From iPhones To Smart TVs: Seized Gadgets At Bengaluru Airport Head To Auction

Last Updated:December 24, 2025, 11:00 IST

In many instances, the gadgets were either brought into the country without proper declaration or were abandoned by passengers who failed to complete customs formalities.

As air travel volumes continue to rise and enforcement checks intensify, customs departments across major Indian airports are increasingly dealing with unclaimed and confiscated goods. One such exercise is now set to take place in Bengaluru, where customs authorities are preparing to dispose of a large batch of seized electronic items through a structured online auction later this month.

Bengaluru Customs at Kempegowda International Airport will conduct an e-auction of seized, confiscated and unclaimed electronic gadgets on December 30, 2025. The auction will be held through the Metal Scrap Trade Corporation Limited online platform, commonly known as MSTC, which is used by several government departments for transparent disposal of goods.

Details of Items to Be Auctioned

A total of 227 electronic items will be auctioned as part of this process. The inventory includes a wide range of high value consumer electronics. Among them are 175 Apple iPhones of different models, 26 Android smartphones, 21 Apple smartwatches, four iPads and one 65 inch television set.

Customs officials said these items were seized or confiscated in connection with 22 separate cases at Kempegowda International Airport. In many instances, the gadgets were either brought into the country without proper declaration or were abandoned by passengers who failed to complete customs formalities. Over time, as the goods remained unclaimed, they became eligible for disposal under customs rules.

Auction Format and Sale Conditions

The entire lot of 227 items will be sold as a single consolidated unit rather than as individual pieces. Officials said this approach is intended to attract bulk buyers such as electronics traders, refurbishers and authorised recyclers, instead of individual retail consumers.

All items will be sold strictly on an as is where is basis. This means that the customs department will not provide any guarantee regarding the condition, quality, functionality or completeness of the gadgets. Buyers will be required to accept the items in their existing state, and no post sale complaints related to defects, damages or missing components will be entertained.

Inspection Window for Interested Bidders

To allow bidders to make an informed decision, customs authorities have provided a physical inspection window. Interested participants will be permitted to inspect the goods up to December 29, one day before the auction date.

During this inspection period, bidders can verify the number of items and visually assess their external condition. However, officials clarified that no functional testing, charging, or technical verification of the gadgets will be allowed. The responsibility of evaluating potential risks and value lies entirely with the bidder.

Eligibility and Registration Requirements

Participation in the auction is restricted to registered buyers on the MSTC portal. In addition, bidders must possess a valid Goods and Services Tax registration. Customs officials said this requirement is mandatory and non-negotiable.

The auction will be conducted under the reverse charge mechanism. Under this system, the buyer is responsible for paying applicable taxes and fulfilling statutory obligations related to the transaction. Officials noted that this ensures tax compliance while disposing of unclaimed or confiscated goods.

Payment Rules and Penalties

Successful bidders will be required to follow strict payment timelines after the auction concludes. This includes depositing the earnest money and clearing the remaining balance within the period specified by MSTC.

Failure to comply with the payment schedule may result in forfeiture of the deposit. In some cases, the bidder’s MSTC account could also be temporarily suspended, preventing participation in future auctions until the issue is resolved.

Purpose of the Auction

Customs officials said the auction serves multiple objectives. It helps clear storage space at customs warehouses, ensures transparent disposal of seized goods and prevents long term accumulation of unclaimed high value items.

For businesses involved in electronics refurbishment or recycling, the auction offers access to premium devices that may not be available through conventional resale channels. At the same time, the structured auction process allows the customs department to recover value while adhering to regulatory and taxation norms.

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