes in Bangladesh (if any), and any correspondence related to the return.

- **Potential Taxes and Duties**: Be prepared for potential customs duties, taxes, and possibly other charges upon re-importation into India. These charges would be based on the assessed value of the goods and the applicable tariff rates.

### Practical Advice:

- **Communicate with the Courier**: Clearly communicate with the courier company regarding the return process, including any costs involved and the required documentation.

- **Consult Customs Authorities**: It might be beneficial to consult with customs authorities in both Bangladesh and India or a customs broker to understand the exact procedures and potential costs involved in the return.

- **Customer Communication**: Keep the customer informed about the return process and any potential costs they might incur due to the refusal to pay customs duties in Bangladesh.

By understanding these points and preparing accordingly, you can navigate the return process with minimal complications. Always ensure to comply with both Bangladesh and India’s customs regulations to avoid any unforeseen issues.