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Customs Intelligence has seized 1,167 laptops and 100 tablets and iPads from two air cargo consignments at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, alleging false declarations and significant undervaluation in an apparent attempt to evade customs duties.
According to a National Board of Revenue (NBR) statement issued on Tuesday, the importer declared the value of the two consignments at only $5,500, while customs assessment and physical inspection put their combined value at about $167,000 — nearly 30.5 times higher.
The goods, worth nearly Tk 2 crore, were imported by Sardar Global Trade, while Fahim Five Star Ltd was appointed as the C&F agent for clearance.
Customs Intelligence and Investigation Directorate officials found evidence of false declarations, discrepancies in quantities, unusually low declared values and concealment of the actual nature of some goods during an inspection at the airport’s air freight area, the NBR said.
Physical examination of the two consignments found a total of 1,167 laptops and 100 tablets or iPads, along with a large quantity of vehicle parts and other goods. Inspection reports also identified 43 and 39 additional laptops, respectively, beyond the quantities declared in the two consignments.
Authorities said a significant number of the laptops appeared to be used, based on their external condition. Such used products may fall under Bangladesh’s import restrictions under the prevailing Import Policy Order.
In another alleged discrepancy, several goods declared as capacitors, rubber seals, gaskets and rubber items were found to be vehicle parts during physical inspection.
Customs officials also identified issues relating to the classification and HS codes of the products.
The clearance process for the two consignments was suspended on August 13 following a tip-off. A physical inspection was later conducted on Monday in the presence of a representative of the C&F agent.
The NBR said legal proceedings are underway under the Customs Act, 2023 and relevant import policy regulations over allegations of false declarations, gross undervaluation, excess goods, concealment of product descriptions and the import of allegedly prohibited used goods.