What happens when a prohibited item is found in checked-in luggage in India?

What happens when a prohibited item is found in checked-in luggage in India? - Carton box and suitcases for relocation on bed

Unlike US, India does not have the concept of locks which can be opened by security (TSA locks) but most major airports scan baggage after check-in (i.e. in the absence of the passenger).

What's the standard response when something is found which requires further examination?



Best Answer

I remember a news which says A foreigner caught with a satellite phone on the airport which is restricted in India.

after questioning, the officials found that he was not aware of the restriction and bring it unknowingly. So, they seized the product and let him go without charging any cases against him.

Now your question

It depends.

The priority they give vary from thing to thing.

That is they didn't treat Gold or Cash in the way in which they treat the Satellite phone or bomb. Also it vary when it comes to drugs and such things.

They scan the luggage in the absence of the person and if they have any doubt or found anything, they will call the person and ask him to open the box in front of them.

If they were right, that is anything found as they assumed, they will take the person to the customs office and question you.

The way they question you and the person who question you also depends.

If they found any drug which is prohibited in India, they question you politely because they are not sure whether you are aware of this or not.

If they found you are unaware of it, then further move will depends on the product.

If it is a drug and can't be treated as a medicine in anyway, they will charge a case against you.

If it is some kind of medicine but prohibited in India ( but allowed in the country where you came from), they won't charge any case.

If it was something like bomb or etc., then they may handover you to police along with the product after questioning and further actions will be done as per rules.

If it is some kind of equipment which is banned in India but allowed in the country in which you came from, they may not charge any cases against you ( eg : the satellite phone I mentioned above).




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What happens if something in your checked bag is not allowed?

The TSA will collect your prohibited item and dispose of it according to Government Services Administration rules. Normally, this means your item will be thrown away, but some airports donate useful items to community organizations, such as schools.

What items are not allowed in checked baggage in India?

Explosive Materials
  • Blasting Caps.
  • Dynamite.
  • Fireworks.
  • Flares (in any form)
  • Hand Grenades.
  • Plastic Explosives.
  • Realistic Replicas of Explosives.


Does check-in bags get scanned?

The majority of checked baggage is screened without the need for a physical bag search. Inspection Notices: TSA may inspect your checked baggage during the screening process. If your property is physically inspected, TSA will place a notice of baggage inspection inside your bag.

Can you get confiscated items back from airport in India?

The paramilitary force evaluates these items after seizure and bona-fide owners can claim the same back from the airport operator's desk after checking the list of recovered items on the website of the force at http://www.cisf.gov.in.



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