Customs Duty Row Over New iPhone 18 Pro: Why An NRI Sat On Protest At Kochi Airport
A Keralite Non-Resident Indian (NRI), identified as Ajas Mohammed, a native of Kozhikode, staged a sit-in protest at Kochi’s Cochin International Airport (Nedumbassery) after Customs officials reportedly asked him to pay duty on his brand-new iPhone 18 Pro he brought from Dubai. According to reports, Mohammed argued that the phone was intended for his personal use and should not attract customs duty. Officials, however, reportedly maintained that the device was new and unregistered, while he was already carrying another iPhone that he used personally.
Why Did Customs Officials Detain the iPhone?
The disagreement escalated after the new device was reportedly withheld by customs officials. Mohammed, then staged a protest at the airport, insisting that he would remain there until he received his phone.
The incident also led to police action. Nedumbassery police registered a case against Mohammed for allegedly obstructing customs officials from performing their duties, according to media reports.
The episode has drawn attention to the distinction between used personal belongings and newly purchased electronic devices carried by international passengers.
What are India's customs rules for phones bought abroad?
India's Baggage Rules, 2026, which came into effect on February 2, provide a general duty-free allowance of up to Rs 75,000 for eligible Indian residents and certain other categories of travellers arriving by air or sea, subject to the applicable conditions.
However, this allowance does not automatically exempt every newly purchased electronic device from customs duty. Whether a phone qualifies for duty-free entry depends on the applicable baggage provisions and the circumstances of the traveller.
READ MORE: You Can Only Buy 2 iPhone Duo Units At Once. Here's Why Apple Has Put In Restrictions
A device already in regular personal use may be treated differently from a newly purchased phone, particularly when a passenger is carrying more than one device.
The incident highlights the importance of understanding customs requirements before travelling internationally with expensive electronic products.
Travellers should check the latest rules with Indian Customs and declare goods wherever required.
This content is published by ABP Live - Technology and has not been created or edited by Hello Headlines. View original
