Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Revenue
Central Board of Excise & Customs
159A, North Block, New Delhi-1.
11th November, 2009.
To
All Chief Commissioners of Customs.
All Commissioners of Customs (Airport).
All Commissioners of Customs (Port).
All Commissioners of Customs & Central Excise.
Subject: W.P.No.35418/2006 – Public Interest Litigation filed in the High Court
of Madras to put display boards / notice boards in Airports / seaports
indicating items banned in the Middle-Eastern countries – regarding.
Sir / Madam,
A reference has been received from the Additional Solicitor-General of India,
Chennai indicating that in W.P.No.35418/2006, the Hon’ble High Court of Madras
has directed him to advise the Government, in the interest of the Indian
citizens going abroad especially to the Middle-East countries, to put display
boards / notice boards in Airports / seaports indicating items banned in these
countries like Khas Khas (Poppy seeds), to avoid criminal prosecution of Indian
nationals visiting Middle-East countries.
- The issue was examined. Poppy seeds (commonly known as ‘Khas Khas’) is
classifiable under Tariff Item 1207 91 00 of the First Schedule to the Tariff
Act, 1975. Its import into the country is subjected to certain conditions
imposed by the DGFT to ensure that these have been grown legally in exporting
country as per requirements of International Narcotics Control Board. Further,
imports are also allowed only against registration with the Narcotics
Commissioner prior to import and is subject to Plant Quarantine requirements.
Similarly, many countries have prohibited / restricted import of Poppy Seeds (Khas
Khas) into their countries. Import of Indian Pan and derivative is prohibited
for import in the Kingdom of Bahrain for the reason to preserve its environment.
- Since the import of Poppy Seeds (Khas Khas) is prohibited in majority of the
Middle East countries such as UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar etc., Board hereby
directs that at prominent places at airports / seaports where the passengers
depart, to put display boards / notice boards mentioning the items that are
banned in Middle-Eastern countries but are of common use which the departing
passengers may carry in his baggage. The ‘Khas Khas’ and ‘Indian Pan and
derivative’ may be specifically mentioned as these are commonly used by general
public in India but are prohibited in the Middle – East countries.
- In view of the above, you are requested to do the needful at airports /
seaports under your charge at the earliest.
Yours faithfully,
(M.M. Parthiban)
Director (Customs)
F.No.520/42/2009-Cus.VI