12. Dutiable goods.—(1) Except as otherwise provided in this Act, or any other law for the time
being in force, duties of customs shall be levied at such rates as may be specified under the 1
[Customs
Tariff Act, 1975 (51 of 1975)], or any other law for the time being in force, on goods imported into, or
exported from, India.
2
[(2) The provisions of sub-section (1) shall apply in respect of all goods belonging to Government
as they apply in respect of goods not belonging to Government.]
13. Duty on pilfered goods.—If any imported goods are pilfered after the unloading thereof and
before the proper officer has made an order for clearance for home consumption or deposit in a
warehouse, the importer shall not be liable to pay the duty leviable on such goods except where such
goods are restored to the importer after pilferage.
3
[14. Valuation of goods.—(1) For the purposes of the Customs Tariff Act, 1975 (51 of 1975), or
any other law for the time being in force, the value of the imported goods and export goods shall be the
transaction value of such goods, that is to say, the price actually paid or payable for the goods when sold
for export to India for delivery at the time and place of importation, or as the case may be, for export from
India for delivery at the time and place of exportation, where the buyer and seller of the goods are not
related and price is the sole consideration for the sale subject to such other conditions as may be specified
in the rules made in this behalf:
Provided that such transaction value in the case of imported goods shall include, in addition to the
price as aforesaid, any amount paid or payable for costs and services, including commissions and
1. Subs. by Act 51 of 1975, s. 13, for ―Indian Tariff Act, 1934 (32 of 1934)‖ (w.e.f. 2-8-1976).
2. Subs. by Act 30 of 1963, s. 2, for sub-section (2) (w.e.f. 1-10-1963).
3. Subs. by Act 22 of 2007, s. 95, for section 14 (w.e.f. 10-10-2007).
22
brokerage, engineering, design work, royalties and licence fees, costs of transportation to the place of
importation, insurance, loading, unloading and handling charges to the extent and in the manner specified
in the rules made in this behalf:
Provided further that the rules made in this behalf may provide for,—
(i) the circumstances in which the buyer and the seller shall be deemed to be related;
(ii) the manner of determination of value in respect of goods when there is no sale, or the buyer
and the seller are related, or price is not the sole consideration for the sale or in any other case;
(iii) the manner of acceptance or rejection of value declared by the importer or exporter, as
the case may be, where the proper officer has reason to doubt the truth or accuracy of such value, and
determination of value for the purposes of this section:
Provided also that such price shall be calculated with reference to the rate of exchange as in force on
the date on which a bill of entry is presented under section 46, or a shipping bill of export, as the case
may be, is presented under section 50.
(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1), if the Board is satisfied that it is necessary
or expedient so to do, it may, by notification in the Official Gazette, fix tariff values for any class of
imported goods or export goods, having regard to the trend of value of such or like goods, and where any
such tariff values are fixed, the duty shall be chargeable with reference to such tariff value.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this section—
(a) ―rate of exchange‖ means the rate of exchange—
(i) determined by the Board, or
(ii) ascertained in such manner as the Board may direct,
for the conversion of Indian currency into foreign currency or foreign currency into Indian currency;
(b) ―foreign currency‖ and ―Indian currency‖ have the meanings respectively assigned to them
in clause (m) and clause (q) of section 2 of the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999
(42 of 1999).]
15. Date for determination of rate of duty and tariff valuation of imported goods.—
(1)
1
[The rate of duty 2
***] and tariff valuation, if any, applicable to any imported goods, shall be the
rate and valuation in force,—
(a) in the case of goods entered for home consumption under section 46, on the date on which a
bill of entry in respect of such goods is presented under that section;
(b) in the case of goods cleared from a warehouse under section 68, on the date on which 3
[a bill
of entry for home consumption in respect of such goods is presented under that section];
(c) in the case of any other goods, on the date of payment of duty:
4
[Provided that if a bill of entry has been presented before the date of entry inwards of the vessel or
the arrival of the aircraft 5
[or the vehicle] by which the goods are imported, the bill of entry shall be
deemed to have been presented on the date of such entry inwards or the arrival, as the case may be.]
(2) The provisions of this section shall not apply to baggage and goods imported by post.
1. Subs. by Act 20 of 1966, s. 3, for ―The rate of duty‖ (w.e.f. 31-8-1966).
2. The words ―, rate of exchange‖ omitted by Act 25 of 1978, s. 4 (w.e.f. 1-7-1978).
3. Subs. by Act 32 of 2003, s. 106, for ―the goods are actually removed from the warehouse‖ (w.e.f. 14-5-2003).
4. Subs. by Act 33 of 1996, s. 59, for the proviso (w.e.f. 28-9-1996).
5. Ins. by Act 25 of 2014, s. 80 (w.e.f. 6-8-2014).
23
1
* * * * *
16. Date for determination of rate of duty and tariff valuation of export goods.—2
[(1) The rate
of duty and tariff valuation, if any, applicable to any export goods, shall be the rate and valuation in
force,—
(a) in the case of goods entered for export under section 50, on the date on which the proper
officer makes an order permitting clearance and loading of the goods for exportation under
section 51;
(b) in the case of any other goods, on the date of payment of duty.]
(2) The provisions of this section shall not apply to baggage and goods exported by post.
3
[17. Assessment of duty.—(1) An importer entering any imported goods under section 46, or an
exporter entering any export goods under section 50, shall, save as otherwise provided in section 85,
self-assess the duty, if any, leviable on such goods.
(2) The proper officer may verify 4
[the entries made under section 46 or section 50 and the
self-assessment of goods referred to in sub-section (1)] and for this purpose, examine or test any imported
goods or export goods or such part thereof as may be necessary.
5
[Provided that the selection of cases for verification shall primarily be on the basis of risk evaluation
through appropriate selection criteria.]
6
[(3) For 7
[the purposes of verification] under sub-section (2), the proper officer may require the
importer, exporter or any other person to produce any document or information, whereby the duty
leviable on the imported goods or export goods, as the case may be, can be ascertained and thereupon, the
importer, exporter or such other person shall produce such document or furnish such information.]
(4) Where it is found on verification, examination or testing of the goods or otherwise that the
self- assessment is not done correctly, the proper officer may, without prejudice to any other action which
may be taken under this Act, re-assess the duty leviable on such goods.
(5) Where any re-assessment done under sub-section (4) is contrary to the self-assessment done by
the importer or exporter 8
*** and in cases other than those where the importer or exporter, as the case
may be, confirms his acceptance of the said re-assessment in writing, the proper officer shall pass a
speaking order on the re-assessment, within fifteen days from the date of
re-assessment of the bill of entry or the shipping bill, as the case may be.
9
* * * * *
Explanation.—For the removal of doubts, it is hereby declared that in cases where an importer has
entered any imported goods under section 46 or an exporter has entered any export goods under section
50 before the date on which the Finance Bill, 2011 receives the assent of the President, such imported
goods or export goods shall continue to be governed by the provisions of section 17 as it stood
immediately before the date on which such assent is received.]
1. Sub-Section (3) omitted by Act 25 of 1978, s. 4 (w.e.f. 1-7-1978). Earlier sub-section (3) inserted by Act 20 of 1966, s. 3
(w.e.f. 31-8-1966).
2. Subs. by Act 23 of 1986, s. 50, for sub-section (1) (w.e.f. 13-5-1986).
3. Subs. by Act 8 of 2011, s. 38, for section 17 (w.e.f. 8-4-2011).
4. Subs. by Act 13 of 2018, s. 60, for ―the self-assessment of such goods‖ (w.e.f. 28-3-2018).
5. Ins. by s. 60, ibid. (w.e.f. 28-3-2018).
6. Subs. by Act 7 of 2017, s. 91, for sub-section (3) (w.e.f. 31-3-2017).
7. Subs. by Act 13 of 2018, s. 60, for ―verification of self-assessment‖ (w.e.f. 28-3-2018).
8. The words ―regarding valuation of goods, classification, exemption or concessions of duty availed consequent to any
notification issued therefor under this Act‖ omitted by s. 60, ibid. (w.e.f. 28-3-2018).
9. Sub-section (6) omitted by s. 60, ibid. (w.e.f. 28-3-2018).
24
18. Provisional assessment of duty—1
[(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act but
without prejudice to the provisions of section 46 2
[and section 50],—
(a) where the importer or exporter is unable to make self-assessment under sub-section (1) of
section 17 and makes a request in writing to the proper officer for assessment; or
(b) where the proper officer deems it necessary to subject any imported goods or export goods to
any chemical or other test; or
(c) where the importer or exporter has produced all the necessary documents and furnished full
information but the proper officer deems it necessary to make further enquiry; or
(d) where necessary documents have not been produced or information has not been furnished
and the proper officer deems it necessary to make further enquiry,
the proper officer may direct that the duty leviable on such goods be assessed provisionally if the importer
or the exporter, as the case may be, furnishes such security as the proper officer deems fit for the payment
of the deficiency, if any, between the duty as may be finally assessed or re-assessed as the case may be,
and the duty provisionally assessed.]
2
[(1A) Where, pursuant to the provisional assessment under sub-section (1), if any document or
information is required by the proper officer for final assessment, the importer or exporter, as the case
may be, shall submit such document or information within such time, and the proper officer shall finalise
the provisional assessment within such time and in such manner, as may be prescribed.]
(2) When the duty leviable on such goods is assessed finally 3
[or re-assessed by the proper officer] in
accordance with the provisions of this Act, then—
(a) in the case of goods cleared for home consumption or exportation, the amount paid shall be
adjusted against the duty 4
[finally assessed or re-assessed, as the case may be,] and if the amount so
paid falls short of, or is in excess of 5
[the duty 4
[finally assessed or re-assessed, as the case may
be,]], the importer or the exporter of the goods shall pay the deficiency or be entitled to a refund, as
the case may be;
(b) in the case of warehoused goods, the proper officer may, where the duty 4
[finally assessed or
re-assessed, as the case may be,] is in excess of the duty provisionally assessed, require the importer
to execute a bond, binding himself in a sum equal to twice the amount of the excess duty.
6
[(3) The importer or exporter shall be liable to pay interest, on any amount payable to the Central
Government, consequent to the final assessment order 3
[or re-assessment order] under sub-section (2), at
the rate fixed by the Central Government under section 7
[28AA] from the first day of the month in which
the duty is provisionally assessed till the date of payment thereof.]
(4) Subject the sub-section (5), if any refundable amount referred to in clause (a) of sub-section (2)
is not refunded under that sub-section within three months from the date of assessment, of duty
finally 3
[or re-assessment of duty, as the case may be,] there shall be paid an interest on such un-refunded
amount at such rate fixed by the Central Government under section 27A till the date of refund of such
amount.]
1. Subs. by Act 8 of 2011, s. 39, for sub-section (1) (w.e.f. 8-4-2011).
2. Ins. by Act 13 of 2018, s. 61 (w.e.f. 28-3-2018).
3. Ins. by Act 8 of 2011, s. 39 (w.e.f. 8-4-2011).
4. Subs. by s. 39, ibid., for ―finally assessed‖ (w.e.f. 8-4-2011).
5. Subs. by Act 56 of 1974, s. 3 and the Second Schedule, for ―the finally assessed‖ (w.e.f. 20-12-1974).
6. Ins. by Act 29 of 2006, s. 21 (w.e.f. 13-7-2006).
7. Subs. by Act 13 of 2018, s. 61, for ―28AB‖ (w.e.f. 8-4-2011).
25
(5) The amount of duty refundable under sub-section (2) and the interest under sub-section (4), if
any, shall, instead of being credited to the Fund, be paid to the importer or the exporter, as the case may
be, if such amount is relatable to—
(a) the duty and interest, if any, paid on such duty paid by the importer, or the exporter, as the
case may be, if he had not passed on the incidence of such duty and interest, if any, paid on such duty
to any other person;
(b) the duty and interest, if any, paid on such duty on imports made by an individual for his
personal use;
(c) the duty and interest, if any, paid on such duty borne by the buyer, if he had not passed on the
incidence of such duty and interest, if any, paid on such duty to any other person;
(d) the export duty as specified in section 26;
(e) drawback of duty payable under sections 74 and 75.]
19. Determination of duty where goods consist of articles liable to different rates of duty.—
Except as otherwise provided in any law for the time being in force, where goods consist of a set of
articles, duty shall be calculated as follows:—
(a) articles liable to duty with reference to quantity shall be chargeable to that duty;
(b) articles liable to duty with reference to value shall, if they are liable to duty at the same rate,
be chargeable to duty at that rate, and if they are liable to duty at different rates, be chargeable to duty
at the highest of such rates;
(c) articles not liable to duty shall be chargeable to duty at the rate at which articles liable to duty
with reference to value are liable under clause (b):
Provided that, —
(a) accessories of, and spare parts or maintenance and repairing implements for, any article which
satisfy the conditions specified in the rules made in this behalf shall be chargeable at the same rate of
duty as that article;
(b) if the importer produces evidence to the satisfaction of the proper officer 1
[or the evidence is
available] regarding the value of any of the articles liable to different rates of duty, such article shall
be chargeable to duty separately at the rate applicable to it.
2
[20. Re-importation of goods.—If goods are imported into India after exportation therefrom, such
goods shall be liable to duty and be subject to all the conditions and restrictions, if any, to which goods of
the like kind and value are liable or subject, on the importation thereof:]
3
[* * * * *]
21. Goods derelict, wreck, etc.—All goods, derelict, jetsam, flotsam and wreck brought or coming
into India, shall be dealt with as if they were imported into India, unless it be shown to the satisfaction of
the proper officer that they are entitled to be admitted duty-free under this Act.
22. Abatement of duty on damaged or deteriorated goods.—(1) Where it is shown to the
satisfaction of the 4
[Assistant Commissioner of Customs or Deputy Commissioner of Customs]—
(a) that any imported goods had been damaged or had deteriorated at any time before or during
the unloading of the goods in India; or
(b) that any imported goods, other than warehoused goods, had been damaged at any time after
the unloading thereof in India but before their examination under section 17, on account of any
accident not due to any wilful act, negligence or default of the importer, his employee or agent; or
1. Ins. by Act 8 of 2011, s. 40 (w.e.f. 8-4-2011).
2. Subs. by Act 32 of 1994, s. 60, for section 20 (w.e.f. 13-5-1994).
3. The provisos and the Explanations omitted by Act 22 of 1995, s. 53 (w.e.f. 26-5-1995).
4. Subs. by Act 27 of 1999, s. 100, for ―Assistant Commissioner of Customs‖ (w.e.f. 11-5-1999).
26
(c) that any warehoused goods had been damaged at any time before clearance for home
consumption on account of any accident not due to any wilful act, negligence or default of the owner,
his employee or agent,
such goods shall be chargeable to duty in accordance with the provisions of sub-section (2).
(2) The duty to be charged on the goods referred to in sub-section (1) shall bear the same proportion
to the duty chargeable on the goods before the damage or deterioration which the value of the damaged or
deteriorated goods bears to the value of the goods before the damage or deterioration.
(3) For the purposes of this section, the value of damaged or deteriorated goods may be ascertained
by either of the following methods at the option of the owner:—
(a) the value of such goods may be ascertained by the proper officer, or
(b) such goods may be sold by the proper officer by public auction or by tender, or with the
consent of the owner in any other manner, and the gross sale proceeds shall be deemed to be the value
of such goods.
23. Remission of duty on lost, destroyed or abandoned goods.—(1)
1
[Without prejudice to the
provisions of section 13, where it is shown] to the satisfaction of the 2
[Assistant Commissioner of
Customs or Deputy Commissioner of Customs] that any imported goods have been lost 3
[(otherwise than
as a result of pilferage)] or destroyed, at any time before clearance for home consumption, the 2
[Assistant
Commissioner of Customs or Deputy Commissioner of Customs] shall remit the duty on such goods.
4
[(2) The owner of any imported goods may, at any time before an order for clearance of goods for
home consumption under section 47 or an order for permitting the deposit of goods in a warehouse under
section 60 has been made, relinquish his title to the goods and thereupon he shall not be liable to pay the
duty thereon;]
5
[Provided that the owner of any such imported goods shall not be allowed to relinquish his title to
such goods regarding which an offence appears to have been committed under this Act or any other law
for the time being in force.]
24. Power to make rules for denaturing or mutilation of goods.—The Central Government may
make rules for permitting at the request of the owner the denaturing or mutilation of imported goods
which are ordinarily used for more than one purpose so as to render them unfit for one or more of such
purposes; and where any goods are so denatured or mutilated they shall be chargeable to duty at such rate
as would be applicable if the goods had been imported in the denatured or mutilated form.
25. Power to grant exemption from duty.—(1) If the Central Government is satisfied that it is
necessary in the public interest so to do, it may, by notification in the Official Gazette, exempt generally
either absolutely or subject to such conditions (to be fulfilled before or after clearance) as may be
specified in the notification goods of any specified description from the whole or any part of duty of
customs leviable thereon.
6
[(2) If the Central Government is satisfied that it is necessary in the public interest so to do, it may,
may, by special order in each case, exempt from the payment of duty, under circumstances of an
exceptional nature to be stated in such order, any goods on which duty is leviable.]
7
[(2A) The Central Government may, if it considers it necessary or expedient so to do for the purpose
purpose of clarifying the scope or applicability of any notification issued under sub-section (1) or order
issued under sub-section (2), insert an explanation in such notification or order, as the case may be, by
notification in the Official Gazette, at any time within one year of issue of the notification under
1. Subs. by Act 11 of 1983, s. 48, for ―Where it is shown‖ (w.e.f. 13-5-1983).
2. Subs. by Act 27 of 1999, s. 100, for ―Assistant Commissioner of Customs‖ (w.e.f. 11-5-1999).
3. Ins. by Act 11 of 1983, s. 48 (w.e.f. 13-5-1983).
4. Subs. by Act 32 of 1994, s. 60, for sub-section (2) (w.e.f. 13-5-1994).
5. The proviso ins. by Act 21 of 2006, s. 58 (w.e.f. 18-4-2006).
6. Subs. by Act 32 of 2003, s. 107, for sub-section (2) (w.e.f. 14-5-2003).
7. Ins. by Act 20 of 2002, s. 119 (w.e.f. 11-5-2002).
27
sub-section (1) or order under sub-section (2), and every such explanation shall have effect as if it had
always been the part of the first such notification or order, as the case may be.]
1
[(3) An exemption under sub-section (1) or sub-section (2) in respect of any goods from any part of
the duty of customs leviable thereon (the duty of customs leviable thereon being hereinafter referred to as
the statutory duty) may be granted by providing for the levy of a duty on such goods at a rate expressed in
a form or method different from the form or method in which the statutory duty is leviable and any
exemption granted in relation to any goods in the manner provided in this sub-section shall have effect
subject to the condition that the duty of customs chargeable on such goods shall in no case exceed the
statutory duty.
Explanation.—”Form or method‖, in relation to a rate of duty of customs, means the basis, namely,
valuation, weight, number, length, area, volume or other measure with reference to which the duty
is leviable.]
2
[(4) Every notification issued under sub-section (1) or sub-section (2A) shall, unless otherwise
provided, come into force on the date of its issue by the Central Government for publication in the
Official Gazette.]
3
* * * * *
4
[(6) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, no duty shall be collected if the amount of
duty leviable is equal to, or less than, one hundred rupees.]
5
[(7) The mineral oils (including petroleum and natural gas) extracted or produced in the continental
continental shelf of India or exclusive economic zone of India as referred to in section 6 and section 7,
respectively, of the Territorial Waters, Continental Shelf, Exclusive Economic Zone and Other Maritime
Zones
Act, 1976 (80 of 1976), and imported prior to the 7th day of February, 2002 shall be deemed to be and
shall always be deemed to have been exempted from the whole of the duties of customs leviable on such
mineral oils and accordingly, notwithstanding anything contained in any judgment, decree or order of any
court, tribunal or other authority, no suit or other proceedings in respect of such mineral oils shall be
maintained or continued in any court, tribunal or other authority.
(8) Notwithstanding the exemption provided under sub-section (7), no refund of duties of customs
paid in respect of the mineral oils specified therein shall be made.]
6
[25A. Inward processing of goods.—Where the Central Government is satisfied that it is necessary
in the public interest so to do, it may, by notification, exempt such of the goods which are imported for
the purposes of repair, further processing or manufacture, as may be specified therein, from the whole or
any part of duty of customs leviable thereon, subject to the following conditions, namely:—
(a) the goods shall be re-exported after such repair, further processing or manufacture, as the case
may be, within a period of one year from the date on which the order for clearance of the imported
goods is made;
1. Ins. by Act 11 of 1983, s. 49 (w.e.f. 13-5-1983).
2. Subs. by Act 28 of 2016, s. 119, for sub-section (4) (w.e.f. 14-5-2016).
3. Sub-section (5) omitted by, s. 119, ibid. (w.e.f. 14-5-2016).
4. Ins. by Act 32 of 2003, s. 107, (w.e.f. 14-5-2003).
5. Ins. by Act 25 of 2014, s. 81, (w.e.f. 6-8-2014).
6. Ins. by Act 13 of 2018, s. 62 (w.e.f. 28-3-2018).
28
(b) the imported goods are identifiable in the export goods; and
(c) such other conditions as may be specified in that notification.
25B. Outward processing of goods.—Notwithstanding anything contained in section 20, where the
Central Government is satisfied that it is necessary in the public interest so to do, it may, by notification,
exempt such of the goods which are re-imported after being exported for the purposes of repair, further
processing or manufacture, as may be specified therein, from the whole or any part of duty of customs
leviable thereon, subject to the following conditions, namely:—
(a) the goods shall be re-imported into India after such repair, further processing or manufacture,
as the case may be, within a period of one year from the date on which the order permitting clearance
for export is made;
(b) the exported goods are identifiable in the re-imported goods; and
(c) such other conditions as may be specified in that notification.]
26. Refund of export duty in certain cases. —Where on the exportation of any goods any duty has
been paid, such duty shall be refunded to the person by whom or on whose behalf it was paid, if —
(a) the goods are returned to such person otherwise than by way of re-sale;
(b) the goods are re-imported within one year from the date of exportation; and
(c) an application for refund of such duty is made before the expiry of six months from the date
on which the proper officer makes an order for the clearance of the goods.
1
[26A. Refund of import duty in certain cases.—(1) Where on the importation of any goods
capable of being easily identified as such imported goods, any duty has been paid on clearance of such
goods for home consumption, such duty shall be refunded to the person by whom or on whose behalf it
was paid, if—
(a) the goods are found to be defective or otherwise not in conformity with the specifications
agreed upon between the importer and the supplier of goods:
Provided that the goods have not been worked, repaired or used after importation except where
such use was indispensable to discover the defects or non-conformity with the specifications;
(b) the goods are identified to the satisfaction of the Assistant Commissioner of Customs or
Deputy Commissioner of Customs as the goods which were imported;
(c) the importer does not claim drawback under any other provisions of this Act; and
(d) (i) the goods are exported; or
(ii) the importer relinquishes his title to the goods and abandons them to customs; or
(iii) such goods are destroyed or rendered commercially valueless in the presence of the
proper officer,
1. Ins. by Act 33 of 2009, s. 85 (w.e.f. 19-8-2009).
29
in such manner as may be prescribed and within a period not exceeding thirty days from the date on
which the proper officer makes an order for the clearance of imported goods for home consumption under
section 47:
Provided that the period of thirty days may, on sufficient cause being shown, be extended by the
1
[Principal Commissioner of Customs or Commissioner of Customs] for a period not exceeding three
months:
Provided further that nothing contained in this section shall apply to the goods regarding which an
offence appears to have been committed under this Act or any other law for the time being in force.
(2) An application for refund of duty shall be made before the expiry of six months from the relevant
date in such form and in such manner as may be prescribed.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this sub-section, ―relevant date‖ means, —
(a) in cases where the goods are exported out of India, the date on which the proper officer
makes an order permitting clearance and loading of goods for exportation under section 51;
(b) in cases where the title to the goods is relinquished, the date of such relinquishment;
(c) in cases where the goods are destroyed or rendered commercially valueless, the date of such
destruction or rendering of goods commercially valueless.
(3) No refund under sub-section (1) shall be allowed in respect of perishable goods and goods
which have exceeded their shelf life or their recommended storage-before-use period.
(4) The Board may, by notification in the Official Gazette, specify any other condition subject to
which the refund under sub-section (1) may be allowed.]
2
[27. Claim for refund of duty.—3
[(1) Any person claiming refund of any duty or interest, —
(a) paid by him; or
(b) borne by him,
may make an application in such form and manner as may be prescribed for such refund to the Assistant
Commissioner of Customs or Deputy Commissioner of Customs, before the expiry of one year, from the
date of payment of such duty or interest:
Provided that where an application for refund has been made before the date on which the Finance
Bill, 2011 receives the assent of the President, such application shall be deemed to have been made under
sub-section (1), as it stood before the date on which the Finance Bill, 2011 receives the assent of the
President and the same shall be dealt with in accordance with the provisions of sub-section (2):
1. Subs. by Act 25 of 2014, s. 78, for ―Commissioner of Customs‖ (w.e.f. 6-8-2014).
2. Subs. by Act 40 of 1991, s. 10, for section 27 (w.e.f. 20-9-1991).
3. Subs. by Act 8 of 2011, s. 41, for sub-section (1) (w.e.f. 8-4-2011).
30
Provided further that the limitation of one year shall not apply where any duty or interest has been
paid under protest.
1
[Provided also that where the amount of refund claimed is less than rupees one hundred, the same
shall not be refunded.]
Explanation.—For the purposes of this sub-section, ―the date of payment of duty or interest‖ in
relation to a person, other than the importer, shall be construed as ―the date of purchase of goods‖ by such
person.
(1A) The application under sub-section (1) shall be accompanied by such documentary or other
evidence (including the documents referred to in section 28C) as the applicant may furnish to establish
that the amount of duty or interest, in relation to which such refund is claimed was collected from, or paid
by him and the incidence of such duty or interest, has not been passed on by him to any other person.
(1B) Save as otherwise provided in this section, the period of limitation of one year shall be
computed in the following manner, namely:—
(a) in the case of goods which are exempt from payment of duty by a special order issued under
sub-section (2) of section 25, the limitation of one year shall be computed from the date of issue of
such order;
(b) where the duty becomes refundable as a consequence of any judgment, decree, order or
direction of the appellate authority, Appellate Tribunal or any court, the limitation of one year shall
be computed from the date of such judgment, decree, order or direction;
(c) where any duty is paid provisionally under section 18, the limitation of one year shall be
computed from the date of adjustment of duty after the final assessment thereof or in case of
re-assessment, from the date of such re-assessment.]
(2) If, on receipt of any such application, the 2
[Assistant Commissioner of Customs or Deputy
Commissioner of Customs] is satisfied that the whole or any part of the 3
[duty and interest, if any, paid on
such duty] paid by the applicant is refundable, he may make an order accordingly and the amount so
determined shall be credited to the Fund:
Provided that the amount of 3
[duty and interest, if any, paid on such duty] as determined by
the 2
[Assistant Commissioner of Customs or Deputy Commissioner of Customs] under the foregoing
provisions of this sub-section shall, instead of being credited to the Fund, be paid to the applicant, if such
amount is relatable to —
(a) the 3
[duty and interest, if any, paid on such duty] paid by the importer, 4
[or the exporter, as the
case may be] if he had not passed on the incidence of such 3
[duty and interest, if any, paid on such duty]
to any other person;
(b) the 3
[duty and interest, if any, paid on such duty] on imports made by an individual for his
personal use;
1. Ins. by Act 17 of 2013, s. 65 (w.e.f. 10-5-2013).
2. Subs. by Act 27 of 1999, s. 100, for ―Assistant Commissioner of Customs‖ (w.e.f. 11-5-1999).
3. Subs. by Act 55 of 1991, s. 2, for ―duty‖ (w.e.f. 23-12-1991).
4. Ins. by Act 32 of 2003, s. 108, (w.e.f. 14-5-2003).
31
(c) the 1
[duty and interest, if any, paid on such duty] borne by the buyer, if he had not passed on the
incidence of such 1
[duty and interest, if any, paid on such duty] to any other person;
(d) the export duty as specified in section 26;
(e) drawback of duty payable under sections 74 and 75;
(f) the 1
[duty and interest, if any, paid on such duty] borne by any other such class of applicants as
the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, specify;
2
[(g) the duty paid in excess by the importer before an order permitting clearance of goods for home
consumption is made where—
(i) such excess payment of duty is evident from the bill of entry in the case of self-assessed bill of
entry; or
(ii) the duty actually payable is reflected in the reassessed bill of entry in the case of
reassessment:]
Provided further that no notification under clause (f) of the first proviso shall be issued unless in the
opinion of the Central Government the incidence of 1
[duty and interest, if any, paid on such duty] has not
been passed on by the persons concerned to any other person.
(3) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in any judgment, decree, order or direction of
the Appellate Tribunal, 3
[National Tax Tribunal] or any Court or in any other provision of this Act or the
regulations made thereunder or any other law for the time being in force, no refund shall be made except
as provided in sub-section (2).
(4) Every notification under clause (f) of the first proviso to sub-section (2) shall be laid before each
House of Parliament, if it is sitting, as soon as may be after the issue of the notification, and, if it is not
sitting, within seven days of its re-assembly, and the Central Government shall seek the approval of
Parliament to the notification by a resolution moved within a period of fifteen days beginning with the
day on which the notification is so laid before the House of the People and if Parliament makes any
modification in the notification or directs that the notification should cease to have effect, the notification
shall thereafter have effect only in such modified form or be of no effect, as the case may be, but without
prejudice to the validity of anything previously done thereunder.
(5) For the removal of doubts, it is hereby declared that any notification issued under clause (f) of
the first proviso to sub-section (2), including any such notification approved or modified under
sub-section (4), may be rescinded by the Central Government at any time by notification in the Official
Gazette.]
4
[27A. Interest on delayed refunds.—If any duty ordered to be refunded under sub-section (2) of
section 27 to an applicant is not refunded within three months from the date of receipt of application
under sub-section (1) of that section, there shall be paid to that applicant interest at such rate, 5
[ not below
five per cent.] and not exceeding thirty per cent. per annum as is for the time being fixed 6
[by the Central
1. Subs. by Act 55 of 1991, s. 2, for ―duty‖ (w.e.f. 23-12-1991).
2. Ins. by Act 7 of 2017, s. 92 (w.e.f. 31-3-2017).
3. Ins. by Act 49 of 2005, s. 30 and the Schedule, Part VI (w.e.f. 28-12-2005). This amendment has been struck down by the
Supreme Court’s order dated 25th September, 2014 in the Madras Bar Association Vs Union of India.
4. Ins. by Act 22 of 1995, s. 55 (w.e.f. 26-5-1995).
5. Subs. by Act 14 of 2001, s. 102, for ―not below ten per cent.‖ (w.e.f. 11-5-2001).
6. Subs. by Act 10 of 2000, s. 78, for ―by the Board‖ (w.e.f. 12-5-2000).
32
Government by Notification in the Official Gazette], on such duty from the date immediately after the
expiry of three months from the date of receipt of such application till the date of refund of such duty:
Provided that where any duty, ordered to be refunded under sub-section (2) of section 27 in respect of
an application under sub-section (1) of that section made before the date on which the Finance Bill, 1995
receives the assent of the President, is not refunded within three months from such date, there shall be
paid to the applicant interest under this section from the date immediately after three months from such
date, till the date of refund of such duty.
Explanation.—Where any order of refund is made by the Commissioner (Appeals), Appellate
Tribunal 1
[, National Tax Tribunal] or any court against an order of the 2
[Assistant Commissioner of
Customs or Deputy Commissioner of Customs] under sub-section (2) of section 27, the order passed by
the Commissioner (Appeals), Appellate Tribunal 1
[, National Tax Tribunal] Tribunal or as the case may
be, by the court shall be deemed to be an order passed under that sub-section for the purposes of this
section.]
3
[28. Recovery of 4
[duties not levied or not paid or short-levied or short-paid] or erroneously
refunded.—(1) Where any 5
[duty has not been levied or not paid or short-levied or short-paid] or
erroneously refunded, or any interest payable has not been paid, part-paid or erroneously refunded, for
any reason other than the reasons of collusion or any wilful mis-statement or suppression of facts, —
(a) the proper officer shall, within 6
[two years] from the relevant date, serve notice on the person
chargeable with the duty or interest which has not been so levied 7
[or paid] or which has been
short-levied or short-paid or to whom the refund has erroneously been made, requiring him to show
cause why he should not pay the amount specified in the notice:
8
[Provided that before issuing notice, the proper officer shall hold pre-notice consultation with the
the person chargeable with duty or interest in such manner as may be prescribed;]
(b) the person chargeable with the duty or interest, may pay before service of notice under
clause (a) on the basis of, —
(i) his own ascertainment of such duty; or
(ii) the duty ascertained by the proper officer,
the amount of duty along with the interest payable thereon under section 28AA or the amount of
interest which has not been so paid or part-paid.
9
[Provided that the proper officer shall not serve such show cause notice, where the amount involved
is less than rupees one hundred.]
1. Ins. by Act 49 of 2005, s. 30 and the Schedule, Part VI (w.e.f. 28-12-2005). This amendment has been struck down by the
Supreme Court’s order dated 25th September, 2014 in the Madras Bar Association Vs Union of India.
2. Subs. by Act 27 of 1999, s. 100, for ―Assistant Commissioner of Customs‖ (w.e.f. 11-5-1999).
3. Subs. by Act 8 of 2011, s. 42, for section 28 (w.e.f. 8-4-2011).
4. Subs. by Act 28 of 2016, s. 120, for ―duties not levied or short- levied‖ (w.e.f. 14-5-2016).
5. Subs. by s. 120, ibid., for ―duty has not been levied or has been short-levied‖ (w.e.f. 14-5-2016).
6. Subs. by s. 120, ibid., for ―one year‖ (w.e.f. 14-5-2016).
7. Ins. by s. 120, ibid. (w.e.f. 14-5-2016).
8. Ins. by Act 13 of 2018, s. 63 (w.e.f. 28-3-2018).
9. The proviso ins. by Act 17 of 2013, s. 66 (w.e.f. 10-5-2013).
33
(2) The person who has paid the duty along with interest or amount of interest under clause (b) of
sub-section (1) shall inform the proper officer of such payment in writing, who, on receipt of such
information, shall not serve any notice under clause (a) of that sub-section in respect of the duty or
interest so paid or any penalty leviable under the provisions of this Act or the rules made thereunder in
respect of such duty or interest:
1
[Provided that where notice under clause (a) of sub-section (1) has been served and the proper
officer is of the opinion that the amount of duty along with interest payable thereon under section 28AA
or the amount of interest, as the case may be, as specified in the notice, has been paid in full within thirty
days from the date of receipt of the notice, no penalty shall be levied and the proceedings against such
person or other persons to whom the said notice is served under clause (a) of sub-section (1) shall be
deemed to be concluded.]
(3) Where the proper officer is of the opinion that the amount paid under clause (b) of sub-section (1)
falls short of the amount actually payable, then, he shall proceed to issue the notice as provided for in
clause (a) of that sub-section in respect of such amount which falls short of the amount actually payable
in the manner specified under that sub-section and the period of 2
[two years] shall be computed from the
date of receipt of information under sub-section (2).
(4) Where any duty has not been 3
[levied or not paid or has been short-levied or short-paid]
or erroneously refunded, or interest payable has not been paid, part-paid or erroneously refunded, by
reason of,—
(a) collusion; or
(b) any wilful mis-statement; or
(c) suppression of facts,
by the importer or the exporter or the agent or employee of the importer or exporter, the proper officer
shall, within five years from the relevant date, serve notice on the person chargeable with duty or interest
which has not been 4
[so levied or not paid] or which has been so short-levied or short-paid or to whom the
the refund has erroneously been made, requiring him to show cause why he should not pay the amount
specified in the notice.
(5) Where any 5
[duty has not been levied or not paid or has been short-levied or short paid] or the
interest has not been charged or has been part-paid or the duty or interest has been erroneously refunded
by reason of collusion or any wilful mis-statement or suppression of facts by the importer or the exporter
or the agent or the employee of the importer or the exporter, to whom a notice has been served under
sub- section (4) by the proper officer, such person may pay the duty in full or in part, as may be accepted
by him, and the interest payable thereon under section 28AA and the penalty equal to 6
[fifteen per cent.]
of the duty specified in the notice or the duty so accepted by that person, within thirty days of the receipt
of the notice and inform the proper officer of such payment in writing.
1. Ins. by Act 20 of 2015, s. 82 (w.e.f. 14-5-2015)
2. Subs. by Act 28 of 2016, s. 120, for ―one year‖ (w.e.f. 14-5-2016).
3. Subs. by s. 120, ibid., for ―levied or has been short levied‖ (w.e.f. 14-5-2016).
4. Subs. by s. 120, ibid., for ―so levied‖ (w.e.f. 14-5-2016).
5. Subs by s. 120, ibid., for ―duty has not been levied or has been short levied‖ (w.e.f. 14-5-2016).
6. Subs. by Act 20 of 2015, s. 82, for ―twenty-five per cent.‖ (w.e.f. 14-5-2015).
34
(6) Where the importer or the exporter or the agent or the employee of the importer or the exporter,
as the case may be, has paid duty with interest and penalty under sub-section (5), the proper officer shall
determine the amount of duty or interest and on determination, if the proper officer is of the opinion —
(i) that the duty with interest and penalty has been paid in full, then, the proceedings in respect of
such person or other persons to whom the notice is served under sub-section (1) or sub- section (4),
shall, without prejudice to the provisions of sections 135, 135A and 140 be deemed to be conclusive
as to the matters stated therein; or
(ii) that the duty with interest and penalty that has been paid falls short of the amount actually
payable, then, the proper officer shall proceed to issue the notice as provided for in clause (a) of
sub-section (1) in respect of such amount which falls short of the amount actually payable in the
manner specified under that sub-section and the period of 1
[two years] shall be computed from the
date of receipt of information under sub-section (5).
(7) In computing the period of 1
[two years] referred to in clause (a) of sub-section (1) or five years
referred to in sub-section (4), the period during which there was any stay by an order of a court or
tribunal in respect of payment of such duty or interest shall be excluded.
2
[(7A) Save as otherwise provided in clause (a) of sub-section (1) or in sub-section (4), the proper
officer may issue a supplementary notice under such circumstances and in such manner as may be
prescribed, and the provisions of this section shall apply to such supplementary notice as if it was issued
under the said sub-section (1) or sub-section (4).]
(8) The proper officer shall, after allowing the concerned person an opportunity of being heard and
after considering the representation, if any, made by such person, determine the amount of duty or interest
due from such person not being in excess of the amount specified in the notice.
(9) The proper officer shall determine the amount of duty or interest under sub-section (8),—
(a) within six months from the date of notice, 3
*** in respect of cases falling under clause (a) of
sub- section (1);
(b) within one year from the date of notice, 3
*** in respect of cases falling under sub-section (4).
2
[Provided that where the proper officer fails to so determine within the specified period, any officer
senior in rank to the proper officer may, having regard to the circumstances under which the proper
officer was prevented from determining the amount of duty or interest under sub-section (8), extend the
period specified in clause (a) to a further period of six months and the period specified in clause (b) to a
further period of one year:
Provided further that where the proper officer fails to determine within such extended period, such
proceeding shall be deemed to have concluded as if no notice had been issued;]
2
[(9A) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (9), where the proper officer is unable to
determine the amount of duty or interest under sub-section (8) for the reason that—
(a) an appeal in a similar matter of the same person or any other person is pending before the
Appellate Tribunal or the High Court or the Supreme Court; or
1. Subs. by Act 28 of 2016, s. 120 for ―one year‖ (w.e.f. 14-5-2016).
2. Ins. by Act 13 of 2018, s. 63 (w.e.f. 28-3-2018).
3. The words ―where it is possible to do so‖ omitted by s. 63, ibid. (w.e.f. 28-3-2018).
35
(b) an interim order of stay has been issued by the Appellate Tribunal or the High Court or the
Supreme Court; or
(c) the Board has, in a similar matter, issued specific direction or order to keep such matter
pending; or
(d) the Settlement Commission has admitted an application made by the person concerned,
the proper officer shall inform the person concerned the reason for non-determination of the amount of
duty or interest under sub-section (8) and in such case, the time specified in sub-section (9) shall apply
not from the date of notice, but from the date when such reason ceases to exist.]
(10) Where an order determining the duty is passed by the proper officer under this section, the
person liable to pay the said duty shall pay the amount so determined along with the interest due on such
amount whether or not the amount of interest is specified separately.
1
[(10A) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, where an order for refund under sub-section (2) of
section 27 is modified in any appeal and the amount of refund so determined is less than the amount refunded
under said sub-section, the excess amount so refunded shall be recovered along with interest thereon at the rate
fixed by the Central Government under section 28AA, from the date of refund up to the date of recovery, as a
sum due to the Government.
(10B) A notice issued under sub-section (4) shall be deemed to have been issued under sub-section (1), if
such notice demanding duty is held not sustainable in any proceeding under this Act, including at any stage of
appeal, for the reason that the charges of collusion or any wilful mis-statement or suppression of facts to evade
duty has not been established against the person to whom such notice was issued and the amount of duty and
the interest thereon shall be computed accordingly.]
2
[(11) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in any judgment, decree or order of any
court of law, tribunal or other authority, all persons appointed as officers of Customs under
sub-section (1) of section 4 before the 6th day of July, 2011 shall be deemed to have and always had the
power of assessment under section 17 and shall be deemed to have been and always had been the proper
officers for the purposes of this section.]
Explanation 1.—For the purposes of this section, ―relevant date‖ means, —
(a) in a case where duty is 3
[not levied or not paid or short-levied or short-paid], or interest is not
charged, the date on which the proper officer makes an order for the clearance of goods;
(b) in a case where duty is provisionally assessed under section 18, the date of adjustment of duty
after the final assessment thereof or re-assessment, as the case may be;
(c) in a case where duty or interest has been erroneously refunded, the date of refund;
(d) in any other case, the date of payment of duty or interest.
Explanation 2.—For the removal of doubts, it is hereby declared that any non-levy, short-levy or
erroneous refund before the date on which the Finance Bill, 2011 receives the assent of the President,
shall continue to be governed by the provisions of section 28 as it stood immediately before the date on
which such assent is received.]
1. Ins. by Act 13 of 2018, s. 63 (w.e.f. 28-3-2018).
2. Ins. by Act 14 of 2011, s. 2 (w.e.f. 16-9-2011).
3. Subs. by Act 28 of 2016, s. 120, for ―not levied‖ (w.e.f. 14-5-2016).
36
1
[Explanation 3.—For the removal of doubts, it is hereby declared that the proceedings in respect of
any case of non-levy, short-levy, non-payment, short-payment or erroneous refund where show cause
notice has been issued under sub-section (1) or sub-section (4), as the case may be, but an order
determining duty under sub-section (8) has not been passed before the date on which the Finance Bill,
2015 receives the assent of the President, shall, without prejudice to the provisions of sections 135, 135A
and 140, as may be applicable, be deemed to be concluded, if the payment of duty, interest and penalty
under the proviso to sub-section (2) or under sub-section (5), as the case may be, is made in full within
thirty days from the date on which such assent is received.]
2
[Explanation 4.—For the removal of doubts, it is hereby declared that in cases where notice has been
issued for non-levy, not paid, short-levy or short-paid or erroneous refund after the 14th day of May,
2015, but before the date on which the Finance Bill, 2018 receives the assent of the President, they shall
continue to be governed by the provisions of section 28 as it stood immediately before the date on which
such assent is received.]
3
[28A. Power not to recover duties not levied or short-levied as a result of general
practice.—4
[(1)] Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, if the Central Government is
satisfied—
(a) that a practice was, or is, generally prevalent regarding levy of duty (including non-levy
thereof) on any goods imported into, or exported from, India; and
(b) that such goods were, or are, liable —
(i) to duty, in cases where according to the said practice the duty was not, or is not being,
levied, or
(ii) to a higher amount of duty than what was, or is being, levied, according to the said
practice,
then, the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, direct that the whole of the
duty payable on such goods, or, as the case may be, the duty in excess of that payable on such goods, but
for the said practice, shall not be required to be paid in respect of the goods on which the duty was not, or
is not being, levied, or was, or is being, short-levied, in accordance with the said practice.]
5
[(2) Where any notification under sub-section (1) in respect of any goods has been issued, the
whole of the duty paid on such goods, or, as the case may be, the duty paid in excess of that payable on
such goods, which would not have been paid if the said notification had been in force, shall be dealt with
in accordance with the provisions of sub-section (2) of section 27:
Provided that the person claiming the refund of such duty or, as the case may be, excess duty, makes
an application in this behalf to the 6
[Assistant Commissioner of Customs or Deputy Commissioner of
1. Ins. by Act 20 of 2015, s. 82 (w.e.f. 14-5-2015).
2. Ins. by Act 13 of 2018, s. 63 (w.e.f. 28-3-2018).
3. Ins. by Act 25 of 1978 s. 7 (w.e.f. 1-7-1978).
4. Section 28A renumbered as sub-section (1) thereof, by Act 29 of 1988, s. 3 (w.e.f. 1-7-1988).
5. Subs. by Act 40 of 1991, s. 11, for sub-section (2) (w.e.f. 20-9-1991).
6. Subs. by Act 27 of 1999, s. 100, for ―Assistant Commissioner of Customs‖ (w.e.f. 11-5-1999).
37
Customs], in the form referred to in sub-section (1) of section 27, before the expiry of six months from
the date of issue of the said notification.]
1
[28AA. Interest on delayed payment of duty—(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in any
judgment, decree, order or direction of any court, Appellate Tribunal or any authority or in any other
provision of this Act or the rules made thereunder, the person, who is liable to pay duty in accordance
with the provisions of section 28, shall, in addition to such duty, be liable to pay interest, if any, at the rate
fixed under sub-section (2), whether such payment is made voluntarily or after determination of the duty
under that section.
(2) Interest at such rate not below ten per cent. and not exceeding thirty-six per cent. per annum, as
the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, fix, shall be paid by the person liable
to pay duty in terms of section 28 and such interest shall be calculated from the first day of the month
succeeding the month in which the duty ought to have been paid or from the date of such erroneous
refund, as the case may be, up to the date of payment of such duty.
(3) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1), no interest shall be payable where,—
(a) the duty becomes payable consequent to the issue of an order, instruction or direction by the
Board under section 151A; and
(b) such amount of duty is voluntarily paid in full, within forty-five days from the date of issue of
such order, instruction or direction, without reserving any right to appeal against the said payment at
any subsequent stage of such payment.]
2
[28AAA. Recovery of duties in certain cases.—(1) Where an instrument issued to a person has
been obtained by him by means of —
(a) collusion; or
(b) wilful mis-statement; or
(c) suppression of facts,
for the purposes of this Act or the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992
(22 of 1992), by such person or his agent or employee and such instrument is utilised under the provisions
of this Act or the rules made or notifications issued thereunder, by a person other than the person to
whom the instrument was issued, the duty relatable to such utilisation of instrument shall be deemed
never to have been exempted or debited and such duty shall be recovered from the person to whom the
said instrument was issued:
Provided that the action relating to recovery of duty under this section against the person to whom the
instrument was issued shall be without prejudice to an action against the importer under section 28.
Explanation 1.— For the purposes of this sub-section, ―instrument‖ means any scrip or authorisation
or licence or certificate or such other document, by whatever name called, issued under the Foreign Trade
(Development and Regulation) Act, 1992 (22 of 1992), with respect to a reward or incentive scheme or
duty exemption scheme or duty remission scheme or such other scheme bestowing financial or fiscal
1. Subs. by Act 8 of 2011, s. 43, for section 28AA and section 28AB (w.e.f. 8-4-2011).
2. Ins. by Act 23 of 2012, s. 122 (w.e.f. 28-5-2018).
38
benefits, which may be utilised under the provisions of this Act or the rules made or notifications issued
thereunder.
Explanation 2.—The provisions of this sub-section shall apply to any utilisation of instrument so
obtained by the person referred to in this sub-section on or after the date on which the Finance Bill, 2012
receives the assent of the President, whether or not such instrument is issued to him prior to the date of
the assent.
(2) Where the duty becomes recoverable in accordance with the provisions of sub-section (1), the
person from whom such duty is to be recovered, shall, in addition to such duty, be liable to pay interest at
the rate fixed by the Central Government under section 28AA and the amount of such interest shall be
calculated for the period beginning from the date of utilisation of the instrument till the date of recovery
of such duty.
(3) For the purposes of recovery under sub-section (2), the proper officer shall serve notice on the
person to whom the instrument was issued requiring him to show cause, within a period of thirty days
from the date of receipt of the notice, as to why the amount specified in the notice (excluding the interest)
should not be recovered from him, and after giving that person an opportunity of being heard, and after
considering the representation, if any, made by such person, determine the amount of duty or interest or
both to be recovered from such person, not being in excess of the amount specified in the notice, and pass
order to recover the amount of duty or interest or both and the person to whom the instrument was issued
shall repay the amount so specified in the notice within a period of thirty days from the date of receipt of
the said order, along with the interest due on such amount, whether or not the amount of interest is
specified separately.
(4) Where an order determining the duty has been passed under section 28, no order to recover that
duty shall be passed under this section.
(5) Where the person referred to in sub-section (3) fails to repay the amount within the period of
thirty days specified therein, it shall be recovered in the manner laid down in sub-section (1) of
section 142.]
1
[28B. Duties collected from the buyer to be deposited with the Central Government.—(1)
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in any order or direction of the Appellate Tribunal
2
[, National Tax Tribunal] or any Court or in any other provision of this Act or the regulations
made thereunder, 3
[every person who is liable to pay duty under this Act and has collected any amount in
excess of the duty assessed or determined or paid on any goods under this Act from the buyer of such
goods] in any manner as representing duty of customs, shall forthwith pay the amount so collected to the
credit of the Central Government.
4
[(1A) Every person who has collected any amount in excess of the duty assessed or determined or
paid on any goods or has collected any amount as representing duty of customs on any goods which are
wholly exempt or are chargeable to nil rate of duty from any person in any manner, shall forthwith pay
the amount so collected to the credit of the Central Government.]
1. Ins. by Act 40 of 1991, s. 12 (w.e.f. 20-9-1991).
2. Ins. by Act 49 of 2005, s. 30 and the Schedule, Part VI (w.e.f. 28-12-2005). This amendment has been struck down by the
Supreme Court’s order dated 25th September, 2014 in the Madras Bar Association Vs Union of India.
3. Subs. by Act 10 of 2000, s. 82 for ―every person who has collected any amount from the buyer of any goods‖
(w.e.f. 20-9-1991).
4. Ins. by Act 18 of 2008, s. 68 (w.e.f. 10-5-2008).
39
1
[(2) Where any amount is required to be paid to the credit of the Central Government under
2
[sub-section (1) or sub-section (1A), as the case may be,] and which has not been so paid, the proper
officer may serve on the person liable to pay such amount, a notice requiring him to show cause why he
should not pay the amount, as specified in the notice to the credit of the Central Government.
(3) The proper officer shall, after considering the representation, if any, made by the person on whom
the notice is served under sub-section (2), determine the amount due from such person (not being in
excess of the amount specified in the notice) and thereupon such person shall pay the amount so
determined.
(4) The amount paid to the credit of the Central Government under 3
[sub-section (1) or
sub-section (1A) or sub-section (3) as the case may be,] shall be adjusted against the duty payable by the
person on finalisation of assessment or any other proceeding for determination of the duty relating to the
goods referred to in 4
[sub-section (1) and sub-section (1A).]
(5) Where any surplus is left after the adjustment made under sub-section (4), the amount of such
surplus shall either be credited to the Fund or, as the case may be, refunded to the person who has borne
the incidence of such amount, in accordance with the provisions of section 27 and such person may make
an application under that section in such cases within six months from the date of the public notice to be
issued by the Assistant Commissioner of Customs for the refund of such surplus amount.]
5
[28BA. Provisional attachment to protect revenue in certain cases.—(1) Where, during the
pendency of any proceeding under section 28 6
[or section 28AAA or section 28B], the proper officer is of
of the opinion that for the purpose of protecting the interests of revenue, it is necessary so to do, he may,
with the previous approval of the 7
[Principal Commissioner of Customs or Commissioner of Customs], by
by order in writing, attach provisionally any property belonging to the person on whom notice is served
under 8
[sub-section (1) or sub-section (4) of section 28] 9
[or sub-section (3) of section 28AAA or
sub-section (2) of section 28B], as the case may be, in accordance with the rules made in this behalf under
section 142.
(2) Every such provisional attachment shall cease to have effect after the expiry of a period of six
months from the date of the order made under sub-section (1):
Provided that the 10[Principal Chief Commissioner of Customs or Chief Commissioner of Customs]
may, for reasons to be recorded in writing, extend the aforesaid period by such further period or periods
as he thinks fit, so, however, that the total period of extension shall not in any case exceed two years:
Provided further that where an application for settlement of case under section 127B is made to
the Settlement Commission, the period commencing from the date on which such application is made and
1. Subs. by Act 10 of 2000, s. 82, for sub-section (2) (w.e.f. 20-9-1991).
2. Subs. Act 18 of 2008, s. 68, for ―sub-section (1)‖ ( w.e.f. 10-5-2008).
3. Subs. by s. 68, ibid., for ―sub-section (1) or sub-section (3)‖ (w.e.f. 10-5-2008)
4. Subs. by s. 68, ibid., for ―sub-section (1)‖ (w.e.f. 10-5-2008).
5. Ins. by Act 29 of 2006, s. 23 (w.e.f. 13-7-2006).
6. Subs. by Act 23 of 2012, s. 123, for ―or section 28B‖ (w.e.f. 28-5-2012).
7. Subs. by Act 25 of 2014, s. 78, for ―Commissioner of Customs‖ (w.e.f. 6-08-2014).
8. Subs. by Act 17 of 2013, s. 67, for ―sub-section (1) of section 28‖ ( w.e.f. 10-5-2013).
9. Subs. by Act 23 of 2012, s. 123, for ―or sub-section (2) of section 28B‖ (w.e.f. 28-5-2012).
10. Subs. by Act 25 of 2014, section 78, for ―Chief Commissioner of Customs‖ (w.e.f. 6-8-2014).
40
ending with the date on which an order under sub-section (1) of section 127C is made shall be excluded
from the period specified in the preceding proviso.]