Customs valuation of imported used car upheld where market reference, depreciation, and freight produced a reasonable assessable value.

Customs valuation of an imported used car was fixed on the basis of available market reference because the actual purchase price was not evidenced. The 1983 model's assessable value was worked out by allowing trade discount and depreciation, then adding insurance and freight to reach CIF value. The valuation method was treated as reasonable, and no illegality was shown in the assessment process. On that basis, the assessable value was accepted for customs duty purposes and the duty demand was upheld.

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Issues: Whether the assessable value of the imported used car was correctly determined for customs duty purposes.

Analysis: The imported vehicle was a 1983 model and the actual purchase price was not evidenced. The authorities therefore adopted the available market reference, allowed trade discount and depreciation, and added insurance and freight to arrive at the CIF value and assessable value. The method adopted was found to be reasonable and no illegality was shown in the valuation process.

Conclusion: The assessable value was correctly fixed and the duty demand was upheld.

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