Individual unsuccessfully attempted to illegally transport 80 cameras and 100 boxes of film across customs checks.
In a recent incident at Shanghai Hongqiao Airport, an unnamed passenger attempted to smuggle over 80 cameras and a large quantity of camera film. The first caption in the video report of the incident, according to Google Translate, read "Super high volume photo shoot".
The passenger, who entered the country via the Green Channel, had forgotten to declare 75 disposable cameras, 6 film cameras, 1 instant camera, 27 packs of instant film, and 103 boxes of miscellaneous camera film in his bag. The passenger admitted that the cameras were not for personal use and intended to sell them for profit.
China has strict penalties for smuggling, including heavy fines and jail time. The country has intensified its crackdown on smuggling in recent months, applying strict enforcement measures against such illegal import activities.
Customs authorities are vigilant about undeclared or illegally imported goods, and violations can involve police investigations leading to prosecution. Smuggling goods through customs without declaring them or evading duties may trigger seizure of the items and administrative penalties. If the smuggling is linked to evading import duties or engaging in illicit trade, authorities may suspend clearance, impose fines, and confiscate the shipments. For goods involving controlled technology or restricted items, penalties can also include heavy fines, administrative sanctions, and even criminal prosecution, depending on the severity and intent.
While no direct case of smuggling cameras and film through Chinese customs was found in the current search, similar cases involving smuggling and evasion of customs duties in China demonstrate that penalties can be substantial, including seizure of merchandise, suspension of customs clearance, investigation by customs and police, and potentially fines or criminal charges depending on scale and intent.
James Artaius, a seasoned journalist with 25 years of experience, served as the head of Digital Camera World for 7 years. Artaius has a particular interest in instant cameras and has worked in the photography industry since 2014, testing and shooting ad campaigns for Olympus, Aston Martin Racing, Elinchrom, and L'Oréal. Artaius is an Olympus / OM System, Canon, and Hasselblad shooter and has a wealth of knowledge on cameras of all makes.
This incident serves as a reminder to declare expensive camera gear at customs when traveling to avoid any legal complications. It's also essential to know the type of instant film your camera needs to ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience. Read about the best instant cameras to make an informed choice.
- The passenger, who was caught attempting to smuggle a large number of cameras and camera film, was intending to sell them for profit, disregarding China's strict penalties for such activities.
- James Artaius, a seasoned journalist and head of Digital Camera World for 7 years, has extensive knowledge of cameras from Olympus, Canon, Hasselblad, and other brands, with a particular interest in instant cameras.
- To avoid legal complications, travelers are advised to declare their expensive camera gear at customs and also be aware of the type of instant film their camera requires for a smooth and hassle-free journey.
- Customs authorities in China are strict about undeclared or illegally imported goods, including cameras and camera gear, and violations can result in seizure of items, investigation, and potential fines or criminal charges.
- In recent times, China has intensified its crackdown on smuggling, applying strict measures to prevent illegal import activities, especially those that evade customs duties or engage in illicit trade.
- A video report of the incident at Shanghai Hongqiao Airport, where a large quantity of cameras and camera film were found, was captioned "Super high volume photo shoot", as translated by Google Translate.
