DRI seizes 100 containers of Chinese fabrics at Mundra Port, worth Rs 200 crore

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized 100 containers of Chinese fabrics at Mundra port, valued at Rs 200 crore. The goods, initially labeled as low-cost fabric, were found to contain high-quality textiles, suggesting tax evasion through misdeclaration. Authorities launched the operation after receiving a tip-off about the malpractice.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the actual value of the fabric inside exceeded the declared Rs 25 crore. Similar shipments were intercepted at other major ports, including Mumbai’s Nhava Sheva Port (JNPT), raising concerns about the scale of the operation.

The DRI has initiated a nationwide probe to trace the goods' destinations and uncover the networks behind these illegal imports. China's textiles face heavy duties, with a 90 per cent anti-dumping tax in place. However, smugglers exploit the system, declaring lower-duty items while secretly importing high-value goods, bypassing millions in taxes.