DHAKA, Aug 25, 2026 (BSS) - The Customs Intelligence and Investigation Directorate (CIID) has detected prima facie evidence of false declaration, quantity discrepancies, gross undervaluation and concealment of the actual condition of goods in two consignments imported by the same importer through the airfreight area of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.

The consignments, imported by Sardar Global Trade (BIN: 009113645-0111) with FAHIM 5 STAR LTD as the C&F agent, contained a total of 1,167 laptops and 100 tabs/iPads, besides a large quantity of car parts and other goods.

According to the examination reports, the combined declared value of the two consignments was only $5,500, while their assessed value after physical examination stood at $1.68 lakh.

Thus, the assessed value was around 30.5 times higher than the declared value.

In total, 740 laptops and 60 tabs/iPads were found in the first consignment. The examination report also recorded 43 additional laptops compared with the declared quantity.

The second consignment, covered by AWB No. 997-60500451 and B/E No. 821108, also dated August 13, had a declared value of merely US$2,000. Following examination and assessment, its value was revised to US$64,259, equivalent to Tk 7,935,986.

The physical examination found 46 Core i3 laptops and 381 Core i5 laptops, totaling 427 laptops. It also contained 35 tabs and five iPads. The examination report identified 39 additional laptops beyond the declared quantity.

The CIID said a significant number of the laptops found during physical examination appeared to be used based on their external appearance. The examination report described the goods as “could be used as per external appearance.”

The examination also found that several products declared as capacitors, rubber seal O-rings, rubber gaskets and fittings were actually car parts, prompting changes in their HS codes in the examination findings.

Based on confidential information, the clearance process of both consignments was suspended on August 13, 2026. Physical examination was subsequently conducted on August 23 in the presence of representatives of the C&F agent.

The CIID has initiated legal proceedings under the Customs Act, 2023 and the applicable Import Policy Order over allegations of false declaration, gross undervaluation, import of goods beyond the declared quantity, concealment of the actual description of goods and import of prohibited used products.

The Customs Intelligence and Investigation Directorate said its intelligence surveillance and operations would continue to prevent false declarations, customs duty and tax evasion, and the import of prohibited goods.