2001 (12) TMI 362 - AT - Customs

Summary

Issues:
1. Confiscation of goods under Section 113(d) of the Customs Act
2. Misdeclaration of goods for DEPB benefit
3. Legality of the impugned order-in-original

Analysis:
1. The appeal was against an order-in-original by the Commissioner of Customs confiscating goods under Section 113(d) of the Customs Act, with an option for redemption on payment of a fine and imposition of a penalty. The goods were declared as alloy steel forgings but were found to be flanges during examination, leading to the impugned order.

2. The main issue revolved around the nomenclature of the goods for DEPB benefit. The appellants declared the goods as alloy steel forgings, eligible for a 22% DEPB benefit. However, Customs authorities identified the goods as carbon steel flanges eligible for an 18% DEPB credit. The Commissioner's decision was based on an opinion from another exporter without conducting any tests or doubting the declared F.O.B. value.

3. The Tribunal found the Commissioner's order unsustainable due to lack of conclusive evidence. The Commissioner did not question the F.O.B. value or marketability of the goods but focused on the DEPB benefit discrepancy. The Tribunal suggested sending samples for testing to ascertain the correct nomenclature and allowing provisional export with a bond-cum-guarantee, considering the appellants' willingness to forego DEPB benefits and suffering demurrages.

4. Consequently, the Tribunal set aside the Commissioner's order, directing a fresh decision by the adjudicating authority. The authority was instructed to send samples for testing, allow provisional export with a bond, and determine the correct Group Code for DEPB benefit eligibility based on the test report from CRCL authorities. The case was to be reconsidered in compliance with the law and export policy.

This detailed analysis highlights the legal intricacies surrounding the misdeclaration of goods for DEPB benefit and the procedural irregularities in the impugned order-in-original, leading to the Tribunal's decision for a fresh adjudication.