Mumbai Customs — Wrongful request for a NOC from CITES

Website:

www.mumbaicustomszone1.gov.in

I sent a fossil megalodon tooth to my son in India as a gift.

Indian Customs at Mumbai Foreign Post Office has sent the recipient a notice that they are holding the package until I submit a NOC from CITES.

A fossil of a megalodon tooth is not in the scope of CITES.

The seller of the fossil says they've sent many megalodon teeth to recipients in India before without any problems.

I have sent my invoice and proof of payment to the customs office in India, but they have only responded asking for the NOC. They don't answer their phone. No one is able to go to the office in-person because the gift recipient lives in Hyderabad. Terrible customer service, thieves and crooks.