I am directed to invite your attention to CBEC Circular No. 33/96 Cus. dated 17.06.96 which provides that the perishable cargo should be examined only when there is intelligence/ information and the details of such information/ intelligence are required to be subsequently brought to the notice of the higher officers.

2. The issue of examination of perishable export cargo was considered in the Inter Ministerial Group on simplification of Customs procedures in Air cargo and Air ports. During the discussions, it was felt that the procedure for clearance of perishable cargo should be simple and time bound to reduce the waiting time of cargo outside the cold storage (i.e. before its loading) to the minimum. AAI informed that they have in place infrastructure and procedures for providing required special facilities to perishable cargo.

3. The issue has been considered. Expeditious clearance of perishable export cargo is absolutely essential to maintain its quality, marketability and competitiveness in the international market. It is re-iterated that no routine examination of perishable export cargo be conducted by the field formations. Customs should resort to examination of such cargo only on the basis of credible intelligence or information. Whenever, on intelligence or information, it is considered necessary to open and examine a consignment, prior permission of Assistant Commissioner/ Deputy Commissioner in charge of Airport/ Air Cargo Complex must be obtained. Thus, most of the perishable cargo would not require examination at the time of export. The cargo which is required to be taken up for examination should be given Customs clearance on the day itself, unless there is contravention of Customs Laws.

4. The above instructions may be immediately brought to the notice of the field formations.

5. Difficulty, if any, in implementation of above instructions may be reported to the Board.

F.No.450/96/2006-Cus. IV
 

Yours faithfully,

(Anupam Prakash)
Under Secretary to the Government of India,
Ph.-23094182