In a major crackdown on illegal imports, the Special Intelligence and Investigation Branch (SIIB) of Chennai Port has seized a consignment containing popular branded footwear, including Crocs and Slides, along with cosmetics, for violating Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) and the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. The seized goods, falsely declared as household and miscellaneous items, have an estimated value of Rs. 5.9 crore.
According to officials, the consignment was imported under fraudulent declarations to evade scrutiny and bypass regulatory checks. The goods were found to be in violation of IPR norms, indicating potential counterfeit products, while the cosmetics failed to meet the safety and regulatory standards prescribed under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
“This seizure underscores our commitment to preventing illicit trade and ensuring that substandard and counterfeit products do not reach unsuspecting consumers,” said a senior customs official. “Such goods not only harm legitimate businesses but also pose health and safety risks to the public.”
The importers involved in this fraudulent shipment are currently under investigation, and further legal action is expected. Authorities have urged businesses and consumers to remain vigilant against counterfeit products and illegal imports that compromise safety and quality standards.
This latest seizure highlights the ongoing efforts by Indian customs to curb smuggling, protect intellectual property, and enforce strict adherence to regulatory laws governing imports.
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