It has been brought to the notice of Board that significant time is taken by the importers for payment of duty after the Bill of Entry is assessed. This increases overall dwell time for cargo clearance as well as straining our infrastructure at customs ports. As a step to reduce the time gap between assessment and payment of duty, the Board has decided to introduce a system of disincentive.

2. It has been decided that if importers/ exporters who have been extended with Green Channel Clearance Facility, Accelerated Clearance of Import and Export Scheme (ACS) or any other special clearance facility, do not pay the duty within eight working hours of assessment of Bill of Entry, then their special status as above will be withdrawn for the temporary period of one month from the date of such non compliance. During this period of one month, the clearance of their goods will be given the same treatment as the goods of any other importer or exporter. Their special status as above will be resumed after the completion of the penal period of one month. This may be facilitated through daily procedure of EDI operations.

3. The above instructions may be brought to the notice of the Trade immediately through appropriate Public Notice.

4. Receipt of this Circular may kindly be acknowledged.

5. Hindi version will follow.

F.No.450/118/2004-CUS-IV
 

Yours faithfully

(Anupam Prakash)
Under Secretary to the Government of India
Phone No.23094182