You’re considering bringing a couple of new iPhones from the U.S. to India, right?
We all know the iPhone is probably the most smuggled expensive item being brought from the U.S. to India by normal people, without worrying much about the words “smuggle” or “smuggler.”
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You might be wondering if you can breeze through customs without any issues.
One can totally understand—the thrill of snagging a good deal on those phones is real, especially when you know how much more they cost back home. But this is where things can get complicated.
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Indian customs are well aware of these situations.
They’ve encountered every trick in the book. Unboxing the phone and logging in with your credentials to make it seem used? They’re onto that. Carrying an extra phone for “personal use”? Yep, they know that one too.
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The truth is, if you’re bringing in more than one iPhone, or if the total value exceeds INR 50,000, you’re likely to attract customs duties.
Customs officers are trained to recognize what’s new, even if you think you’re being clever.
If they catch you with more than one iPhone without a proper declaration, you could end up paying around 35% of the phone’s value in duties and taxes. That’s a hefty amount, especially since an iPhone 14 Pro Max could cost you an extra INR 38,000 or more just in taxes.
So, is it worth the risk? Sure, it’s tempting to try and sneak by, hoping they won’t catch on. But if they do, you could face not only duty but also fines or even have your phones confiscated.
It’s always a gamble.
The safest option? Declare the phones, pay the duties upfront, and enjoy your purchase without the stress of looking over your shoulder.
After all, the excitement of bringing home a new iPhone shouldn’t come with a side of anxiety.
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