2 BMW cars, 5 half-cut Isuzu trucks imported under 'used parts' declaration seized in Ctg port

Customs intelligence officials have uncovered a shipment containing a BMW racing car, the front half of a BMW 740i and five half-cut Isuzu trucks at Chattogram port after the consignment was declared as used automobile parts.

The Customs Intelligence and Investigation Directorate (CIID) physically examined the suspicious consignment on 6 October and found significant discrepancies between the declared goods and the items actually inside the shipment, according to a press release.

The shipment had been declared to contain used differential assemblies, used power steering assemblies and other used automobile parts.

However, physical examination found a BMW two-seater sports/racing car in completely knocked-down (CKD) condition, the front half of a BMW 740i and five half-cut Isuzu trucks, officials said.

The importer is M/S Ayaz Auto International, with its registered address at 2747/B, PC Road, Green View, Saraipara, Halishahar, Chattogram. Its Business Identification Number (BIN) is 004589005-0503.

The clearing and forwarding agent is Amin (C&F) (Pvt) Ltd, while the exporter is Arab Japan Used Cars and Spare Parts Co LLC of the United Arab Emirates.

BMW racing car found in CKD condition

During the physical examination, customs officials first found a BMW two-seater sports/racing car in CKD condition.

Preliminary examination suggests that the vehicle is an S Drive 23i, with an engine capacity of around 2,500cc. It is believed to be a 2009 model, although its exact model year, chassis or vehicle identification number (VIN) and import eligibility will be established through technical examination and verification of supporting documents, officials said.

The consignment also contained the front half of a BMW 740i.

The BMW 740i is preliminarily identified as a 2016 model with an engine capacity of around 3,000cc.

Customs officials have raised questions over why only the front half of the vehicle was found in the shipment.

They are examining whether the remaining half of the vehicle was imported under another consignment or whether there was an attempt to bring it in separately.

Five half-cut Isuzu trucks were found

The examination also uncovered five half-cut Isuzu trucks.

Various automobile parts had been packed inside the cabins of the trucks, according to customs officials.

Besides the vehicles and major vehicle sections, the consignment contained various other used automobile parts.

The significant difference between the declared goods and the actual contents has prompted customs intelligence officials to investigate possible misdeclaration and evasion of customs duties and taxes.

Officials are also examining whether a method of importing cut or dismantled vehicles through separate consignments and subsequently reassembling them is being used.

The BMW 740i's missing rear section is of particular interest to investigators, who plan to check information on related consignments to determine whether the remaining portion has already entered the country or was being brought in through another shipment.

Import documents, valuation under scrutiny

Customs officials will prepare a detailed inventory of the seized goods and verify their chassis and VIN numbers, engine particulars and actual values.

They will also examine the applicable import policy, customs duties and taxes before deciding on further legal action.

Any action will be taken under the Customs Act, 2023 and other applicable laws and regulations, officials said.

The CIID has stepped up surveillance at Chattogram port to detect attempts to import complete vehicles or major vehicle components under declarations for automobile parts, officials said.

The investigation is ongoing, and the final status of the vehicles, their valuation and the applicable duties and taxes will depend on documentary and technical verification.