The Delhi High court , in its verdict dated September 17, 2025 allowed a man to retrieve his Rolex watch seized by the customs department at the Indira Gandhi International airport after paying a fine. The case sets a new precedent, clarifying an important grey area in customs rules : Value of the imported product alone can not determine the intent.
The Rolex case also has an important ‘tip/reminder’ for Indians planning to get iPhones (including the recently-launched iPhone 17 series) or laptops (Apple MacBooks and other brands) from the US, Dubai and other countries. As court said customs authorities can not automatically treat high-value items carried by passengers as commercial imports. Officials, the court underlined, must look at the circumstances of each case, including personal use. But yes, there is a certain value till which Indian nationals are allowed to bring in electronics from abroad, and the same needs to be followed. Else, these devices are liable for import duty. If not disclosed, travellers may have to pay a fine too.
What is the Rolex watch seizure case
Mahesh, an Indian citizen and a current resident of Dubai landed at the airport on March 7, 2024, wearing his Rolex watch. He was intercepted by the Customs Officers for passing through a wrong channel for importing goods. Found in violation of the relevant provisions, the Customs department concluded that the seized Rolex watch (1 unit) is in commercial quantity and cannot possibly be for personal use. The department ordered him to redeem the Rolex watch within 120 days by paying a fine of Rs 1.8 lakh for re-export purposes.
Mahesh appealed against the order in the Delhi High court. A division of Justice Prathiba M. Singh and Sahil Jain allowed Mahesh to retrieve his detained Rolex watch. But, the court also upheld the customs department’s right to impose the redemption fine.
“Clearly, this Court is of the view that one Rolex watch cannot be held to be a commercial quantity and there is no reason as to why the same cannot be kept for personal use. However, considering the fact that the option of redemption was given to the Petitioner, the Petitioner (Mahesh) shall now pay the redemption fine by October 31, 2025, and redeem the detained article in accordance with the impugned order,” the court said.
What Rolex cases means for those planning to get iPhones and other gadgets from abroad
For the purpose of Customs clearance of arriving passengers, a two channel system has been adopted:
Passengers are advised to report at the appropriate channel for Customs Clearance. However, passengers walking through the Green Channel (mistake that Mahesh did with his Rolex watch) with dutiable / prohibited goods are liable to prosecution/ penalty and confiscation of goods.
Eligible Passenger Origin Country Duty Free Allowance
If a user is planning to buy an Apple Macbook or any other laptop from abroad, the Customs rules allow one laptop computer (note book computer) under Customs Duty Free Allowances . In addition, passengers who are 18 years or older can bring one extra laptop duty-free, even beyond the normal allowance.
As for iPhones, the device bought has to be for personal consumption, and cannot be more than one unit.
If you are taking expensive items like a camera or projector out of India and plan to bring them back, you don’t have to pay duty again. But make sure that at the time of departure, the Customs Officer will note the details of the item (like serial number or unique marks) and give you an Export Certificate.
When you return, you just need to show this certificate to Customs. They will check the item and let you carry it without charging duty.
The Rolex case also has an important ‘tip/reminder’ for Indians planning to get iPhones (including the recently-launched iPhone 17 series) or laptops (Apple MacBooks and other brands) from the US, Dubai and other countries. As court said customs authorities can not automatically treat high-value items carried by passengers as commercial imports. Officials, the court underlined, must look at the circumstances of each case, including personal use. But yes, there is a certain value till which Indian nationals are allowed to bring in electronics from abroad, and the same needs to be followed. Else, these devices are liable for import duty. If not disclosed, travellers may have to pay a fine too.
What is the Rolex watch seizure case
Mahesh, an Indian citizen and a current resident of Dubai landed at the airport on March 7, 2024, wearing his Rolex watch. He was intercepted by the Customs Officers for passing through a wrong channel for importing goods. Found in violation of the relevant provisions, the Customs department concluded that the seized Rolex watch (1 unit) is in commercial quantity and cannot possibly be for personal use. The department ordered him to redeem the Rolex watch within 120 days by paying a fine of Rs 1.8 lakh for re-export purposes.
Mahesh appealed against the order in the Delhi High court. A division of Justice Prathiba M. Singh and Sahil Jain allowed Mahesh to retrieve his detained Rolex watch. But, the court also upheld the customs department’s right to impose the redemption fine.
“Clearly, this Court is of the view that one Rolex watch cannot be held to be a commercial quantity and there is no reason as to why the same cannot be kept for personal use. However, considering the fact that the option of redemption was given to the Petitioner, the Petitioner (Mahesh) shall now pay the redemption fine by October 31, 2025, and redeem the detained article in accordance with the impugned order,” the court said.
What Rolex cases means for those planning to get iPhones and other gadgets from abroad
For the purpose of Customs clearance of arriving passengers, a two channel system has been adopted:
- Green Channel for passengers not having any dutiable goods
- Red Channel for passengers having dutiable goods.
Passengers are advised to report at the appropriate channel for Customs Clearance. However, passengers walking through the Green Channel (mistake that Mahesh did with his Rolex watch) with dutiable / prohibited goods are liable to prosecution/ penalty and confiscation of goods.
Eligible Passenger Origin Country Duty Free Allowance
If a user is planning to buy an Apple Macbook or any other laptop from abroad, the Customs rules allow one laptop computer (note book computer) under Customs Duty Free Allowances . In addition, passengers who are 18 years or older can bring one extra laptop duty-free, even beyond the normal allowance.
As for iPhones, the device bought has to be for personal consumption, and cannot be more than one unit.
If you are taking expensive items like a camera or projector out of India and plan to bring them back, you don’t have to pay duty again. But make sure that at the time of departure, the Customs Officer will note the details of the item (like serial number or unique marks) and give you an Export Certificate.
When you return, you just need to show this certificate to Customs. They will check the item and let you carry it without charging duty.
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