The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized more than 362 metric tonnes of Pakistan-origin dry dates under “Operation Deep Manifest.”
- What happened?
DRI intercepted 13 containers at CFS Ambad, Nashik. The goods had arrived from Jebel Ali, UAE, but the import documents declared UAE as the country of origin.
- Investigation revealed:
The dry dates were originally shipped from Karachi, Pakistan, to Jebel Ali. At Jebel Ali, the goods were transferred into different containers and shipped onward to India.
This arrangement allegedly attempted to hide the actual Pakistan origin of the goods.
- Why is this important for Importers?
India has prohibited the direct or indirect import or transit of goods originating in or exported from Pakistan with effect from 2 May 2025.
This case highlights that:
- Changing the shipping route does not automatically change the country of origin
- Transhipments through a third country requires proper compliance
- Country-of-origin declarations must be accurate
- Misdeclaration can lead to DRI investigation and seizure
- Key takeaway:
Importers should conduct proper Country of Origin (COO), supplier, shipping-route and documentation due diligence before importing goods, especially where trade restrictions apply.