Circular No. 49/2001-CUS.
18th September, 2001

F.NO.450/147/98-CUS.IV
Government of India
Ministry of Finance
(Department of Revenue)
Central Board of Excise & Customs

Subject: Simplified procedure for clearance and examination of export & import cargo - extension of working hours - reg.

            I am directed to refer to Board's Circular No.89/98-Cus., dated 3.12.98 as amended by Circulars No.36/99-Cus., dated 20.6.99 and 73/99-Cus., dated 28.10.99 regarding simplified procedure for clearance and examination of export and import cargo at Air Cargo Complexes.  The said circular provides that export cargo are to be received in all the Air Cargo terminals from 10.00 AM to 10.00 PM and the delivery of import cargo is to be allowed up to 8.00 PM.

2.               The matter has been examined further, and as a measure of trade facilitation, it has been decided to introduce two shifts of working on week days and one shift (10A.M. to 5.00 P.M.) on holidays at the Air Cargo Complexes at Mumbai, Calcutta, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Delhi and Goa. The two shift- working will provide Customs clearance facilities for both imports and exports from 8.00 A.m. to 10.00 P.M. The revised working hours may be implemented in respect of Sections handling the work relating to assessment, examination and clearance of export and imported goods.  Other sections such as legal, adjudication, drawback, refund and administration, etc. may work as per the existing practice.   As regards other ports, airports, ICDs etc., the existing practice shall continue.

3.        The Chief Commissioners are requested to ensure that the revised working hours as stated above are implemented immediately.. The actual deployment of staff in each shift (specially during the period 8.00 A.M. to 10.00 A.M. or after 6.00 P.M. on normal working days or during one shift to be operated on holidays) may be decided locally by the Commissioners on the basis of pattern and flow of trade and volume of work required to be handled. An Additional Commissioner or Joint Commissioner may be nominated to monitor the implementation of the revised working hours. A monthly report showing details of arrangement made with details of submission of Bills of Entry, Shipping Bills etc, -in normal office hours and periods 8.00 A.M. -10.00 A.M. or 6.00 P.M. to 10.00 P.M. and revenue collection etc., on working days & holidays may be sent to the Board within a week of close of the month.

4.        These changes may kindly be introduced w.e.f. 24th September, 2001 and be brought to the notice of all concerned by way of issuing suitable standing order and Public Notice.

5.        Difficulties, if any, in implementation of this circular may be brought to the notice of the Board.  Kindly acknowledge receipt of the Circular.