Legal Review of Customs Smartphone Inspection Procedures in Banten Province

Abstract

The rise of illegal smartphones, or black-market devices, in Indonesia especially in Banten Province has become a significant legal issue alongside growing smartphone use and rapid e-commerce expansion. These devices often bypass customs regulations, tax requirements, IMEI registration, and import licensing, leading to state financial losses, unfair competition, and weak consumer protection. This study examines law enforcement efforts against illegal smartphone sales and their impact on the official smartphone industry in Banten Province. It also reviews inspection procedures by the Directorate General of Customs and Excise. The research uses an empirical juridical method with a descriptive qualitative approach, including literature review, statutory analysis, observations, and interviews with Soekarno-Hatta Customs and Excise officers. Findings show that enforcement includes administrative inspections, physical checks of imports, tax compliance monitoring, and IMEI registration through the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) system. However, supervision is limited by the rapid growth of e-commerce, inadequate digital monitoring, and low public awareness of the importance of legal products. This research improves understanding of illegal smartphone oversight and highlights the need for inter-agency cooperation and stronger digital monitoring to support customs enforcement and consumer protection in Indonesia.