• I Paid A Bribe
• 14 years ago
• 236 views

Customs officials forced to pay bribe to release parcel.

• Customs, Excise and Service Tax
• Customs Check and Clearance
• Paid INR 6,000

Customs officials detained my parcel which had a cellphone and baby clothes. Total value of parcel was around 15000 Rs. They calculated a duty of 14500 which was ridiculous, and informed that it is because I am getting a phone from abroad with a Import Export Code. I argued stating that I got that as a gift and it is sent by a relative so it doesnt have a bill. They told me upfront that pay that much else we wont release the parcel. I informed that according to CBEC norms the duty should not be more than 15% of the price since its a regular cellphone and it is not under prohibited products list and also not for business or sale. The clerk there told me that pay 6000 or wont release your parcel. It was important for me to get the parcel and hence was forced to pay it.