Over 400,000 imported cigarettes seized in Delhi

New Delhi: The Delhi government’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) department hasseized around 420,000 imported “Esse Light” cigarettes worth nearly ₹65 lakh, officials said on Wednesday

New Delhi: The Delhi government’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) department hasseized around 420,000 imported “Esse Light” cigarettes worth nearly ₹65 lakh, officials said on Wednesday.

Officials said the cigarettes were being transported in violation of statutory requirements applicable to tobacco products sold in India (Photo for representation)

Officials said the vehicle carrying the consignment was intercepted during an enforcement operation against tax evasion and the illegal movement of tobacco products. The action was taken under provisions of the GST Act, 2017.

According to officials of the trade and taxes department, the cigarettes were being transported in violation of statutory requirements applicable to tobacco products sold or distributed in India.

During inspection of the consignment, officials found that the front label of the cigarette packets lacked the mandatory pictorial health warning, violating Section 7 of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003.

Under the law, cigarette packets sold, supplied or distributed in India must carry prescribed health warnings. The requirement also applies to imported cigarettes intended for sale or distribution in the country.

The department, officials said, will examine the consignment and the documents associated with its transportation to determine further tax and legal liabilities.

They added that strict action would continue against businesses and persons involved in tax evasion or the illegal trade of tobacco products.