Import of plastic Airsoft toy gun
1 year ago
I’m Yogesh from Chennai. I have ordered an Electric Airsoft toy gun(AGF) made of plastic worth Rs.3000 from South Korean E-commerce website named GMARKET on 25th of September. When it reached Chennai the product showed ‘Item Held By Customs’. When I contacted the customs officials, they said airsoft is prohibited according to Indian Arms Rule and is treated as Firearms so it will not be returned to me. Further a Show Cause Notice will be issued to you stating to pay penalty. But I don't think the item that I ordered comes under imitation of firearms since it is just a plastic toy gun with orange tip. The customs officials have misunderstood between a firearm & a toy gun and also it doesn't even attract license to have the toy gun. What shall I do when the show cause notice arrives to me?
It was always a risk purchasing an airsoft toy gun to India as anyone who uses airsoft gun is well aware of these custom hurdles. But don't lose hope, do explain the situation to them after you receive the show cause notice and hope that the Customs allow you to possess the toy. If needed please consult a lawyer near you.
Thank you so much, I hope this answer helped you.
When you receive the show cause notice then prepare a petition providing all the details of toy gun explaining the details of the toy. They will provide you a day for hearing and on that day you can explain the details to them and get the item released from there.