Home Case Index All Cases Customs Customs + AT Customs - 2022 (5) TMI AT This
Forgot password New User/ Regiser ⇒ Register to get Live Demo
2022 (5) TMI 497 - AT - CustomsRevocation of Courier License - mismatch in the invoice values and description found on the invoices pasted on the boxes/bags and invoice details uploaded electronically in Electronic Courier Clearance System (ECCS) or as found in Courier Bills of Entry (CBE) - appellant submits that the mistake occurred at the end of their overseas counterpart - HELD THAT:- It is apparent from the facts of the case that the appellant had failed to comply with the provisions stipulated in Public Notices dated 7.5.219 and 15.5.2019 inasmuch eight boxes were destined to States other than that seven States in violation of the said Public Notices. The submission of the learned Authorised Representative that the appellant mis-declared the particulars like consignee-consignor address, value, quantity and description of goods in the House Air Way Bills (HAWB) and that when the address of consignee was given wrongly, the appellant would have been in no position to obtain the requisite authorization from the actual consignor/consignee as mandated in the Regulation 12(1) (i) of the Courier Regulations, cannot be agreed upon. The appellant did not disclose/ declare the actual consignor/consignee for the purpose of the clearance of their goods. Therefore, the department was not wrong in alleging that the appellant had mis-declared the details in House Air Way Bills (HAWB), in terms of consignee-consignor address, value, quantity and description of goods. By applying the principle of preponderance of probability, we find it quite logical to accept the contention of the department that the the appellant had an intention to evade payment of customs duty. The Government has been simplifying the law and procedure relating to imports through courier from time to time. Accordingly, lot of trust and reliance has been placed on the courier agencies. A very clear procedure has been put in place by way of Courier Regulations to stream line the imports through Courier mode. It was incumbent upon the appellant Courier agency to adhere to the Regulations in order to safeguard the interest of Revenue and the trust placed on them. The appellant Courier was mandated to work within legal framework of the Customs Act, 1962, Rules and Regulations made thereunder. The appellant failed to do so. The appellant did not exercise due diligence in submitting the correct and complete information to the assessing officer with reference to the impugned goods. By violating the Regulations, it had given scope for massive misuse of the facility given in addition to loss of Revenue. In short, the appellant courier agency has breached the trust reposed on it by the Revenue. Therefore, the revocation of License is justified and any leniency shown in the misconduct of this nature would send wrong signals. Appeal dismissed.
|