Retrospective Amendments Inapplicable to Old Imports Where No Bond or Bank Guarantee was Executed: CESTAT

CESTAT bars retrospective amendments on old imports without bonds - The Customs, Excise, and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has ruled that retrospective amendments or notifications cannot impose new conditions or duty demands on imports that were completed prior to the amendment and where no bond or security was originally required. This decision provides a shield to importers from backdated duty demands, particularly in cases involving project imports, where subsequent regulatory changes attempt to impose conditions not present at the time of original import clearance, upholding the principle of legal certainty.