Valuation Guidelines Cannot Override the Rules holds CESTAT

Can Customs reopen finalized assessments years later simply by relying on Directorate of Valuation guidelines based on LME prices? CESTAT Chandigarh says no. 

The importer’s 183 Bills of Entry had already been assessed after scrutiny, and the Department had not challenged those assessments. 

The Tribunal held that the valuation guidelines had no statutory force and could not replace the Customs Valuation Rules without evidence discrediting the declared transaction value.