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Circular No.24/2004-Cus. dated 18.3.2004

Subject: Whether refunds arising out  of  Customs assessments should  be taken up by filing a refund application or  by challenging the original assessment orders-reg

 

       I am directed to say that the issue  whether the  refund can be claimed under Section 27 of the Customs Act, 1962 directly  without challenging assessment as done in the Bill of Entry by assessing officer,  was in consideration of  the Board.

 

2.       The  attention of  all concerned  is  invited  to the  decision of  the Hon’ble Supreme Court in the  case  of  M/s Super Cassette Industries vs Commissioner Customs (reported in 2003(58) RLT F9), M/s Motilal Dulichand vs Commissioner Customs, New Delhi (reported in 2003(157) ELT A 265) and  M/s HCL Perot Systems Ltd vs Commissioner Customs, New Delhi ( decision dated 6.10.2003 in CA D.No.13751/2003) wherein  the  appeals filed by assessees against the orders of the Tribunal were dismissed.  The  Tribunal  had held that even in Customs cases, the ratio of the Supreme Court decision in Commissioner of Central Excise Vs Flock India 2000(120) ELT 285 SC , would apply . Accordingly, a   refund claim is  not  maintainable, when the assessee did  not  challenge the  assessment order which became  final.

 

3.       In the     light of  the above , all concerned  are , hereby, directed  to follow the said decision  of  Hon’ble  Supreme  Court  in this regard.

 

4.       Kindly bring the above instructions to the knowledge of all concerned .

 

5.       Hindi version will follow.

 

Yours faithfully, 

 

(D. S. Garbyal)

Under Secretary to the Govt. of India

F.No.438/18 /2003-Cus.IV