Overview

• The government said a Department of Revenue officer will conduct a detailed inquiry, hearing all parties and reviewing documents, after Wintrack’s public allegations.
• Chennai Customs and the CBIC deny any bribe demand, stating the case involves misdeclaration, misclassification and missing EPR registration for products with rechargeable batteries.
• Customs cited undeclared USB charging cables and Legal Metrology and Battery Waste Management Rules requirements, while noting bonding permission was granted to limit demurrage.
• Wintrack’s founder alleges a ₹2.1 lakh payment to release a shipment, has posted screenshots, and released a video outlining incidents since January.
• The dispute has broadened into a national conversation as importers and industry voices share similar experiences, with figures like Shashi Tharoor and Mohandas Pai calling for action.