KOCHI: The anti-corruption branch of the Central Bureau of Investigation has launched a preliminary inquiry based on suspicion into the import of used multifunctional digital photocopiers (MFDs) to the country through Kochi port.
A letter stating the same, dated August 14, 2017, was sent to the state pollution control board (SPCB) authorities seeking information on the suspects in the import.
The agency has sought details regarding whether the importers were required to file any annual returns with the concerned SPCB and whether they had filed any annual returns with the Kerala SPCB in the year 2013 to 2016. The SPCB has replied in the negative on August 23.
"We have not registered any case and are only collecting details as part of the procedure.The inquiry is only a preliminary one, based on media reports," said a senior CBI official.
A letter to the customs commissioner, Kochi, was, meanwhile, sent by the chief environmental engineer with the regional office of the Kerala SPCB on Saturday. The letter reiterated that releasing the seized machines would be a violation of various environmental laws.
"It is understood that the MFDs are under your custody which should have been re-exported back by the party, who had imported this e-waste at his cost. Under these circumstances, you are hereby instructed to give specific directions to the party to obtain authorization from Central Pollution Control Board as per e-waste management rules, 2016," the letter said.
The letters follow an order by the customs, excise & service tax appellate tribunal, Bengaluru, on the issue on August 9, 2017. As per the order, the imported machines cannot be considered as waste. "We have perused the certificates issued by authorized chartered engineers. These certificates show that the imported items cannot be considered waste," the order stated.
However, the tribunal found that the 'country of origin' certificate to be issued by a competent authority of that country was not satisfactorily produced, which was violation of rules. It also noted that at least three of the consignments were yet to be examined by the director general of foreign tradeapproved chartered engineer.
"We make it clear that the findings in the order shall apply to these consignments also, only when they are of similar nature and are on the same footing as claimed by the appellants with other examined cargo," the order said. The tribunal had observed that the importers were entitled for the release of the goods on payment of appropriate fine.
"As per the order they have produced a CPCB authorisation. We are yet to officially receive the letter. However, the tribunal order is binding and has ordered the release of the machines as they were found functional," said a senior customs official.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com