MUMBAI (India CSR): In a significant strike against illegal e-waste imports, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) in Mumbai has busted a major smuggling operation attempting to bring hazardous used electronics into India. Acting on precise intelligence, DRI officials seized consignments worth Rs 23 crore from four containers at Nhava Sheva Port, exposing a sophisticated attempt to bypass India’s import regulations. The operation, codenamed “Operation DigiScrap,” also led to the arrest of a Surat-based businessman identified as the key mastermind behind the racket.
Operation DigiScrap: Uncovering the Concealed Cargo
The DRI’s Mumbai unit launched Operation DigiScrap after receiving credible inputs about a suspicious shipment declared as “aluminium scrap.” Upon inspection, officers discovered that the containers were cleverly packed—only the first few rows contained aluminium scrap, while the majority of the consignment was filled with banned electronic waste (e-waste).
The seized goods included 17,760 used laptops, 11,340 mini/barebone CPUs, 7,140 processor chips, and several other refurbished electronic components. Officials confirmed that these items were imported in violation of multiple environmental and trade regulations.
The total estimated market value of the seized consignment stands at Rs 23 crore, making it one of the largest e-waste smuggling busts in recent years.
Legal Action and Seizure Under Customs Act
Following the discovery, the DRI seized the entire shipment under Section 110 of the Customs Act, 1962, which empowers authorities to confiscate goods suspected of illegal import. The arrested individual, the Director of a Surat-based import firm, was allegedly responsible for orchestrating the entire operation—from procurement and financing to logistics and customs documentation.
Officials stated that the accused was actively involved in planning the fraudulent import by declaring the cargo as harmless aluminium scrap to evade regulatory scrutiny. He has been remanded to judicial custody pending further investigation.
Violation of Multiple Import Regulations
The seized consignment violated several Indian laws, including:
- Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023, which prohibits the import of old and used electronic items.
- E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, designed to prevent India from becoming a dumping ground for global e-waste.
- Electronics and IT Goods (Compulsory Registration) Order, 2021, mandating compliance with BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) safety and labelling requirements.
“These regulations are essential for protecting both the environment and the domestic electronics manufacturing sector,” said a DRI official. “Illegally imported e-waste poses severe health hazards, pollutes soil and water, and undermines India’s Make in India initiative.”
E-Waste: A Growing Environmental Threat
India is one of the world’s fastest-growing markets for electronics—and consequently, a major generator of e-waste. The improper disposal and recycling of used electronics release toxic substances like lead, mercury, and cadmium, which can contaminate the environment and endanger human health.
The DRI’s interception comes at a critical time when the government is reinforcing its stance against environmental dumping. Officials emphasized that such illegal imports not only breach India’s environmental laws but also threaten legitimate manufacturers and recyclers operating under strict compliance standards.
DRI’s Commitment to a Cleaner and Safer India
The DRI, India’s premier anti-smuggling agency, has intensified its operations to curb illegal imports of hazardous and restricted materials. The success of Operation DigiScrap demonstrates its continued vigilance and coordination with environmental and trade enforcement agencies.
“DRI remains steadfast in protecting India’s borders from illicit trade and in upholding environmental integrity,” officials added. “This action sends a strong message to those attempting to exploit regulatory loopholes and compromise the nation’s health and safety.”
You Learn
The seizure of Rs 23 crore worth of e-waste at Nhava Sheva Port underscores India’s growing vigilance against the illegal import of hazardous materials. Through Operation DigiScrap, the DRI has not only prevented the dumping of toxic waste on Indian soil but also reinforced the government’s commitment to sustainable trade practices and environmental protection.
The investigation continues, with authorities pursuing leads on the international network involved in the smuggling attempt, marking yet another decisive step in India’s fight against e-waste pollution.
(India CSR)
