Customs Manual on Self-Assessment – 2011

‘’Self-Assessment”  in Customs has been implemented w.e.f. 8.4.2011  vide Finance Act, 2011 by suitable changes to Sections 17, 18, 46 and 50 of the Customs Act, 1962. Self-Assessment interalia requires importers / exporters to correctly declare value, classification, description of goods, exemption notifications etc. and self assess the duty thereon, if any. As Self-Assessment is newly introduced, the Central Board of Excise and Customs is releasing this Manual to guide importers / exporters in making correct Self-Assessment of duty of imported or export goods.

This Manual covers (a) standard operating procedures, (b) compulsory compliance requirements (CCR) and (c) key aspects of Customs requirements such as classification, valuation, exemption notifications etc. for correct Self-Assessment of duty on goods imported or exported.

Self-Assessment is expected to usher in a new era of trust based Customs-Trade partnership leading to greater facilitation of compliant traders. Therefore, it is important that the trade takes its responsibility for making correct Self-Assessment seriously. Of course, the Departmental officials shall be readily available to resolve any doubts that the trade may have.

As aforestated, this Manual lists important elements of Self-Assessment and provides Check Lists to ensure common errors in classification, valuation, etc. can be pre-empted so that duty on imported or export goods is correctly self assessed. However, it should be noted that the purpose of this Manual is to serve as a guide or advisory and it is neither exhaustive nor legally binding. Importers and exporters are advised to peruse the statutes, Rules and Regulations as well as Board‟s Circulars for ascertaining the correct legal provisions.

(M.C. Thakur) Member (Customs), CBEC

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