Circular No. 45/2004-Cus.
5th July, 2004
F.No . 450/81/2000-Cus.IV
Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Revenue
Central Board of Excise & Customs
Subject : Import of non-standard tapes-instructions-reg.
I am directed to refer to Board’s Circular No. 99/2003, dated 27.11.2003 wherein it was stated that the import of measuring instruments other than standard units of metric system, is not permitted except under certain conditions specified in Section 23 of Standards of Weights and Measures Act, 1976. Accordingly, field formations were requested to ensure that non-standard units of weight or measure (including these with dual markings), except those permitted by proviso to Section 23 of the Standards of Weights and Measures Act, 1976, are, on import, either confiscated absolutely or allowed re-export only.
2. Now, the Department of Consumer Affairs, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution vide D.O. letter No.WM-9(4)/03, dated 27.5.2004 have informed that the provisions relating to ‘measuring tapes’ laid down in the Standards of Weights and Measures (General) Rules, 051987 has been amended to allow manufacture and verification of measuring tapes with inscription of non-metric scales along with the metric scale without mention of non-metric units like “feet” or “inches”. In view of this , the Department of Consumer affairs has no objection to allow the import of such measuring tapes.
3. In view of above, all concerned are requested to issue necessary instruction for compliance .
4. Receipt of this Circular may kindly be acknowledge.
5. Hindi version will follow.
D. S. Garbyal
Under Secretary to the Government of India
Phone No. 23094182