Customs must not let its green channel turn red

Catching evaders of customs duty at airports shouldn't add friction to the process of entering India. Refrain from policy overreach and reform rules that are relics of a closed economy

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As reported, the government is working on a strategy to take down an illicit but sophisticated network of 'import carriers' at Indian air and seaports—a gang of smugglers, i.e., masquerading as regular tourists. Of late, there have been many reports of duty-evasion cases. Among those that caught public attention, a Kannada actor was stopped at Bengaluru airport allegedly trying to smuggle in more than 14kg of gold in March.

Authorities not only have the usual suspects under watch, but also people with 'special privileges' at airports. 'Import carriers' are suspected of sneaking in illegal quantities of gold, electronic gadgets and even Chinese toys, which face high tariff and quality barriers. So far, so usual. No one wants smugglers running rings around customs and police, who must enforce the law. But it would help to know exactly how widespread this problem is. Data should be made public so that sporadic slip-throughs do not become a basis for tighter policy.