CBIC notifies Second Phase of All India roll-out of Faceless Assessment [Read Circular]

The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) on Thursday notified the second phase of All India roll-out of Faceless Assessment.

The first phase was begun from June 08, 2020, at Bengaluru and Chennai Customs Zones for items of import primarily covered by Chapters 84 and 85 of the Customs Tariff Act, 1975. As earlier informed, the first phase marked the beginning of the pan India rollout of Faceless Assessment, in different phases covering other ports and items of import, leading up to this mode of Customs assessment becoming the norm across the country from January 01, 2021.

Board has decided to begin the 2nd phase of All India roll-out of Faceless Assessment with effect from August 03, 2020, by including Delhi and Mumbai Customs Zones and extending the scope of Faceless Assessment at Chennai and Bangalore Customs Zones.

“Board hereby nominates the Principal Commissioner/Commissioner of Customs, Import-II, New Custom House, Mumbai, the Principal Commissioner/Commissioner of Customs, Nhava Sheva-I, Jawaharlal Nehru Customs House, Mumbai and the Principal Commissioner/Commissioner of Customs(III), Import, Air Cargo Complex, Sahar, Mumbai as Nodal Commissioners who shall be administratively responsible for monitoring and ensuring speedy and uniform assessments in the three Customs Zones, in regard to Bills of Entry assigned by the Customs Automated System to the officers of the Faceless Assessment Groups,” the circular said.

The Notification No.63/2020-Customs (N.T.) dated July 30, 2020, is issued for the purpose of empowering the jurisdictional Commissioners of Customs (Appeals) at Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi and Mumbai to take up appeals filed in respect of Faceless Assessments pertaining to imports made in their jurisdictions even though the assessing officer may be located at the other Customs station.

“The concerned Principal Chief Commissioners/Chief Commissioners are requested to issue Public Notices and guide the trade suitably to ensure the smooth rollout of Phase 2 of Faceless Assessment,” the circular further said.