Customs Department to go Face-less: CBIC issues Circular on Implementation of Automation [Read Circular]

With an aim to simplify the customs procedures with a focus on automation and making the entire process contact-less, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has issued a circular regarding the implementation of automation in the customs system.

Earlier, a notification, the Customs (Import of Goods at Concessional Rate of Duty) Amendment Rules, 2022, was issued on 01.02.2022 so as to make certain amendments in existing Customs (Import of Goods at Concessional Rate of Duty) Rules, 2017. These changes come into effect from 1st March 2022.

The amendments include the following; a)The process is being automated. The Rules prescribe the submission of the necessary details electronically, through the common portal. (The common portal is the one notified vide notification 33/2021 dated 29-03-2021 and accessible at the URL www.icegate.gov.in). b) The various forms have been standardized and notified for the purpose of electronic submission of details. c) Individual transaction-based permissions and intimations, such as - an intimation of the intent to import goods at a concessional rate of duty, intimation of the receipt of goods, permission to re-export or clear goods domestically, etc, are all being done away with. d) A monthly statement would be submitted by the importer on the common portal e) A procedure for inter-unit transfer of the imported goods has been provided for. f) An electronic option for voluntary payment through the common portal, as specified in the Rules, is also being developed for implementation.

The circular mentioned that for ease of reference of the importers, the district-wise list of jurisdictional customs officers, their contact details, and their jurisdictions have been mapped and published on the CBIC website. The same can be accessed here.

“Suitable Public Notices may please be issued to guide the trade/industry. The trade should be proactively assisted during the transition period keeping in view the resolve to provide an enabling environment for manufacturing. Standing Orders may be issued for the officers and staff. The difficulty, if any, faced in the implementation may be brought to the notice of Board immediately at the email id dircus@nic.in,” it added.

To Read the full text of the Circular CLICK HERE

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