1. The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (C&AG) has undertaken a draft review on “Adjudication and Appeal Cases (Customs)” for inclusion in the report of the C&AG for the year 2005-06 (Performance Audit). C&AG has recommended that the Board should consider fixing time limit for paying duty on confirmation of demand beyond which coercive action can be taken.

2. The Board has accepted this recommendation of the C&AG. The Board has already issued a detailed circular regarding initiation of coercive action for the recovery of central excise duties under its Circular 788/21/2004-CX dated 25 May 2004 issued from F. No. 208/41/2003-CX.6. The instructions contained in this Circular would apply mutatis mutandis for the recovery of customs arrears as well.

3. The field formations may be suitably informed.

4. The receipt of the circular may be acknowledged.

5. Hindi version will follow.

F.No.401/243/2006-Cus.III
 

(Aseem Kumar)
Under Secretary to the Government of India
PH: 011-2309 4610