CESTAT set aside the impugned order imposing differential duty,...

CESTAT set aside the impugned order imposing differential duty, penalties, and confiscation of imported LED panels and components. The Tribunal held that the adjudicating authority erroneously classified the goods as complete television sets without proper examination or inventory of the 171 consignments. Rule 2 of General Rules for Interpretation under Customs Tariff Act, 1975 was misapplied as no evidence established that imported components could be assembled into functional televisions through basic operations. The LED panels were entitled to exemption under N/N. 12/2012-Cus dated 17th March 2012. The classification as television sets lacked evidentiary support, and proper classification of individual parts was permissible. No misdeclaration occurred in the bills of entry. Appeal allowed.

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