The CESTAT upheld the classification of imported festival...

The CESTAT upheld the classification of imported festival balloons under CTH 9505 as non-durable festive articles, rejecting the department's restrictive interpretation of "Christmas" in the HSN Notes. The goods were found not to be toys under CTH 9503 but appropriately classified under CTH 9505, consistent with General Rules of Interpretation. Regarding valuation, the Tribunal found no proof of mis-declaration of quantity or value by the importer. The department failed to follow the sequential Customs Valuation Rules, conducted an improper market survey without importer representation, and applied incorrect valuation principles by selecting the highest instead of the lowest price and disallowing legitimate deductions. The valuation was thus held to violate principles of natural justice and established jurisprudence. Consequently, the appeal by Revenue was dismissed, affirming the classification and declared valuation.

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