Retention of seized documents under GST requires a valid seizure...

Retention of seized documents under GST requires a valid seizure authorisation and continuing necessity for proceedings under the Act. Sections 67(2) and 67(11) operate together: documents may be retained only when seized by a duly authorised official and required for GST proceedings. Where the underlying authorisation is withdrawn, the basis for seizure and consequential retention ceases, and the authorities cannot retain materials obtained during the inspection. The text states that all files and documents must be returned immediately and that a statement recorded during the inspection carries no legal consequence.