Dhaka: The Customs Intelligence and Investigation Directorate (CIID) has detected prima facie evidence of false declaration, quantity discrepancies, gross undervaluation, and concealment of the actual condition of goods in two consignments imported by the same importer through the airfreight area of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the consignments were imported by Sardar Global Trade, with FAHIM 5 STAR LTD acting as the CandF agent. The shipments included a total of 1,167 laptops and 100 tabs/iPads, along with a large quantity of car parts and other goods. The declared value of the two consignments was stated to be only $5,500; however, after a physical examination, the assessed value stood at $1.68 lakh, approximately 30.5 times higher than the declared value.
In the first consignment, 740 laptops and 60 tabs/iPads were found, with 43 additional laptops compared to the declared quantity. The second consignment, which was covered by AWB No. 997-60500451 and B/E No. 821108, dated August 13, initially had a declared value of US$2,000. This value was revised to US$64,259, equivalent to Tk 7,935,986, following examination and assessment. The second consignment contained 46 Core i3 laptops, 381 Core i5 laptops, totaling 427 laptops, along with 35 tabs and five iPads. The examination report identified 39 additional laptops beyond the declared quantity.
The CIID noted that a significant number of the laptops appeared to be used based on their external appearance. The examination report described the goods as ‘could be used as per external appearance.’ Additionally, several products declared as capacitors, rubber seal O-rings, rubber gaskets, and fittings were found to be car parts, resulting in changes to their HS codes in the examination findings.
Based on confidential information, the clearance process of both consignments was suspended on August 13, 2026. A physical examination was conducted on August 23, with representatives of the CandF agent present. The CIID has initiated legal proceedings under the Customs Act, 2023, and the applicable Import Policy Order over allegations of false declaration, gross undervaluation, import of goods beyond the declared quantity, concealment of the actual description of goods, and import of prohibited used products.
The Customs Intelligence and Investigation Directorate stated that its intelligence surveillance and operations would continue to prevent false declarations, customs duty and tax evasion, and the import of prohibited goods.