An Indian entrepreneur staged a sit-in protest at Kochi’s Nedumbassery airport after customs officials reportedly withheld his newly purchased iPhone 18 Pro from Dubai over a dispute about import duty. Ajas Mohammed, founder of the education platform Eduport, argued that the smartphone was intended for personal use and should not attract additional charges.
The incident has triggered discussions about India’s baggage rules, customs duty on expensive smartphones and the distinction between personal belongings and newly purchased electronic devices brought into the country.
Why Was the iPhone 18 Pro Seized?
According to media reports, Mohammed purchased the iPhone 18 Pro in Dubai for AED 5,950, approximately ₹1.54 lakh, before travelling to India.
He alleged that customs officials asked him to pay between ₹20,000 and ₹30,000 in duty because he was already carrying another smartphone. When he refused to pay, officials reportedly withheld the newly purchased device.
Mohammed maintained that the phone was for personal use. He also questioned why travellers should face additional charges for bringing an expensive smartphone into India.
He claimed that other passengers carrying premium iPhone models had paid similar amounts in customs duty. Mohammed said he would not pay what he considered an unjustified charge and staged a sit-in at the airport until the phone was returned.
He also alleged that Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel forcibly removed him from the area.
Police Register Case Against Passenger
The dispute escalated when Nedumbassery police registered a case against Mohammed following a complaint from customs officials. He was accused of interfering with officials carrying out their duties.
According to subsequent reports, Mohammed has been exploring legal options to recover his phone and challenge the interpretation of customs rules. He has also indicated plans to approach the Kerala High Court over what he considers ambiguity in the regulations.
The case has attracted attention online, with travellers discussing their experiences of carrying expensive electronic devices through Indian airports.
What Do India’s Customs Rules Say?
India’s Baggage Rules, 2026, which came into effect on February 2, provide an eligible general duty-free allowance of up to ₹75,000 for certain passengers arriving by air or sea, subject to applicable conditions and passenger categories.
However, this allowance does not automatically mean that every newly purchased electronic device is exempt from duty. Customs treatment depends on the relevant baggage provisions, the nature of the goods and the circumstances of the traveller.
Indian customs guidance distinguishes between used personal effects reasonably required during a journey and newly acquired goods. Carrying a phone for personal use does not, by itself, guarantee exemption from customs duty.
The dispute highlights the importance of understanding the applicable rules before bringing high-value electronics purchased abroad into India.
Why the Incident Matters to International Travellers
The controversy raises questions about how customs rules are applied to smartphones and other expensive personal electronics. Travellers frequently carry more than one device for work and personal use, while newly purchased phones can exceed the applicable duty-free allowance.
Clearer guidance on declarations, valuation and exemptions could help passengers understand their obligations before arriving at an airport.
For now, travellers purchasing expensive electronics overseas should check the latest Indian Customs requirements and declare goods wherever required, rather than assuming that removing a device from its packaging makes it duty-free.
