Buy alcohol duty-free or in US?

score:7

Accepted answer

I am told, the problem with them Indian customs is, you can read them boys all the rules from the book, but if they see you with more than 2 average sized (750 ml ?) alcoholic bottles, you have had it. By the book, you can carry 2 liters of alcohol :

http://www.cbec.gov.in/trvler-guide_ason22may2013.pdf

3. What are the norms for the import of Alcoholic drinks /
Cigarettes as baggage?
Following quantities of Alcoholic drinks and Tobacco products
may be included for import within the duty free allowances
admissible to various categories of incoming passengers :
- Alcoholic liquors or Wines upto 2 litres
- 200 Cigarettes or 50 Cigars or 250 gms. of Tobacco.
The rate of duty applicable on these products over and
above the above mentioned free allowance is as under :
(i) Cigarettes BCD @100%+ educational cess
@ 3%
(ii) Whisky BCD @150% + ACD @ 4% + education
cess NIL.
(iii) Beer BCD @100% + ACD NIL + 3% education
cess

The best option in experiences of people I know and as others here have suggested, it's best to buy in US, pack well and put it in the check in luggage. Many liquors are way cheaper in the state run package stores than what it is in any other package/beverage store. In case it helps, I think last time I bought a Gelnlivet 18 year old 750 ml was 95 bucks. But you have to also keep in mind, the bottle weight of such liquor can get very heavy.

There shouldn't be any problem all along the way. Just my personal suggestion; You get all the GLENLIVETs and GLENFIDDICHs in India for reasonable price. How about taking something exquisite which isn't available in India at all ? May be a Tequila 1800 ?

More post

Search Posts

Related post