DRI busts ₹2,500-crore SAFTA misuse in areca nut imports
On 16 August 2026 the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence said it had broken a network that imported South-East Asian areca nuts by declaring them as Bangladeshi. This let importers claim full customs duty exemption under SAFTA instead of paying 100 per cent basic duty. Duty evaded is estimated at over ₹2,500 crore; nine people were arrested.
UPSC angle: Prelims: SAFTA; rules of origin.
16 Aug 2026