M. Ajit Kumar
Ministry of Finance
Department of Revenue
Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs
North Block, New Delhi-110 001
Tel. No. : +91-11-23092849, Fax No. : +91-11-23092890
E-mail : ajit.m@gov.in
D.O.No. 31/CH(IC)/2020
Date: 04th September 2020
Dear Colleague
The ongoing reforms in Customs under the umbrella of ‘ Turant Customs’ programme is at the verge of achieving another milestone. The All India roll-out of Faceless Assessment, of import goods, is being implemented in a phased manner i.e. 8th June 2020 (Phase-I) and 031d August 2020 (Phase-II). The results of the phased implementation, aimed at testing the schema in real life environment for IT capabilities as well as the responsiveness of the trade and Customs officers, has augured well. Indications are that the objectives of the proposed reform would be met. The Board has now decided to roll-out Faceless Assessment at an all India level by 31st October 2020.
In the proposed schema, 11 National Assessment Centres (NACs) have been constituted. The role of NACs and coordination among them as well as the Directorates is very critical to the successful implementation of Faceless Assessment and for bringing uniformity and enhanced quality of assessments. The Conveners and the Nodal Commissioners from the Zones in the NACs have a huge task at hand in ensuring smooth transition and for completing the pre-launch preparations. The members of NACs should be in constant touch and quickly iron out any issues that emerge.
Another major reform in Customs pertains to the implementation of the newly inserted section 28DA of the Customs Act, 1962 and CAROTAR, 2020 [Customs (Administration of Rules of Origin under Trade Agreements) Rules, 2020] in respect of Rules of Origin under Trade Agreements. The CAROTAR, 2020 is coming into force on 21′ September 2020. It aims to supplement the operational certification procedures related to implementation of the Rules of Origin that allows smooth flow of legitimate preferential trade and provide sufficient safeguards to check fraudulent claims of Country of Origin certificates by certain importers to claim preferential tariff treatment.
Zonal Chiefs should ensure that all the officers and our trade partners are made aware of the ensuing refolins through consultation, publicity and outreach programs. There should be no disruption in trade due to the implementation of these changes. These reforms are important. futuristic and transformative. They would enhance the image of the department when implemented fully and require proper monitoring during the implementation stage.
In continuation of the efforts to build a quality repository of in-house resource material, which our officers can use as a reference, the Board released the ‘Indian Customs K9 Manual’ and a booklet CBIC in war against Covid-19′ on 02nd September 2020. It also unveiled TV Commercials on Indian Customs and a video depicting the Journey of Indian Customs EDI Systems during the last 25 years prepared by DGTS.
The K9 Manual meant for its field K9 Squads and K9 Training Centres comprehensively covers all the relevant aspects of kennel establishment, management and deployment of dogs in anti-smuggling work. It succinctly provides SoPs for a whole gamut of activities right from procurement to retirement of a departmental canine. I am confident that this Manual will be of great help and guidance to the field officers and will ensure the efficiency and performance of K9 establishment. My compliments to Directorate of Logistics and the Members of the Drafting Committee for this timely initiative.
The booklet on the fight against Covid-19 highlights the efforts made by the departmental officers and staff on the ground to mitigate the hardships posed to men and material in keeping the supply chain moving seamlessly during the preceding months of the Covid-19 pandemic. My appreciation to the DGTS team for their efforts.
The Covid-19 pandemic has also necessitated maintenance of cleanliness and hygiene at personal as well as societal level during all times. The Swachhta Pakhwada’ campaign in Department of Revenue is being observed from 1st – 15th September 2020. Various activities earmarked under the campaign are intended to promote the culture of cleaner workspace and offices. It is heartening to see officers and staff engaging themselves in Swachhta activities.
I wish good health to all the Officers, Staff and their family during this `Swachhta Pakhwada’ and beyond. Be safe.
with best wishes
Yours sincerely
(M. Ajit Kumar)
To,
All Officers and Staff of Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs
