DHL Express India — Irresponsible handling of shipment.

Address:	530047
Website:	www.dhl.co.in

This is with regards to a Shipment with AWB [protected] that was shipped via DHL on[protected] from the United States to India. The shipment contains 12 wildlife cameras (6 new and 6 old) donated to me in recognition of my work in the field of wildlife conservation and environment protection by a renowned non-profit based in the United States. These cameras will be used for my education programs in schools and conduct wildlife research programs and these cameras are not for sale or any commercial use.

I regret to inform that DHL Bangalore office has been highly irresponsible towards handling our shipment right from the beginning. They completely misguided me by asking to submit certain documents like Value Absence Letter without clearly explaining the repercussions of such actions despite repeated reminders that it’s a donation and half of the goods are old and used which cannot have any purchase bills.

DHL Bangalore emailed me that a Fine Rs: 14, 913 and Penalty Rs.2000/- and Customs Duty of Rs.43, 906/- was levied on a shipment which was given as a donation! I completely hold DHL responsible for mishandling my case despite submission of all required documents from my end as demanded by the Customs officer which clearly show that it's a donation and meant for a social cause.

Subsequently, I filed an RTI addressing to the customs officer at Bangalore international airport and got a reply saying only a Fine Rs: 14, 913 and Penalty Rs.2000/- was imposed and there was no mention of the Customs Duty at all!! When I emailed the same to DHL Bangalore to clarify me why they quoted a heavy Customs Duty on my shipment, there is no reply until now.

It's unfortunate that international organizations give out these equipment grants to people like me who work for a cause and such cases are mishandled with gross neglect by DHL Express India.

I would request an early response in this regard as it's been almost 4 months since the shipment landed in India and has been held up at Bangalore airport.