Air freighting into India ?
 

Our bikes will be getting air freighted to India in April this year and thought somebody out there might have some advice.
The arrival will be Dehli or Bombay and what I would like is a trusted customs clearence agent to have them ready and waiting for us. This is almost impossible, I think, so any tips on agents to use once we get there, how to get the process done as fast as possible and a quick outline of which offices to go to would be appreciated.
We only have 3 weeks holidays to get everything done and would like to have a bit of time for riding as well. The real trip starts later in the year with a 2 month trip in India and Nepal after dragging the bikes out of storage.
Any tips are welcome
Andy
ps An earlier visit to India makes me realise all will not go easily, but I have no experience with the air import side of Indian paper chase.
Thanks

Andy

Check out the shipping pages for descriptions of experiences in air shipping into India:

Harvey Gordon-Sawyers and Lisa Roberts shipped by air from Aqaba into Mumbai and used an agent in Mumbai for clearance. See their description and contact details:

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/tri...#AqabaToMumbai

Chris and Erin Ratay flew from Tel Aviv into Mumbai in 1999, and also have some useful info on the clearance process:

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/tri...elAvivToMumbai

Sounds like you should expect at least 3-4 days, and having your paperwork in order will be important!


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Good luck and safe travels!

Susan Johnson
Share the Dream!
at: www.HorizonsUnlimited.com

Thanks Susan, its all there if you know where to look. I was concentrating on airfreight too much.
Andy

Andy, could you perhaps solve your problem by finding a shipper that would handle the whole thing - transportation, import, customs clearance, etc. - on your behalf, rather than using a shipper who only provides the transportation service?

I'm afraid I don't know anything about shipping into India - never been there - but when I have shipped items to other troublesome lesser developed countries, I have used shippers who do everything, as opposed to just the transportation.

You might want to look in the yellow pages of your home country for a branch office of an Indian air freight company or consolodater.

I left the bikes in Namibia last nov. with a cargo company and they are still trying to find someone in India. Hopefully I wont have to clear the bikes myself, this is a 'just in case'.
You are right saying have someone clear them, particularly when we fly straight to India from organized Holland. The thought of doing an Indian paper chase as soon as I arrive doesnt come high on the list of things to do and see in India.
Thanks
Andy

Dear Andy
I'm not quite sure quite where to begin - as I was reading your post, Lisa was chortling over my shoulder as fond memories of dealing with Mumbai customs and our shipping agent came flooding back!
We actually shipped our bikes from Jordan (in a boat) so our experiences may have been different although I would doubt that flying in makes the wheels turn that much quicker.
Even if everything goes smoothly, your agent is efficient and your paperwork in order, I would allow at least 2-3 days after the bikes land in India to clear everything - our agent dealt with about twenty different people in order to clear our bikes.
Make sure your carnet is correct - Lisa's engine number was wrong which took time and baksheesh to sort out (we didn't have to pay - the agents expect it and so should include it in the price).
Our agent was good - if somewhat frustrating - and is very experienced at importing and clearing vehicles through customs. We didn't actually have to do anything except go to the port on the last day for the opening of the container and bike inspection. You could do it yourself and save some cash, but be prepared for probably at least a week of running around and lots of paperwork.
One other thing - Mumbai customs actually wrote in our passports that we had take the bikes out of India by the expiry date of our visas. This meant that any attempts to extend our visas (on medical grounds - possible for a price in Pune, or the police in some big cities) turned out to be impossible. I don't know if they do this when you fly into India - but no one that we know who arrived overland has had anything written in their passports. It isn't a problem, of course, if you're planning to leave in advance of your visa expiring.....
We keep a detailed diary on our website if you want to read all about our experiences or email us if you have any more questions.
Good Luck
Harvey
www.chasingthesun.org

Andy

Further to my last reply (and our subsequent emails), we've just med a French-Canadian guy riding a R1150GS who flew into Delhi about five months ago. He cleared customs without an agent in two days, but he did say they were looong days! No baksheesh paid, although a few of the customs officers tried and he said it was okay if a little frustrating.
Hope this sounds a bit more promising....
Harvey
www.chasingthesun.org

Thanks Harvey
Just what I wanted to know, i might just try it myself for the fun. It is all part of the experience???????
andy