Dear Sir, Export under bond (or LUT) is a major trade- facilitation measure which is allowed as per policy decision on not to export taxes. But furnishing of bond or LUT is one of the essential conditions in the Notification No. 42/2001-CE (N.T.), dated 26-06-2001 issued under Rule 19 of C.E.Rules,2002. It cannot be regarded as merely procedural because, removal of goods without payment of duty cannot be made without safegurding revenue interest in order to prevent mis-use of the facility. For an assessee who is engaged in exports regularly, non-furnishing of bond or LUT cannot be considered as due to ignorance. But such a mistake can be condoned only by bodies like CESTAT. In the case of Eves Fashions v Commissioner [2006 (205) E.L.T. 619 (Tri. - Del.) it was held that duty and penalty confirmed on ground of non-furnishing of bond or letter of undertaking (LUT) was not sustainable when duly attested photocopies of shipping bill(EP-Copy) B/Lading and Foreing Exchange Remittance Certificate or BRC were submitted within 180 days from the date of LEO as mentioned on the S/Bills. Generally, when export is proved duty demand may not sustain. In my opinion submission of proof of export is must and non furnishing of LUT condonable when proof of export provided. Best Regards Pradeep Khatri Indirect Tax Consultant e-mail: - [email protected]