| Date: |
05-05-1999
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| Notification No: |
Customs Circular No 20/1999
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| Issuing Authority: |
Indian Customs
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| Type: |
Circular
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| File No: |
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| Subject: |
Regarding clearance of cellular phones and battery cells in the guise of plastic buttons - Modus operandi
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Regarding clearance of cellular phones and battery cells in the guise of
plastic buttons - Modus operandi
Circular No. 20dated 5th May 1999
It has been
brought to the notice of the Board that a company in Noida had attempted to
clear the high value electronic items in the guise of plastic buttons. On
further examination, it was found that the importer has filed Bill of Entry for
clearance of plastic buttons valued at Rs. 56351/ -. The consignment was in the
final stage of clearance and out of charge had already been given. The
consignment was immediately located and kept under surveillance and a search was
got conducted at the given address where it was found to be a small cabin from
where no commercial activities were being conducted. As no body came forward to
claim the consignment, an X-ray scan of the consignment was conducted which
showed images of high-density item conspicuously different from consignment of
plastic buttons.
2. The
suspicion was further confirmed as the component was found to be intact in
original packing while the EDI system showed it as having been duly opened and
examined by an Inspector. On examination, cellular telephones and 3,00,000
battery cells were found valued at Rs. 25 Lakhs, which were sized under Section
110 of the Customs Act. The Inspector, which supposed to have conducted the
examination, has been placed under suspensors.
3. You
are requested to keep the above modus operandi while clearing the consignments
of plastic buttons. Instructions may kindly be brought to the notice of all
officers by way of issuing suitable standing vendors.
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