A YOUNG woman was caught bringing four iPhone 8s into Shenzhen without declaration at Futian Checkpoint by customs officers Friday, the Southern Metropolis Daily reported.

The woman, who carried four iPhone 8s and an Apple Watch Series 3 in her bag, was crossing the border from Hong Kong to Shenzhen at Futian Checkpoint when she was intercepted by customs officers at around 2 p.m. Friday.

During interrogation, the woman admitted that she charged 500 yuan (US$77) in total to bring the smart phones and watch for other people. Investigation of the case is continuing.

A difference in price is the main reason that iPhones are an often smuggled onto the mainland. An iPhone 8 is at least 850 yuan cheaper in Hong Kong than in Shenzhen based on the current exchange rate, according to prices posted on the official Apple website.

According to customs policies, travelers who buy smart phones in Hong Kong for use in Shenzhen should declare the phones to customs and pay a 15-percent tax at the border upon entry. In addition, travelers who bring an excessive number of phones across the border will be considered parallel traders and be held legally responsible for suspicious activity. (Zhang Yang)