Azerbaijan.US
Fresh complaints have emerged over the work of customs officers at Heydar Aliyev International Airport, with travelers describing inspections as excessively strict, poorly explained, and increasingly stressful.
According to passengers, even ordinary items purchased at Duty Free shops abroad – such as cosmetics, wallets, or small gifts – are being seized or subjected to prolonged scrutiny. Travelers say they are often stopped near the exit, asked to open their luggage, and questioned at length about the origin and value of personal belongings.
Although the issue has been repeatedly raised in local media, passengers note that no visible changes have followed, fueling frustration and distrust.
Economist and legal expert Akram Hasanov says the roots of the problem lie in legislative changes introduced several years ago. Under those rules, goods exceeding a certain value or brought in quantities above the allowed limit are subject to customs duties.
“These rules were criticized from the very beginning,” Hasanov said. “They clearly open the door to subjective interpretation. How can customs officers prove that an expensive item was purchased during this trip and did not belong to the passenger beforehand? That is extremely difficult.”
According to Hasanov, the regulations are officially justified as a way to protect domestic businesses and boost state revenues.
“In practice, this means discouraging citizens from buying goods abroad themselves and pushing them toward local intermediaries. If I personally travel and buy something, why should that be restricted?” he asked.
Hasanov also shared his own experience. Returning from Europe in December, he said his luggage was deliberately held back after X-ray screening. As he approached the exit, officers asked him to open his bags and explain several purchases – wallets and small accessories bought as gifts for his wife and four daughters.
“I showed the receipts right away. The prices were modest, not luxury brands,” he said. “Still, another staff member was brought in to assess the items. Only after confirming they were not expensive was I allowed to leave.”
While the issue was eventually resolved, Hasanov says the process itself was deeply unpleasant. “This level of scrutiny over personal items is not something you encounter in most countries.
If customs wants to stop commercial imports, they should focus on clear cases – large quantities of identical goods or excessive baggage – not treat ordinary passengers as suspects.”
Experts warn that routine, aggressive inspections risk damaging Azerbaijan’s image and undermining trust, especially at the country’s main international gateway.
