Restricted import goods cannot be reclaimed after confiscation when no valid specific licence supported entry.

Restricted goods imported without a valid specific licence were liable to confiscation, and a later claim of ownership could not defeat that consequence once adjudication had been completed. The goods had reached the customs barrier without proper documents, and the appellants surfaced only after confiscation orders were passed. The stated distinction from cases involving lawful import, abandonment before clearance, or participation in adjudication was material. On those facts, the request for re-export or release of the goods was not accepted, and the appeal failed.

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Issues: Whether the appellants could claim ownership and seek re-export or disposal of restricted imported goods after the goods had been confiscated for import without a valid specific import licence.

Analysis: The goods were restricted for import and could be brought into the country only against a valid specific licence. On the facts, the consignments had reached the customs barrier, were not supported by proper documents, and were imported without a valid import licence. The confiscation orders had already been passed when the appellants surfaced and asserted ownership. The facts were materially different from cases where import was lawful, the goods had been abandoned before clearance, or the claimant had participated in the adjudication proceedings. A claim raised after confiscation could not defeat the legal consequence of an unauthorised import or undo the adjudication already completed.

Conclusion: The request for re-export or release of the goods was not accepted, and the appeal was decided against the appellants.

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