CESTAT set aside customs valuation order for imported used...

CESTAT set aside customs valuation order for imported used cranes where duty liability was reassessed at Rs. 161,61,899 with Rs. 95,91,518 as short-paid amount. Adjudicating authority committed gross error by inappropriately diverting Rs. 16,94,904 towards unconfirmed dues without proper reasoning or concurrent adjudication. Tribunal found re-assessment based solely on investigation statements improper without compliance with section 138B testing requirements and Customs Valuation Rules under section 14 of Customs Act 1962. Following precedent involving identical valuation issues, matter remanded to original authority for fresh value determination in accordance with Customs Valuation Rules 1988/2007. Appeal allowed by way of remand.

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