SAD refund admissible even if VAT/Sales Tax rate is lower than rate of SAD or nil

Principal Commissioner of Customs (Import) Vs M/s. Omya & Company (CESTAT Delhi) SAD is applicable at the time of import by way of an equitable levy in lieu of sales tax, so as to protect the domestic industry. Further, the Customs Tariff Act itself provides for refund of SAD on re-sale of the goods. The mechanism of refund has been provided vide notification no.102/2007-Cus, which provides that one of the conditions for refund is that the goods must be re-sold and appropriate VAT/Sales Tax should have been paid. This Tribunal in precedent ruling of the Gazal Overseas (supra) has held that...