2025 (3) TMI 1074 - AT - Customs

Additions of license fee and advertising expenses to the assessable value of imported goods - Lack of SCN - HELD THAT - On a perusal of the records it is found that the appellant herein had been importing from their overseas affiliates and admittedly related parties since 2006 and their original declarations accepted by order of 29th March 2006 were thereafter sought to be renewed by communications of 23rd March 2009 4th January 2011 12th October 2012 and 24th June 2013 but it appears in the absence of explanation in the orders of the lower authorities that those kept pending were taken up for disposal only in July 2015 leading to the order for addition of specific components of recompense to overseas entities and which but for the modification in the impugned order were upheld by the first appellate authority. It also transpires from the records inasmuch as that the order of the original authority directing loading for the imports covered for the period 2003-04 to 2013-14 was found to be unjustifiable to the extent of imports beyond five years from the relevant date that the specific imports intended to be covered and those to be excluded consequent upon the impugned order remains unknown. The impugned order is far from clear about to the reasons for limiting the additions to five years if as stated in the order impugned before that authority intent was to enable finalisation of provisional assessments. On the other hand if the intent was to recover duty short-paid by reasons of evidence of the ingredients enumerated in section 28 of Customs Act 1962 for invoking the period beyond the normal period of limitation there should have been a finding of evidence to that effect consequent upon the importer being placed on notice of intent to invoke extended period of limitation as well as the consequential penalties specifically noted in such finding. Conclusion - It would appear that the appeal before the first appellate authority had not been examined in terms of outcome of differential duty or evaluation of correctness of declared value in specific bills of entry which alone could have been cause of grievance. The correctness of the legality and propriety of the additions cannot be determined. Matter remanded back to the first appellate authority for a fresh decision - appeal allowed by way of remand.

ISSUES PRESENTED and CONSIDERED

The core legal questions considered in this judgment include:

Whether the additions of 'license fee' and 'advertising expenses' to the assessable value of imported goods were justified under the Customs Valuation (Determination of Value of Imported Goods) Rules, 2007.
The legality of the actions taken without issuing a show cause notice, particularly concerning the period of limitation for duty recovery under Section 28 of the Customs Act, 1962.
Whether the Special Valuation Branch (SVB) had the authority to direct the addition of certain costs to the assessable value and the implications of such directions on the jurisdiction of the proper officer.
The procedural and jurisdictional appropriateness of the first appellate authority's actions in light of the absence of finalized provisional assessments.

ISSUE-WISE DETAILED ANALYSIS

1. Addition of 'License Fee' and 'Advertising Expenses'

Relevant legal framework and precedents: The Customs Valuation (Determination of Value of Imported Goods) Rules, 2007, particularly Rule 10, outlines the permissible additions to the transaction value of imported goods. Precedents cited include various Tribunal decisions that have previously settled the scope of such additions.
Court's interpretation and reasoning: The Tribunal noted that the first appellate authority directed recalculation of two charges but did not provide clarity on the specific imports covered or excluded. The lack of a show cause notice was a significant procedural lapse.
Key evidence and findings: The Tribunal found that the absence of a show cause notice led to a lack of clarity regarding the imports intended to be burdened with additions.
Application of law to facts: The Tribunal emphasized that any addition to the assessable value must be supported by a clear procedural basis, including the issuance of a show cause notice.
Treatment of competing arguments: The Tribunal considered arguments from both the appellant and the respondent, referencing various precedents. The reliance on past decisions by the appellant was noted, but the Tribunal found procedural deficiencies in the current case.
Conclusions: The Tribunal concluded that the proceedings were vitiated by the absence of a show cause notice, and the directions for additions were not in accordance with the law.

2. Authority and Role of the Special Valuation Branch (SVB)

Relevant legal framework and precedents: The SVB's role in scrutinizing transactions between related parties is historically rooted in customs law, with its functions evolving alongside changes in valuation rules.
Court's interpretation and reasoning: The Tribunal emphasized that the SVB's role is advisory and cannot bind the 'proper officer' responsible for assessment. The Tribunal referenced the Supreme Court's ruling in Canon (India) Pvt Ltd v. Commissioner of Customs, highlighting the limitations of SVB's authority.
Key evidence and findings: The Tribunal noted that the SVB's recommendations should not be construed as binding directions, and any assessment must be independently appraised by the proper officer.
Application of law to facts: The Tribunal found that the SVB's directions lacked statutory support and could not substitute for the proper officer's independent assessment.
Treatment of competing arguments: The Tribunal acknowledged the SVB's historical role but stressed the need for adherence to statutory procedures.
Conclusions: The Tribunal concluded that the SVB's advisory role does not extend to binding assessments, and any directions issued without statutory backing are invalid.

3. Procedural and Jurisdictional Appropriateness of the First Appellate Authority's Actions

Relevant legal framework and precedents: The Customs Act, 1962, particularly Sections 17, 18, and 28, outlines the procedures for assessment and recovery of duties.
Court's interpretation and reasoning: The Tribunal found that the first appellate authority acted prematurely by intervening before any provisional assessment was finalized. The Tribunal emphasized the need for proper procedural adherence before appellate jurisdiction can be exercised.
Key evidence and findings: The Tribunal noted the absence of finalized provisional assessments and the lack of a show cause notice as procedural deficiencies.
Application of law to facts: The Tribunal highlighted that the first appellate authority should have awaited the finalization of provisional assessments before intervening.
Treatment of competing arguments: The Tribunal considered the procedural arguments and found that the first appellate authority's actions were not in line with statutory requirements.
Conclusions: The Tribunal concluded that the first appellate authority should not have intervened prematurely and remanded the matter for a fresh decision in accordance with legal procedures.

SIGNIFICANT HOLDINGS

Preserve verbatim quotes of crucial legal reasoning: The Tribunal emphasized, "The proceedings are vitiated for lack of show cause notice and appear to have been initiated beyond the provisions of law."
Core principles established: The necessity of a show cause notice for any detrimental consequence under the Customs Act, 1962, and the advisory, non-binding role of the SVB in customs assessments.
Final determinations on each issue: The Tribunal set aside the impugned order and remanded the matter to the first appellate authority for a fresh decision, emphasizing adherence to procedural and statutory requirements.