Custom authorities are keeping a hawk eye on smuggling of latest iPhone models

If you thought asking a friend to get iPhone 6s or iPhone 6s Plus from the US would be a smarter option, it is not. And don’t even think about getting it via grey route market.

Those of you planning to get the Apple’s latest iPhones through unfair means and without declaring them at the airport, this could land you in jail.

The custom authorities at the Mumbai airport have stepped up their vigil and are asking passengers to voluntarily declare iPhones to customs on arrival.

READ ALSO: Here’s what Apple’s iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus will cost in India!

In a statement, the authorities said passengers picked up after passing through the green channel will be liable to pay a fine, penalty and customs duty.

Duty will be levied even on a single phone since the value of the device exceeds the 'free allowance.'

Additional Commissioner of Customs, Mumbai Airport, Milind Lanjewar said, “For goods above Rs 45,000, technically passengers have to declare but most people are not aware of it. A duty of 36% is levied on the amount above this limit.”

READ ALSO: iPhone loyalists, gear up for midnight sale of iPhone 6S, 6S Plus in India on October 16

The iPhone 6s in 16GB variant is for $649 (Rs 42,350), as per Apple’s website.

And Apple’s Singapore website says it is priced at $1,048 (Rs 48,000).

Reportedly, the Mumbai Airport Customs authorities have seized nearly 200 latest iPhone models valued at Rs 1.23 crore over the past two weeks.

The authorities added the latest models are yet to be launched in India and fliers smuggle them for monetary benefit.

In Delhi also, customs have become extra cautious as they seized around 182 iPhone 6s and 6s Plus models that were brought from Hong Kong and Singapore on separate flights.

(Image: Indiatimes)