Source: BS
Context: Kannada actor Ranya Rao was caught smuggling 14.8 kg of gold at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport.
- The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) uncovered this major gold smuggling operation, invoking provisions under the Customs Act of 1962.
About the Customs Act Of 1962:
- What is the Customs Act of 1962?
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- The Customs Act, 1962 regulates the import and export of goods in India.
- It safeguards the economy, controls smuggling, and promotes legal international trade.
- Implementing Agency: Administered by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) under the Ministry of Finance.
- Key Provisions of the Act:
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- Customs Duty: Imposes duties on imported and exported goods based on the Customs Tariff Act, 1975.
- Prohibitions and Restrictions: Empowers the government to ban or restrict certain imports/exports for national security and public health.
- Clearance Procedures: Mandates proper documentation, duty payment, and adherence to customs protocols before clearance.
- Warehousing Provisions: Allows imported goods to be stored without immediate duty payment until released for consumption or export.
- Exemptions Allowed for Passengers (International Arrivals):
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- General Duty-Free Allowance: ₹50,000 worth of goods for international passengers.
- Gold Allowance:
- Male passengers: 20 gm of gold (value up to ₹50,000).
- Female passengers: 40 gm of gold (value up to ₹1,00,000).
- NRIs: Can bring up to 10,000 gm once in six months (duty applicable beyond exemption).
- Other Allowances:
- One laptop per adult passenger.
- Alcohol: 2 litres.
- Tobacco: 100 cigarettes or equivalent.
- Cash Carrying Limit:
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- Passengers can carry up to ₹25,000 in Indian currency without declaration.
- Must declare foreign currency if exceeding $5,000 or $10,000 equivalent in total foreign exchange.
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- Fines and Punishment for Smuggling:
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- Imprisonment: Jail term between 3 to 7 years, based on severity.
- Fines: Penalties may extend up to three times the value of smuggled goods.
