Import licence coverage for bleaching earth extended to activated bleaching earth, with doubt resolved in favour of the importer.

The expression "bleaching earth" in the advance licence and import policy was construed to include activated bleaching earth, because the commodity could exist in natural and activated forms and the policy clarification showed that activated bleaching earth was intended to be covered wherever bleaching earth was permitted as an input. Any residual doubt was resolved in favour of the importer, and the goods were held clearable under the licence.

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Issues: Whether the expression "bleaching earth" in the advance licence and corresponding import policy covered activated bleaching earth.

Analysis: The commodity description was not confined to natural bleaching earth alone, as bleaching earth could exist in natural and activated forms. The policy clarification by public notice indicated that wherever bleaching earth was permitted as an input, activated bleaching earth was also intended to be covered. In case of doubt, the importer was entitled to the benefit of that doubt.

Conclusion: The licence covered the import of activated bleaching earth and the appellant was entitled to clearance of the goods under the licence.

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