Massive Haul: Illegal Chinese Imports Seized by Mumbai DRI

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence in Mumbai has confiscated 160 metric tonnes of Chinese toys, counterfeit cosmetics, and unbranded shoes valued over Rs 6.5 crore. The items were smuggled through multiple ports using fraudulent labels to avoid detection and lacked mandatory certifications, violating several trade and quality control regulations.

The Mumbai branch of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has successfully confiscated a significant cache of illegally imported goods, consisting of Chinese toys, counterfeit cosmetics, and unbranded shoes. The total value of these items exceeds Rs 6.5 crore, according to officials on Tuesday.

Following specific intelligence, DRI officials identified 10 containers carrying smuggled toys at various ports including Mundra Port, Hazira Port, Kandla SEZ in Gujarat, and ICD Piyala in Faridabad, Haryana. An official report outlined that these containers were deceitfully labeled as containing harmless items such as mini decorative plants, keychains, children's pencil boxes, and showpieces, to evade customs detection.

The goods breached several regulations, such as lacking BIS certification, which violates the Foreign Trade Policy and the Toys (Quality Control) Order, 2020. Counterfeit cosmetics failed to comply with Intellectual Property Rights (Imported Goods) Enforcement Rules and lacked necessary CDSCO licensing. Additionally, the unbranded shoes violated the Footwear Quality Control Order, 2024.

(With inputs from agencies.)