High import taxes drive iPhone 16 Pro Max smuggling in India
India’s high import taxes on devices like iPhones are having a significant impact on the price of the iPhone 16 Pro Max in the country. This has led to a surge in smuggling attempts, as individuals try to avoid paying the hefty taxes.
The price difference between the iPhone 16 Pro Max in India and other countries is substantial. In India, the base model costs $1,724, while in the US, it’s priced at $1,199. This difference of over $500 makes smuggling an attractive option for some.
Recently, customs officials at Delhi airport intercepted a significant smuggling operation. In two separate incidents on the same day, they seized a total of 38 iPhone 16 Pro Max units. The first incident involved a group of four passengers arriving from Dubai who attempted to conceal 12 units by wrapping them in tissue paper. Later that day, a passenger arriving from Hong Kong was caught trying to smuggle 26 units in her vanity bag.
