Return of unsold imported goods and refund of duty

This query is : Resolved

DEEPANJAN (Querist)
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25 September 2013 Hi

We are in a business of importing branded apparel and accessories and retailing it through retail stores in India. In the process we end up with significant volume of unsold products.

Need clarification that if we want to return such unsold goods to the original vendor,

1.can we claim duty refund under customs act.
2. If yes, will such refund be refund of duty or can it also be interpreted as export and hence drawback of duty.

3.What is the timeline to obtain such duty refund. Is it a structured process or there is major element of satisfaction of authorities.

Request views from experts who have been dealing with such imports/ returns