Entrepreneur’s Airport Ordeal in Delhi Sparks Debate on Customs Harassment and Trade Hurdles

A tense 90-minute standoff at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport has sparked debate over India’s customs enforcement after a well-known entrepreneur and vlogger, Sanjay Kumar Sharma, was detained over unlabeled product samples he brought from China.

The incident, which Sharma shared in a viral video on X, has reignited discussions about how customs procedures affect business travelers. Sharma, known for his motivational and business content online, said he was returning from a sourcing trip with small gadget and accessory samples meant only for testing in his startup.

According to his video, customs officers stopped him at the green channel and demanded invoices for every item, even though the samples had no commercial value. In his video, Sharma said the officers handled his luggage roughly and questioned him aggressively. “They treated me like a smuggler,” he said, adding that he felt “humiliated” after a long flight.

He urged other entrepreneurs to carry documentation even for free samples to avoid similar experiences.

The incident gained more attention after veteran journalist Vir Sanghvi criticized Delhi Customs on X on October 19, calling their conduct “thuggish” and sharing stories from travelers who faced similar treatment.

Adding to the conversation, Wintrack Inc also raised its voice on social media, saying, “Customs harassment faced at Delhi Airport by Sanjay Kumar Sharma, vlogger and entrepreneur, just after Mr. @virsanghvi highlighted Delhi Customs.

Genuine entrepreneurs face this issue frequently. It’s not an isolated incident but a recurring problem at various Indian airports.” The post noted that many people lack social media reach to raise such issues and often fear backlash during future travel.

Social media reactions to Sharma’s video were mixed. While many sympathized and shared similar experiences, others defended customs officers, citing rules that require invoices for all imports, including samples.

Experts say such incidents reflect tighter post-pandemic enforcement. The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has increased checks to curb under-declared imports. Last year, items worth over Rs. 500 crore were seized at Delhi airport.

Sharma ended his video with advice for fellow travelers: “Stay calm, carry your documents, and keep building your dreams.”

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