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Regarding Transhipment of Containers to ICDs/ CFSs
Customs
Circular No. 46 dated 29th July 2002
I
am directed to refer to Board�s Circular No.79/2001-Cus. dated 7.12.2001,
prescribing a simplified procedure for issuance of transhipment permits. In this
connection, a number of references have been received in Board�s Office
stating that there are delays in issuance of transhipment permits, resulting in
increase in the transaction cost of imports. Complaints have also been received
that transhipment permits are often denied without assigning any valid reasons.
2.
The Board has taken serious view of the matter. As you are aware, in
recent years a number of ICDs/ CFSs have been set up to reduce congestion at the
gateway ports/ airports and to allow the importers to have their goods Customs
cleared at their doorsteps. The objective of bringing the Customs facility to
the door-step of importing community and decongesting the gateway ports/
airports can be achieved only if the movement of cargo is allowed between a
port/ airport and other ports/ airports, ICDs/ CFSs, etc. without procedural
hassles and delay. It has accordingly been decided that transhipment permits
would not be denied if the goods imported at a customs station are manifested
for being transhipped to any port/ airport or any ICD/ CFS, subject further to
what is stated in para 3 below. The Commissioners may look into this aspect
personally and ensure that such permits are issued smoothly and in a hassle-free
manner.
3.
A doubt has been raised as to whether the Customs at the gateway port are
authorised to examine or detain the container in case of specific intelligence
about mis-declaration of goods in the IGM or availability of contrabands in the
container. It is clarified that the containers meant for transhipment can be
examined only when there is a specific intelligence about mis-declaration of
goods in the IGM or availability of contrabands in the container. However, even
in such cases, before detaining any such container at the gateway port,
permission from Joint/ Additional Commissioner shall be obtained in writing.
4.
Apart from these specific situations, it is reiterated that transhipment
permits should not be refused under any circumstances and any complaints in this
regard will be viewed seriously.
5.
Kindly acknowledge receipt.
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