CBIC invites Suggestions on Additional Import/Export Declarations for Synthetic Diamonds

The Indian government is proposing mandatory additional identifiers in the import/export declarations for synthetic or reconstructed diamonds under Chapter 71 of the Customs Tariff, effective from September 1, 2024. These identifiers, detailed in a draft circular, aim to enhance product identification, reduce queries, improve assessment efficiency, and assist in policy formulation. The draft includes specific qualifiers for lab-grown diamonds based on the method of production, such as Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) and High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT). Stakeholders are invited to provide their suggestions on the proposed changes by August 31, 2024, via email to [email protected] with a copy to [email protected]. This initiative builds on previous efforts outlined in Circular No. 55/2020-Customs, where voluntary disclosure of product details was encouraged. The additional qualifiers are expected to streamline the import/export process, improve the quality of assessment, and minimize delays. The government is urging relevant authorities to issue public notices to inform the trade community and address any challenges encountered during implementation.

NOTICE

Notice calling suggestions from trade on “Mandatory additional qualifiers in the import/export declarations in respect of Synthetic or Reconstructed diamonds”

For the purpose of better identification of products resulting in effective avoidance of queries, enhancing efficiency in assessment and facilitation, addressing reasons for delays and aiding policy formulation through a mechanism of more complete import/export declarations, it has been decided to make certain additional identifiers mandatory for imports and exports under heading 7104 of chapter 71 of the Customs Tariff, with effect from 01.09.2024. In this regard, a draft Circular with Annexure is attached.

2. Stakeholders are invited to provide their suggestions on improvements, if any, to the enclosed Draft Circular with Annexure at the email id tariffunit[email protected] and endorsed to [email protected] by 31.08.2024.

Circular No. /2024-Customs

F. No. -STO(TU)
Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Revenue
(Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs)
*****

North Block, New Delhi
Date:  , 2024

To,

All Principal Chief Commissioners/ Chief Commissioners of Customs/ Customs (Preventive),

All Principal Chief Commissioners/ Chief Commissioners of Customs & Central tax, All Principal Commissioners/ Commissioners of Customs/ Customs (Preventive), All Principal Director Generals/ Director Generals under CBIC.

Madam/Sir,

Subject: Mandatory additional qualifiers in import/export declarations in respect of Synthetic or Reconstructed Diamonds – reg.

Reference is invited to the Circular No.55/2020-Customs dated 17.12.2020 wherein, importers were advised to voluntarily declare the complete description of imported goods and certain additional qualifiers for imported items such as scientific names, IUPAC names, brand name, etc. as applicable to reduce queries and improve the efficiency of assessment.

2. It is noted that in case of synthetic or reconstructed diamonds, the information currently provided by the importers/exporters of these products can be improved by providing the method of manufacturing used for producing these products. The additional identifiers/qualifiers will help in better identification of products resulting in effective avoidance of queries, enhancing efficiency in assessment and facilitation besides aiding policy formulation.

3. Accordingly, the additional qualifiers, as per Annexure, are being proposed in terms of the Bill of Entry (Electronic Integrated Declaration and Paperless Processing) Regulations, 2018 and Shipping Bill (Electronic Integrated Declaration and Paperless Processing) Regulations, 2019, which would need to be declared at the time of filing of import/export declarations. Declaration of additional qualifiers is expected to improve quality of assessment and intervention.

4. Suitable Public Notice may kindly be issued for guidance of the trade. Any difficulties faced or doubts arising in the implementation of this Circular may please be brought to the notice of Board.

5. Hindi version follows. STO (Tariff Unit)

ANNEXURE

TABLE