Representations have been received from various exports organisations regarding delay in processing and settlement of drawback claims at various Customs locations.

2. The matter was brought to the notice of Chairman, CBEC, who has directed that the month of June, 1999 shall be observed as " Arrear clearance month" at all customs locations throughout India.

3. Therefore, it is directed that all drawback claims which have been pending with the Department must be finalised expeditiously, well before the statutory dead-line for payment of interest is attracted.

    All cases where processing/disbursement of drawback is pending for want of reconstruction of old files must also be taken up and disposed of within the said month. A specific report should be sent to the Board latest by 7th July, 1999 indicating the number of such cases disposed of during the said month and those pending at the close of the month of June, 1999.