Levy of service tax/IGST on ocean freight under CIF contracts is...

Levy of service tax/IGST on ocean freight under CIF contracts is not sustainable where the transporter is located outside the taxable territory; reverse charge cannot be imposed on an importer who is neither the service provider nor the service recipient, so notifications attempting to make importers liable under reverse charge exceed legislative and rule making powers. The composite supply principle bars a separate tax on the transport service component of a composite import transaction. Any demand issued under the impugned notifications is without authority; petitioner may seek refunds subject to statutory procedure and the doctrine of unjust enrichment.

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