Man’s Rolex seized at airport; HC gives relief— how customs rules apply to luxury items

A Dubai-based Indian traveller successfully challenged Customs at Delhi High Court after his luxury Rolex watch was wrongly classified as commercial goods. The court ruled a single high-value watch isn't automatically for trade, allowing its redemption with a fine. This clarifies that while high-value personal items need declaration, mere possession doesn't imply commercial intent.

Man’s Rolex seized at airport; HC gives relief— how customs rules apply to luxury items
A Dubai-based Indian traveller successfully challenged Customs at Delhi High Court after his luxury Rolex watch was wrongly classified as commercial goods. The court ruled a single high-value watch isn't automatically for trade, allowing its redemption with a fine. This clarifies that while high-value personal items need declaration, mere possession doesn't imply commercial intent.