Pernod faces $600M India tariff exposure as customs alleges Scotch undervaluation

Indian customs investigation accuses Pernod Ricard of withholding Scotch composition and age data to undervalue bulk imports by 67%, demanding $314M in back taxes with potential liability reaching $600M. Pernod denies wrongdoing and is contesting in Delhi HC. India is 10% of global sales.

— Filed Wed, 27 May, 2026, 14:24 IST · Source Indian Express · Business · Updated

Indian customs investigation alleges Pernod Ricard withheld Scotch composition and age to undervalue bulk imports by 67%, demanding $314M in back taxes. Pernod denies wrongdoing, contests in Delhi HC; total liability could hit $600M.

Why this matters

Escalates a widening India tax dispute first surfaced in the $314M demand notice, now expanding to a potential $600M liability tied to alleged Scotch spec concealment to dodge 150% duties.

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