Question 3 - Who can order for carrying out “Inspection” and under what circumstances? - FAQ on GST dated 21.9.2016 based on Draft Model GST

Q 3. Who can order for carrying out Inspection and under what circumstances? Ans. As per Section 60 of MGL, Inspection can be carried out by an officer of CGST/SGST only upon a written authorization given by an officer of the rank of Joint Commissioner or above. A Joint Commissioner or an officer higher in rank can give such authorization only if he has reasons to believe that the person concerned has done one of the following: i. suppressed any transaction of supply; ii. suppressed stock of goods in hand; iii. claimed excess input tax credit; iv. contravened any provision of the CGST/SGST Act to evade tax; v. a transporter or warehouse owner has kept goods which have escaped payment of tax or has kept his accounts or goods in a manner that is likely to cause evasion of tax.