In a bid to streamline customs procedures and expedite trade under the India-Korea Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), the Import Commissionerate of Mumbai Customs Zone III has issued a notable Facility Notice. Dated 07.02.2024, this notice addresses the acceptance of printed copies of electronic Certificates of Origin (e-CoOs) for defacement purposes. This move aims to enhance efficiency in Customs clearances and alleviate trade bottlenecks.
Detailed Analysis
1. Background and Legal Framework: The notice references the India-Korea CEPA and CBIC Notification No. 187/2009-Customs (N.T.) dated 31.12.2009, underlining the legal basis for the initiative. It highlights the need for aligning defacement procedures with established protocols, as outlined in CBIC instructions.
2. Procedural Guidelines: Para-4 of CBIC Instruction No. 15/2023-Customs, dated 03.05.2023, elucidates the defacement process. It mandates the presentation of a printed e-CoO to Customs officers for verification against the Bill of Entry, effectively replacing the defacement of original hard copies.
3. Technical Integration: The notice acknowledges the system’s readiness to receive Electronic Country of Origin data from the Republic of Korea, emphasizing the significance of electronic data exchange in facilitating trade.
4. Operational Implementation: Mumbai Customs Zone III affirms its commitment to trade facilitation by aligning with CBIC instructions and ICES Advisory No. 31/2023. The directive extends to Turant Suvidha Kendra (TSK) operations, ensuring uniformity in defacement procedures across customs facilities.
Conclusion
The issuance of Facility Notice No. 01/2024 by Mumbai Customs Zone III marks a significant stride towards enhancing trade efficiency and reducing dwell time in customs clearances under the India-Korea CEPA. By accepting printed copies of e-CoOs for defacement, the Customs authorities aim to harmonize procedures with international standards while leveraging technological advancements. This proactive approach underscores the commitment to fostering a conducive environment for bilateral trade between India and South Korea.
In order to facilitate the trade and to reduce dwell time in Customs clearances, Import Commissionerate, Mumbai Customs Zone III has issued a Facility Notice dated 07.02.2024 for accepting the printed copy of e- CoO for defacement purposes in case of India-Korea CEPA.
OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS (IMPORT)
TECHNICAL CELL, AIR CARGO COMPLEX HUMBAI ZONE-
SAHAR, ANDHERI (EAST), MUMBAI-400 009
e-mail: pro,acc-sahar@gov.in Phone – 022 28616696
07.02.2024
Facility Notice No. 01/2024
Ref : ICES Advisory No. 31/2023 Dated; 22.12.2023 regarding Electronic Origin Exchange Systems (EODES) under India- Korea CEPA.
Kind attention is invited to India-Korea Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement and CBIC Notification No. 187/2009-Custroms (N.T.) dated 31.12.2009. In this regard, trade has represented for issuing a suitable instruction to deface the e-Co0 In case of Republic of Korea in the system in a similar manner as instructed by CBIC in Instruction No. 13/2023-Customs dated 31.03.2023 and CBIC Instruction No. 15/2023-Customs dated 03.05.2023.
2. In this regard, para-4 of Instruction No. 15/2023-Customs dated 03.05.2023 Is reproduced below:
” For defacement of Coo purposes, a printed copy of the e-Co0 shall be presented to the Customs Officer, who shall cross-check the unique reference number and other particulars entered in the Bill of Entry with the printed copy of e-Co0. This procedure will be in Feu of defacing the original hard copy of a certificate of origin.
2.1 Further, para-2 of DG (Systems) advisory No. 31/2023 dated 22.12.2023 has stated that ‘system has been enabled to receive Electronic Country of Origin. from the Republic of Korea and to be used in BR of Entry.
3. In view of the above, this office has also decided for trade facilitation and to reduce dwell time to do defacement in line with para-4.rof.CBIC Instruction No. 13/2023-Customs dated 31.03.2023 and CBIC Instruction No. 15/2023-Customs dated 03.05.2023 In case of Coo from the Republic of Korea.
4. This office has already Issued Office Order No. 48/2020 dated 16.07.2020 specifying the standard operating procedure for Turant Suvidha Kendra (TSK). In addition to the the same, the proper officer at TSK shall abide by the above said ICES Advisory No.31/2023 dated 22.12.2023 for Electronic Origin Data Exchange Systems (EODES) under India-Korea CEPA and follow the procedure specified in the said advisory In case of e-COO.
5. This facility notice will act as a standing order for the officers concerned.
This issues with the approval of Commissioner of Customs, Import, ACC, Mumbai Zone-III.
Signed by
Pawan Kumar Khetan
Date: 07.02.2024
ADDITIONAL COMMISSIONER
Copy to:
1. The Chief Commissioner of Customs, Mumbai Zone-III
2. Pr. Commissioner/Commissioner of Customs, General/ Export/APSC/Airport/ Preventive, Mumbai Zone-III
3. All ADCs/JCs, ACC(Import), Mumbai Zone-III
4. DC/EDI for uploading on website
5. Office copy
