Exporters Cleared of Invoicing Irregularities: Tribunal Finds No Deliberate Fraud in Shipping Documentation Dispute

CESTAT adjudicated a case involving alleged over-invoicing of exported goods under 35 shipping bills. The tribunal found insufficient evidence to substantiate departmental claims of valuation manipulation. Despite initial allegations of drawback benefit misuse, the tribunal determined that the export documents were fundamentally authentic, with any quantity discrepancies attributable to typographical errors. The department failed to establish proof of monetary flow-back or deliberate fraudulent intent. Critically, the tribunal emphasized that market prices differ from costing calculations and that the burden of proof rests with the investigating agency. Consequently, the tribunal set aside confiscation orders, redemption fines, and penalties against both the exporter and customs broker, effectively allowing the appeal and exonerating the appellants. .....

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