The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has uncovered a significant attempt to circumvent India's import restrictions, seizing 364 metric tonnes of dry dates originating from Pakistan. The consignment, valued at approximately ₹3 crore, was intercepted at Kandla Port after being falsely declared as an import from the UAE.
Dubai Route Used to Conceal Origin
According to the Finance Ministry, the operation involved an intelligence-led interception of 13 containers. Investigations revealed that the dates were initially transported from Pakistan to Dubai. There, they were re-packed into different containers before being exported to India, with their true country of origin deliberately obscured.
Importers are alleged to have suppressed crucial facts and misdeclared the origin country to bypass India's prohibition on goods from Pakistan. This entire consignment has been seized under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962.
Second Such Seizure in a Week
This incident marks the second such operation by the DRI within a week. Previously, officers at Tuticorin Port seized approximately 14 metric tonnes of Pakistan-origin Guggul resin, valued at about ₹1.4 crore. That consignment was falsely declared as natural resin from Somalia and had also been routed through Dubai using forged documents. Two individuals were arrested in connection with the Guggul resin case.
Guggul resin, native to arid regions of India and Pakistan, is listed under CITES Appendix II and classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN Red List.
India's Import Ban on Pakistan Goods
Both seized consignments violated India's import restrictions. Under the Foreign Trade Policy, 2023, as amended by DGFT Notification No. 06/2025-26 dated May 2, 2025, the direct or indirect import or transit of all goods originating in or exported from Pakistan has been prohibited since May 2, 2025.