Larnaca, Cyprus. Customs officials said they discovered undeclared high-value luxury goods in the luggage of two passengers at Larnaca Airport. The passengers paid duties, taxes and additional charges and accepted out-of-court settlements.
Inspection after green channel selection
The customs department said the two passengers, of Russian origin and holding Cypriot citizenship, arrived from Switzerland and chose the green channel, indicating they had nothing to declare. Following a risk assessment, authorities inspected their luggage and found luxury items that had not been declared for the payment of required duties and taxes.
First case: luxury wristwatch
In the first passenger’s luggage, officials found a luxury wristwatch valued at 36,800 Swiss francs, approximately €40,000. Duties and taxes of €7,664.22 and an additional charge of €766.42 were paid, and the passenger accepted an out-of-court settlement of €3,070.
Second case: wristwatch and ski items
In the second case, customs officers found a luxury wristwatch worth 8,600 Swiss francs, around €9,400, as well as ski clothing and footwear valued at 4,149 Swiss francs, approximately €4,500. Authorities said duties and taxes totalling €3,305.07 and an additional charge of €330.51 were paid, and the passenger agreed to an out-of-court settlement of €1,320.
Reminder to travellers
Customs reminded travellers of their obligation to declare goods exceeding duty-free allowances upon arrival.
Have you declared any goods exceeding duty-free allowances when arriving at the airport?
