The importer imported consignments of "Ground Colemanite (B2O3 ...

Importer Wins Duty Exemption for Boron Ore; Tribunal Overturns Confiscation and Penalties, No Misstatement Found.

November 19, 2024

Case Laws     Customs     AT

The importer imported consignments of "Ground Colemanite (B2O3 40%) Natural Boron Ore" and claimed exemption from basic customs duty under relevant notifications. The issue was whether the imported goods fell under Customs Tariff Heading 2528 to qualify for exemption. The Tribunal held that since the test report confirmed the goods as "Boron Ore" and satisfied the notification requirements, they were eligible for duty exemption. There was no condition in the notifications that exemption was available only for ore with impurities. The revenue erred in reading additional conditions into the notifications. The exemption was available for all types of "Boron Ores" from March 1, 2005, not restricted to "Natural Boron Ore." The Tribunal ruled that claiming a particular classification or notification was a matter of belief, not willful mis-statement or suppression of facts. The larger period of limitation u/s 28(4) of the Customs Act could not be invoked merely due to a different departmental view. The Tribunal allowed the appeal, setting aside the demand, confiscation, fines, and penalties.

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