Archive · 20 Nov 2025
Customs Dispute Over Massagers Highlights Global Product Classification Issues
A shipment of personal massagers with rechargeable batteries was held by Chennai Customs because of a misdeclaration.
This led to a social media uproar, but the real issue is that the global product classification system is outdated and can't keep up with new technologies.
This causes confusion and disputes worldwide, not just in India.
A shipment of personal massagers with rechargeable batteries was detained by Chennai Customs due to a misdeclaration.
The incident sparked a social media controversy alleging arbitrariness and corruption in Indian customs.
The World Customs Organisation (WCO) has flagged lithium-ion batteries as a frequent category of misdeclared goods due to hazardous risks.
Similar classification disputes have occurred worldwide, including in the UK and EU.
The Harmonized System (HS) of codes, used globally for product classification, struggles to keep up with innovation and complex products.
- Who
- Chennai Customs, importer of personal massagers
- What
- Detention of a shipment of personal massagers due to misdeclaration
- When
- Recently
- Where
- Chennai, India
- Why
- Due to a misdeclaration of the product containing lithium-ion batteries, which are classified as hazardous goods
Entrepreneurs' Perspective
Customs Officials' Perspective
Classification Battles
Entrepreneurs' Perspective
Viewed as bureaucratic obstacles
Customs Officials' Perspective
Viewed as legal requirements
- Product
- Personal massagers with rechargeable batteries
- Misdeclaration
- Regarding the presence of lithium-ion batteries
- Global Classification System
- Harmonized System (HS) of codes, maintained by the World Customs Organisation (WCO)
- WCO's General Rules for Interpretation
- Used to determine a product's 'essential character' for tax and tariff purposes
- HS System Revision
- Every five years, introducing new subheadings and seldom removing outdated ones