The Indian government, through Circular No. 28/2023-Customs, has introduced a significant change aimed at streamlining trade processes. This circular allows for the advance assessment of Courier Shipping Bills (CSBs) on the Express Cargo Clearance System (ECCS). The move is designed to enhance trade facilitation and reduce dwell time for export consignments.
Detailed Analysis:
The Circular, issued by the Ministry of Finance, Department of Revenue, and Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs, addresses the concerns raised by stakeholders regarding the lengthy processing times for Courier Shipping Bills. The introduction of advance assessment on ECCS marks a pivotal step toward improving the ease of doing business in India’s customs processes.
With the technical modifications made to the ECCS export workflow, assessing officers now have access to CSBs marked for assessment even before the physical arrival of the export consignment at the Inland Container Terminals (ICTs). This proactive approach not only accelerates the assessment procedure but also contributes significantly to reducing the overall dwell time of courier exports.
The circular empowers the field formations to issue suitable Public Notices, ensuring that the industry stakeholders and concerned parties are well-informed about these changes. This transparency aids in a seamless transition to the new system, fostering a more efficient and trader-friendly environment.
Conclusion:
Circular No. 28/2023-Customs heralds a positive change in India’s customs procedures, embracing technology to facilitate trade. The advance assessment of Courier Shipping Bills on ECCS is a testament to the government’s commitment to enhancing the ease of doing business and reducing bureaucratic hurdles for exporters. Industry stakeholders and businesses can now benefit from expedited processes, ultimately leading to increased efficiency and competitiveness in the global market. This progressive step reinforces India’s position as an attractive destination for international trade, aligning with the government’s vision of a digitally empowered and business-friendly nation.
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F. No. 451/14/2020-Cus.V(Pt.2)
Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Revenue
Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs
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Circular No. 28/2023-Customs | Dated: 08 November, 2023
Room No. 227-A, North Block, New Delhi-110001
To
Pr. Chief Commissioners/Chief Commissioners (Customs or Central Tax & Customs)
Pr. Directors General/Directors General
Pr. Commissioners/Commissioners of Customs
Pr. Additional Directors General/Additional Directors General,
all under CBIC
Madam/Sir,
Subject: Allowing advance assessment of Courier Shipping Bills-regarding
Representations have been received in the Board to allow advance assessment of Courier Shipping Bills that would further reduce the dwell time.
2. Based on the inputs from the stakeholders and with a view to further enhancing the ease of doing business, it has been decided to provide for advance assessment of Courier Shipping Bills on the Express Cargo Clearance System (ECCS). The Directorate General of Systems has confirmed the enabling of appropriate technical changes in the ECCS export workflow for this purpose. An Advisory No. 11/SYS/WZU/2023 dated 19.10.2023 has also been issued by DG (Systems).
3. The field formations are requested to issue suitable Public Notice etc. for guidance.
4. Difficulty, if any, may be brought to the notice of the Board.
Yours faithfully
(Harish Kumar)
Under Secretary(Customs-V)
Tel : 011-23095541
Email : uscus5-cbec@gov.in
OFFICE OF THE ADDITIONAL DIRECTOR GENERAL (SYSTEMS)
NEW CUSTOM HOUSE, BALLARD ESTATE, MUMBAI- 400001
Phone Number: 022-20825140. Fax: 022-20825148. Email: systems. Wzmumbai@gov.in
F. No. IV (4)/7/2020/SYSW
Date: 19.10.2023
ADVISORY NO. 11 /SYS/WZU/2023
Sub: Allowing of Advanced Assessment for Courier Shipping Bills (CSBs)- reg.
It is to inform that, in order to further reduce dwell time of Courier Export in ECCS and to enhance trade facilitation, the provision for Advance Assessment for CSBs has been implemented in ECCS. Accordingly, suitable modifications have been made in ECCS export workflow. The CSBs marked for assessment shall be available in advance to the assessing officers before physical arrival of the export consignment at the ICT.
This issues with the approval of ADG, Systems, WZU, Mumbai.
(JITENDRA TIWARI)
Deputy Director
Copy for kind information and necessary action to:
1. The Pr. ADG, NCTC, Mumbai.
2.The Customs Officer, All ICTs.
3. M/s EICI to circulate to all stakeholders.
