Please refer to Board's Circular No. 25/ 1999-Cus. dated 21.5.1999 issued from file of even number declaring June, 1999 as "Arrears Clearances Month" at all Customs locations throughout India.

2.      Various Export Promotion Councils have lauded the progress made during the said month in clearing old pendencies during the first meeting of All India Watch Dog Committee held on 1.7.99 and subsequently in their meeting with Chairman, Central Board of Excise & Customs. The Delhi Exporters Association have requested that the "Arrears Clearance Month" may be extended to July, 1999 in order that certain cases which are still pending, may be wiped out, once and for all.

3.      The matter has been considered by Chairman, Central Board of Excise & Customs and it has been directed that the month of July, 1999 shall also be observed as "Arrears Clearance Month" at all Customs location throughout India. Accordingly, all drawback claims which have been pending with the Department must be finalised expeditiously, well before the statutory deadline for payment of interest is attracted. A specific report should be sent by telex to the Board latest by 7th July, 1999 indicating the number of cases disposed of and amount of Drawback disbursed during June 1999 and by 7th August, for case's disposed of during the month of July, 1999.