Shelled almonds and cashews not smuggled goods under SRO: SC

The Supreme Court has ruled that shelled almonds and cashew nuts are not among the goods classified as smuggled under S.R.O. 566(I)/2005, Business Recorder reported. The decision says the notification’s food-related categories do not automatically include nuts, which could have been listed separately. As a result, the restriction on redeeming vehicles used to carry smuggled goods does not apply on this basis.

The case arose after Customs officials intercepted vehicles carrying foreign-origin almonds and cashews at Nokundi in October 2024, following a discrepancy in the drivers’ goods declaration. Customs ordered the goods and vehicles confiscated, but the tribunal later allowed release of the goods subject to duties, taxes and a 20% fine, and set aside vehicle confiscation. The Balochistan High Court rejected the department’s challenges before the matter reached the Supreme Court.