GST team seizes 4.2 lakh imported cigarettes

The Delhi Government’s GST department has seized 4.20 lakh sticks of imported cigarettes worth around Rs 65 lakh. The action was taken under the provisions of the GST Act, 2017. According to the Chief Minister’s Office statement, the Chief Minister has made it clear that the Delhi Government will continue to take strict action against tax evasion, the clandestine movement of goods and the illegal trade in tobacco products.

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) department has initiated major action against tax evasion and the illegal trade in tobacco products, the statement said.

During a routine inspection, an anti-evasion branch team of the GST department seized a vehicle carrying around 4.20 lakh sticks of imported ‘Esse Light’ super-slim, premium filter cigarettes — estimated to be worth around Rs 65 lakh. The action was taken under the provisions of the GST Act, 2017, it said.

The Delhi Government will continue to take strict action against tax evasion, clandestine movement of goods and illegal trade in tobacco products, it added. The consignment was being transported in violation of statutory requirements applicable to tobacco products sold or distributed in India.

During inspection, the enforcement team found that the front of the cigarette packets did not display the prescribed pictorial health warning, in violation of Section 7 of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003, the statement said.

Under this provision, sale, supply or distribution of cigarette packets without a prescribed health warning is not permitted. This legal requirement also applies to cigarettes imported for sale or distribution in India.