CESTAT adjudicated a customs duty exemption dispute involving...

CESTAT adjudicated a customs duty exemption dispute involving imported gold jewellery under India-Thailand preferential tariff agreement. The tribunal found that customs authorities failed to discharge their burden of proving the origin of seized jewellery. The presumption under section 123 of Customs Act, 1962 remained rebuttable, and absence of clear findings regarding document authenticity invalidated the original action. The tribunal emphasized adherence to treaty negotiation terms and procedural requirements. Consequently, the appeal was allowed, effectively quashing the customs duty assessment and restoring the importer's claim for preferential tariff exemption.