CBEC issues revised guidelines for prosecution and arrest under Central Excise, Service tax and Customs laws

 


 
This Tax Alert gives an update on the Circulars issued by CBEC prescribing revised guidelines for prosecution and arrest.
 
CBEC has issued revised guidelines for launching prosecution in relation to offences punishable under Central Excise Act, 1944, Finance Act, 1994 and Customs Act, 1962 vide Circular nos. 1009/16/2015 and 27/2015 dated 23 October 2015. It has also issued revised guidelines for arrest and bail under Central Excise, Service tax and Customs vide Circular nos. 1010/17/2015 and 28/2015 dated 23 October 2015.
 
These Circulars supersede the earlier guidelines issued by the CBEC on initiating prosecution and amend the monetary limits for arrest as prescribed earlier.
 
The monetary threshold limits for prosecution and arrest have been increased considerably with a view to target high value offences. This will provide respite to small and medium businesses.