French spirits company Pernod is challenging a September decision by India’s tax authorities that alleges it hid information about the composition and age of Scotch whisky to pay lower tariffs. The company, which sells Chivas Regal whisky and Absolut vodka, argues that it was not given access to key pricing data during the investigation. Pernod is therefore seeking to quash the ruling on procedural grounds, contending that the lack of access to pricing information affected the fairness of the tax process.
Both outlets report that the dispute centres on whether Pernod withheld details that tax officials considered relevant for determining applicable duties and tariff rates for Scotch whisky. While the tax authorities’ position is that the withheld information helped enable lower tariffs, Pernod disputes the investigation’s handling of information and is asking the decision to be overturned.
The case highlights the role of document access and pricing data in tariff assessments for imported spirits, particularly for products like Scotch whisky where composition and age can affect regulatory classification and duty calculations.
