CESTAT Sets Aside Customs Demand as Certificate of Origin Was Rejected Without Prescribed Verification

Veekay Diamants Vs Commissioner of Customs (CESTAT Chennai) The Chennai Bench of the CESTAT allowed an appeal challenging the denial of preferential duty benefits under the Indo–Thailand Free Trade Agreement, holding that rejection of a Certificate of Origin without following the prescribed verification mechanism under the Interim Rules of Origin was legally unsustainable. The appellant had imported two consignments of gold jewellery studded with diamonds and ruby from Thailand and claimed exemption under relevant customs notifications based on Certificates of Origin issued by the Government...