Delhi High Court: Courier Agencies Liable for Failing to Report Suspicious Consignments

The Delhi High Court ruled that customs authorities could impose penalties on courier agencies for failing to report suspicious consignments, emphasising their role as the “first line of defence” in border security.

The Court held that the Commissioner of Customs had the authority to penalise a courier service that failed to report suspicious packages sent to or received from abroad.

The Court upheld the penalty against an agency that neglected to flag a package later found to contain undeclared goods, noting that such reporting duties were critical for preventing smuggling and ensuring compliance with the Customs Act.