Customs clearance of imported goods was directed after verification confirmed compliance and a no-objection certificate was issued.

Imported goods detained for verification of compliance with the import policy on watermelon seeds were found, on investigation, to have a genuine declared export date, and a no-objection certificate was issued for clearance. On that basis, a prima facie case for release was made out, and the customs authority was directed to release and facilitate clearance of the goods.

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Issues: Whether the customs authority was required to release and facilitate clearance of the imported goods after issuance of the no-objection certificate.

Analysis: The goods had been detained for verification of compliance with the import policy relating to watermelon seeds. Upon investigation, the customs authority found the declared date of export to be genuine and thereafter issued a no-objection certificate for clearance. In that background, a prima facie case existed for release of the goods, and the competent customs authority was directed to act accordingly.

Conclusion: The direction for release and facilitation of clearance of the petitioner's goods was issued in favour of the petitioner.

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