Accordingly, for claiming drawback on re-export of duty paid goods, the following conditions need to be fulfilled:

(1) the goods are identified to the satisfaction of the customs as the goods which were imported, as per Sec. 74 (1)

(2) the goods are entered for export within two years from the date of payment of duty on the importation thereof, unless the said period is extended by the Central Board of Excise & Customs, as per Sec. 74(1)

(3) The claim for drawback should not exceed the prevailing market price or value (PMV) of the goods exported as per Sec. 76. Hence, the market value should not be less than the drawback claim or, i.e., drawback is not admissible if its claim amount is higher than the market value of the goods exported.

As per condition (1) above, the identity of the goods exported is to be established to the satisfaction of the Asstt. Commissioner of Customs as the goods, which were imported. For this purpose, special shipping bill, i.e., Drawback Shipping Bill is presented that enjoins upon the proper officer to make detailed examination to establish the above identification. Hence, if the exporter files any other SB like Dutiable SB or Free SB than Drawback SB, no drawback is admissible.

Coverage or Scope. Expor1 includes loading of provisions or store or equipment for use on board a vessel or aircraft proceeding to a foreign por1 or airpor1. Hence, Ship Stores supplied to foreign going vessels/aircrafts are eligible for drawback.

The position would be clear when goods as such are re-expor1ed, say where these were received as defective goods or wrong shipments were made by suppliers abroad or after use within the country these are being sent back. However, if the goods are expor1ed as a necessary concomitant to other articles which are manufactured in the country and for which drawback may or may not be admissible, it will be permissible to hold that the test of "those very goods being expor1ed is satisfied. This is despite the fact that broadly the impor1ed goods (OTS cans in 1his case) may at times be re-exported without any substantial change except merely as packing material.

The only issue to allow drawback on re-expor1 of goods under Section 74 of the Customs Act, is whether identity of the goods is established with reference to the expor1er"s claim under Section 74 or not. The identity of the goods need not be established with reference to import document only. Other evidence of collateral in nature, if produced, could also be considered. It would include inspection of the goods/packages comparing the examination report or other connected documents relating to import formalities with examination of goods as reflected in the Shipping Bill against which drawback is claimed.

Where detailed examination/test report at the time of import could not be done, reliance may be placed on other parameters/documents such as letters exchanged between exporters and their agents and also the suppliers to reach a subjective satisfaction that the goods which were being re-exported were the same originally imported.

The basic requirement of Section 74 is that "with respect to such (impor1ed) goods a party is entitled to drawback if those very goods, are re-exported. The position is clear when goods are such re-exported, say where these were received as defective goods or wrong shipment were made by suppliers abroad or after use within the country, these were being sent back. However, if the goods are exported as a necessary concomitant to other articles which are manufactured in the country and for which drawback is being claimed separately, it will be impermissible to hold that "test of those very goods" being exported is satisfied.

This is despite the fact that broadly the impor1ed goods (plastic package in this case) made at times be re-exported without any substantial change but merely as packing material. Once packing material is used for making the main article marketable the identity of the packing gets assimilated into the overall description of the goods marketed/exported. This applies a Fortiori when the exporter puts labels on the packing materials. It is, thus, clear that the ingredients of the Section 74 of the Customs Act are not satisfied.

Once packing material is used for making the main ar1icles marketable the identity of packing gets assimilated into the overall description of goods marketed/exported. It is clear, thus, the ingredient of Sec. 74 of the Customs Act, 1962 are not satisfied.

Breakup of Export Goods into two Parts -Claim both under Sec. 74 and Section 75 of the Customs Act

It is not admissible to breakup the goods exported into two parts, to carve out one description to which Sec. 74 of the Customs Act, 1962 will apply. What is exported is a composite commodity and whatever description is accepted for purposes of Customs shall govern the drawback claim. Now, the basic requirement of Sec. 74 is that "with respect to such (imported) goods a par1yis entitled to drawback if those very goods are re-exported, as decided in H.S. Mehra v. Union of India -AIR 1968 Delhi 142.

But it is possible to export two commodities together one as the main item and the other as a spare. Whereas drawback either AI rate or brand rate (as got fixed) can be claimed on the main item under Sec. 75 of the Customs Act and also under Sec. 74 for re-export of spares (earlier imported but which did not go under any manufacturing process).

Hangers Re-export with Garments. There should not be any objection in permitting drawback under Sec. 74 of the Customs Act on hangers imported on payment of customs "duty when such hangers are re-exported with readymade garments provided:

(i) hangers have not been used in India and

(ii) the same have not undergone any change.

Such drawback under Sec. 74 can be allowed simultaneously with All Industry (AI) rate of drawback on readymade garments provided value of hangers is not included in the value of garments. In such cases it would suffice if hangers and readymade garment are declared as two distinct commodities on the Shipping Bill with separate value for claim of drawback under Sec. 74 and Sec.75 of Customs Act, even if for the sake of convenience hangers have been packed along with readymade garments.

Drawback is not admissible when OTS cans are used in an activity connected with manufacture. Besides, the drawback scheme is clear that a package gets subserved in the class of products being re-exported.

It is a specialised lifting and erection equipment imported and re-exported as such. Being easily identifiable within the meaning of Sec. 74, drawback is admissible at the rate of 98% of duty paid on its importation.

Where description of the goods in bill of entry and Shipping Bill is different, is is not open3 to the Customs to go behind the manufacturing process and identify individual components in exercise of powers qua Sec. 74 of the Customs Act, 1962, benefit under sec. 74 is not available on such components. More over, concept of manufacture is not relevant for Sec. 74 of the Customs Act, 1962.

Still another important criteria for allowing drawback on re-export of imported goods is that the claim for drawback should not exceed prevailing market price of the goods exported. Hence, the value of exported goods should be relatable to the market value of the goods exported. The market value needs to be ascertained before drawback is considered.

Defective machinery sent to the overseas suppliers for repair, if not re-imported being found irreparable, is not eligible for drawback under Section 74 of the Customs Act. Moreover, to claim drawback on such machinery, a special Shipping Bill, i.e., Drawback Shipping Bill needs to be filed for re-export thereof. The filing of such a Shipping Bill will enable the proper officer of Customs to make detailed examination to establish the identity of the goods. Besides, the market value of such goods should not be less than the amount of the drawback claim. Since goods exported were irreparable, their value is nothing, and, hence, less than the drawback claim. Therefore, such items are not entitled to drawback.

The value given in the documents seeking permission from RBI is for the purpose of foreign exchange regulation and export of goods (sought to be replaced under warranty). This value is not at all relatable to the market value of the defective goods exported under the warranty Clause. The entire exercise is aimed at establishing that neither foreign exchange will be earned by export (of defective goods) and no foreign exchange will be involved in subsequent import (of new piece being provided free of cost by the supplier abroad). This value is absolutely immaterial in so far as Section 76 of the Customs Act, 1962 is concerned. It does not need much discussion to say that if a defective piece is being sent out, its value as indicated can only be, notional based on carlier documents invices, etc.

"It may sometimes happen that goods have been cleared out of customs charge, these are found to be defective at importers premises. The market value (often referred as salvage value) in such cases, in terms of Sec. 76, needs to be ascertained before drawback claim is considered." For this purpose, drawback claim has to be made on Drawback Shipping Bill on which market value of export item is declared.

Value of Replacement Parts for Levy of Import Duty to constitute the value for Drawback

It is true that the goods that were being despatched to the USA, were not goods of any real value that these did not represent export in the real sense of the term. But then again, the importation of the replacement parts made by the writ petitioner, were also not, in the real sense of term, any fresh imports calling for payment of any further, fresh or additional duty.

The Commissioner of Customs was not dissatisfied with the procedure adopted by the writ petitioner, that in not treating both the despatch of defective machinery to USA as a real export, and the importation of the replacement machinery as fresh import. The value of the goods upon which the writ petitioner paid import duty in obtaining replacement would also be the value of the goods to be taken for the purpose of calculating the export drawback payable to the writ petitioner

98% of the duty will be re-paid as drawback, on the fulfillment of the necessary conditions.

Reduced Rate.1 The rate of drawback will be allowed at a reduced rate, depending upon the period for which the goods have been out of Customs control. The percentage of import duty which will be allowed as drawback is shown in the table.

Length of period between the date of clearance for home Percentage of import duty to consumption and the date when the goods are place under be paid a drawback Customs control for export

(1) (2)
Not more than 6 months... 85
More than 6 months but not more than 12 months ... 70
More than 12 months but not more than 18 months ... 60
More than 18 months but not more than 24 months ... 50
More than 24 months but not more than 30 months ... 40
More than 30 months but not more than 36 months ... 30
More than 36 months Nil ... ... Nil

When any of the goods specified below have been used after their importation into India, drawback of duty paid thereon shall not be allowed, when they are exported out of India.

(i) Wearing apparel

(ii) Tea chests

(iii) Exposed cinematograph films passed by the Board of Film Censors in India

(iv) Unexposed photographic films, paper and plates, and X-ray films

In respect of a motor car or goods (other than those above) imported by a person for his personal use, drawback shall be calculated by reducing the import duty paid in respect of such motor car or goods by 4%, 3%, 2t% and 2% for use for each quarter or part thereof during the period of first year, second year, third year and fourth year respectively. Moreover, if the period exceeds more than 2 years, drawback shall be allowed only if the said period is got extended. Besides, the motorcar or goods should not have been used for more than four years.

Goods imported on payment of duty for the purpose of exhibition and demonstration can be regarded as "used" depending upon whether these are worked upon/operated or not in the course of exhibition. Each case will be decided on merits for grant of drawback on their re-export under Sec. 74 of the Customs Act.

Drawback Claim Procedure on Re-export of Imported Goods

1. Postal Exports

Drawback Parcels

The outer packing carrying the address of the consignee shall also carry in bold letters the words: "DRAWBACK EXPORT".

Claim Form & Documents

Along with the parcel/packet, file a claim in the prescribed form at Annexure 17, to the post office. The form is to be filled in quadruplicate and submit along with:

(i) copy of Bill of Entry or any other document against which goods were cleared on importation.

(ii) evidence of having paid import duty

(iii) calculation sheet showing the amount of drawback claimed.

In respect of a motor car or goods (other than those above) imported by a person for his personal use, drawback shall be calculated by reducing the import duty paid in respect of such motor car or goods by 4%, 3%, 2t% and 2% for use for each quarter or part thereof during the period of first year, second year, third year and fourth year respectively. Moreover, if the period exceeds more than 2 years, drawback shall be allowed only if the said period is got extended. Besides, the motorcar or goods should not have been used for more than four years.

In case the drawback claim is not complete in all respect, the exporter shall be intimated through a deficiency memo in the form prescribed, within 15 days of its receipt from postal authorities.. The exporter is required to comply with the requirements specified in the defi9iency memo, within 30 days of its receipt. In that case the date of issue of an acknowledgment of reply to deficiency memo shall be considered as date of receipts of drawback claim for the purpose of payments of interest on delayed settlement/payment of drawback under Sec. 75A of the Customs Act.

2. Non-Postal Export

2.1 Shipment

The procedure for export (rather re-export) of imported goods by sea, air or land (surface) but other than post is same as for normal exports explained partly in Chapters 2 and 4. Accordingly, the exporter is to file Drawback Shipping Bill/Bill of Export in triplicate.

Give the following declarations/statements on SB/Bill of Export.

(i) State the description, quantity and such other particulars as are necessary for deciding whether the goods arc entitled to drawback on their re-export.

(ii) Make a Declaration that -

(a) the export is being made under a claim for drawback under section 74 of the Customs Act;

(b) that the duties of customs were paid on the goods imported;

(c) that the goods imported were not taken into use after importation;

OR

(c) that the goods were taken in use;

Enclose the following documents along with the SB/Bill of Export.

(i) Bill of Entry or Any other prescribed document against which goods were cleared on importation.

(ii) Import invoice

(iii) Documentary evidence of having paid the import duty

(iv) Export invoice

(v) Packing List

(vi) RBI"s permission to Re-export the goods, where necessary.

2.2. Post-shipment Stage

Claim of Drawback

Rule 5 of the Drawback Rule on Re-export of Imported Goods. 1995 lays down the procedure to claim drawback.

Claim Form

The claim should be made in prescribed form at Annexure 8 to the concerned Customs House Drawback Cell/Deptt.) within 3 months from the date of "Let Export Order" given by the customs on the SB/Bill of Export. It can be filed within a further period of 3 months on sufficient cause for lat~ filing, being shown and accepted by the Asstt. Commissioner of Customs.

Documents

The claim application should be sent with the following documents

(i) Triplicate copy of the Shipping Bill bearing examination report recorded by the proper officer of the customs at the time of export

(ii) Copy of Bill of Entry or any other prescribed document against which goods were cleared on importation.

(iii) Import invoice.

(iv) Evidence of payment of duty paid at the time of importation of the goods.

(v) Permission from Reserve Bank of India for re-exports of goods, wherever necessary.

(vi) Export invoice and packing list.

(vii) Copy of Bill of lading or AirWay bill.

(viii) Any other documents as may be specified in the deficiency memo.

An acknowledgment shall be issued by the Drawback Deptt. for having received the Drawback claim.

For the claim found incomplete in any material particulars or without the documents specified above, shall be returned with a Deficiency Memo within 15 days. Such claims will be deemed not to have been filed. The exporter is required to comply with the requirement of the Deficiency Memo within 30 days from the date of receipt of the same.

The drawback and interest, if any, shall be paid to the exporter or his agent specially authorised by him to receive the said amount of drawback and interest.

15% interest per annum will be payable on delayed payment of drawback i.e. if it is not paid within three months from the date of filing of the claim or receipt of the compliance of the deficiency memo issued, if any.

Where an amount of drawback and interest, if any, has been paid erroneously or the amount so paid is in excess of what the exporter is entitled to the claimant shall be liable to repay/refund the said excess amount within three months from the date of demand.

If the exporter fails to repay the amount within three months, he shall be liable to pay interest at the rate of 20% per annum on the amount recoverable.

Application Filed before Commencement of 1995 Rules

In terms Rule 8(2) of 1995 Rules for Drawback against Re-export of Imported Goods. "Where any goods have been exported under claim for drawback under Section 74" (of Customs Act. 1962)," "before the date of commencement of these" (1995) "Rules but no claim for payment of drawback has been filed, the exporter may file his claim within a period of three months from the date of commencement of these rules in the manner prescribed.

Where an exporter or his authorised agent has, for reasons beyond his control, failed to comply with any of the provisions of "Re-export of Imported Goods (Drawback of Customs Duties) Rules, 1995, and has thus been entitled to drawback, the Central Govt. may entertain a representation by the exporter and exempt him from the provisions of such rule and allow drawback in respect-of such goods.