Customs suspend licences of Ahmedabad-based agents over alleged IGST refund irregularities

The Customs Department has suspended the licences of several Ahmedabad-based customs house agents (CHAs) following investigations into alleged financial irregularities, including manipulation of import and export valuations to claim higher Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST) refunds, officials said.

According to customs officials, the action was initiated after it was found that low-value goods were allegedly declared at inflated prices, enabling companies to claim excessive IGST refunds. Based on these findings, Ahmedabad Customs authorities moved to suspend the licences of the agents involved.

Multiple licences suspended

Officials said the licences of four Ahmedabad-based CHAs were initially suspended, with action subsequently extended to five more agents suspected to be linked to the alleged irregularities.

Among those whose licences have been suspended are Ishan Adhvaryu of Sai C-Air Logistics Private Limited; Nilay Choksi and Vijay Choksi of Pacifica Kaushal International; Vishal Panchal of C P Logistic Private Limited; and Startech Enterprise.

Senior customs officials said these agents allegedly assisted firms in availing higher IGST refunds by overstating the value of imported goods.

Pacifica Industries case under investigation

In one of the major cases, the licence of Pacifica Industries Limited has been put on hold for its alleged involvement in the import of nearly 2,980 kg of heroin at Gujarat’s Mundra Port through Ashi Trading.

Customs officials said the investigation into the company is ongoing, and a detailed report is expected to be submitted by December 31.

Luxury furniture imports and DRI probe

In a separate case involving the import of luxury furniture, customs authorities alleged that goods were under-declared by five to ten times. A show-cause notice has been issued to Shailesh Karamakar of Sai C-Air Logistic in connection with the case.

Officials alleged that brand names were concealed and lower values declared during imports carried out for Design Decode. The Mumbai unit of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) investigated the matter and recommended action against those involved.

Alleged misuse of Advance Authorisation Scheme

Vijay Choksi and Nilay Choksi of Kaushali International are also facing allegations of misusing the Advance Authorisation Scheme. 

Investigators found that polypropylene (PP) granules imported under the scheme were allegedly diverted, while exports were shown through a shell entity named Singhu Export.

According to officials, the alleged diversion resulted in duty irregularities estimated at ₹1.68 crore.

Overvaluation, licence cancellation in other cases

Startech Enterprise has been accused of declaring export consignments at values higher than their actual worth. Based on these findings, its licence has also been suspended.

Separately, the customs broker licence of Vishal Panchal of C P Logistic was cancelled in connection with a Hazira Port case involving alleged overvaluation of goods.

Customs officials said investigations are continuing across cases, and inquiries against several chartered accountants linked to the alleged irregularities are also underway.