The Public Notice 20/2024 – JNCH, issued by the Office of Commissioner of Customs NS-II, Jawaharlal Nehru Custom House (JNCH), Nhava Sheva, Maharashtra, mandates additional qualifiers in import/export declarations for specific products. This article explains the purpose of the new rule, its implications for stakeholders, and how to comply with it.
Background
The Public Notice cites Board’s Circular No. 15/2023 dated 07.06.2023, which requires more detailed product information in import/export declarations. This decision came after consultations with relevant government departments, aiming to:
- Reduce queries: Enhance clarity in declarations can minimize the need for clarification requests, leading to faster processing.
- Improve efficiency: Complete product details can streamline assessment procedures and expedite clearances.
- Minimize delays: Reduced communication with technical agencies due to clearer information can prevent delays in clearances.
- Inform policymaking: Better data can aid policymakers in formulating effective trade policies.
- Ease of doing business: Faster clearances through efficient processes contribute to a more business-friendly environment.
Key Points of the Public Notice
- Mandatory additional qualifiers: The notice highlights the non-compliance observed with Board’s Circular No. 15/2023 regarding mandatory additional qualifiers in export declarations.
- Specific requirements: The notice specifies the mandatory qualifiers for specific chapters of the Customs Tariff Handbook (CTH):
- Chapter 12: Declaration of the medicinal plant name for exports of plant parts.
- Chapter 30: Declaration of the formulation name for exports of formulations under different medicine streams.
- Chapter 84: Declaration of the surface material coming into contact with the chemical for exports of various products.
- Filing method: The additional qualifiers must be included in the export declaration, following the format mentioned in Annexure-2 of the referred Board’s Circular. These fields are supplementary to existing declarations.
- Contact details: The notice provides contact information for the Deputy/Assistant Commissioner, Appraising Main (Export), JNCH, for any implementation-related issues.
Who is Impacted?
The Public Notice affects various stakeholders involved in import/export activities at JNCH, Nhava Sheva, including:
- Importers
- Exporters
- Customs brokers
- General trade
- Port terminal operators
- Shipping lines/shipping agents
- Container Freight Stations (CFSs)
Compliance Recommendations
- Familiarize yourself: Importers, exporters, and customs brokers should thoroughly understand the Public Notice and Board’s Circular No. 15/2023 requirements.
- Update processes: Integrate the mandatory qualifiers into your export declaration filing procedures.
- Seek clarification: If you encounter any difficulties implementing the new requirements, contact the designated authorities for guidance.
Conclusion
The implementation of the Public Notice aims to enhance efficiency and transparency in import/export processes at JNCH, Nhava Sheva. By adhering to the new guidelines, stakeholders can contribute to smoother customs clearances and support the government’s initiatives towards facilitating trade.
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Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Office of Commissioner of Customs NS-II
Jawaharlal Nehru Custom House, Nhava Sheva,
Dist- Raigad, Maharashtra — 400 707
Public Notice. 20/2024 – JNCH | Dated : 28.02.2024
Subject: Execution of Board’s Circular No. 15/2023 dated 07.06.2023 regarding mandatory additional qualifiers in Import/Export declarations in respect of certain products-reg.
Attention of the Importers, Exporters, General Trade, Port Terminal Operator, Shipping Lines / Shipping Agents, CFSs coming under the jurisdiction of JNCH, Nhava Sheva and all other stakeholders is invited to Board’s Circular No. 15/2023 dated 07.06.2023 regarding mandatory additional qualifiers in Import/Export declarations in respect of certain products.
2. The above Board’s Circular was issued after reviewing the matter in consultation with Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals, Ministry of Ayush and the Directorate general of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and it is noted that more complete details of the products in Import/export declarations can lead to effective avoidance of queries, enhancing efficiency in assessment and facilitation, avoid making references to technical agencies and addressing basic causes for delays in clearance, apart from better aiding policy making. The execution of the aforesaid Board’s Circular in its true spirit will definitely reduce the dwell time and thus %ill lead to help in the motive of ease of doing business.
3. It has been reported that the mandatory additional qualifiers are not being followed by the Customs Brokers/Exporters in the Export Declaration while tiling the Shipping Bill in line of the direction of Board’s Circular No. 15/2023 dated 07.06.2023.
4. In view of the above, it is directed to follow the aforesaid Board’s Circular in its true spirit at the time of filing export declarations itself:
(a) The declaration of the name of the medicinal plant, for exports of parts of plants under chapter 12;
(b) The declaration of the name of the formulation, for exports of formulations of different streams of medicine under chapter 30
(c) The declaration of the surface material that comes into contact with the chemical, for exports of various products under chapter 84.
5. These additional qualifiers shall be mandatory for exports under the specific CTHs of the said chapters for all Shipping bills filed, in the manner mentioned in the Annexure-2 to the referred Board’s Circular. These fields shall be in addition to the existing declaration being made by exporters.
Any difficulty in implementation of this Public Notice may be brought to the notice of the DC/AC, Appraising Main (Export), JNCH.
Signed by Sanjeev Kumar Singh
Date: 28-02-2024 18:45:44
Reason: Approved Sanjeev Kumar Singh
Commissioner of Customs
NS-H, JNCH
To:
1. Chief Commissioner of Customs, Mumbai Customs Zone 11, INCH.
2. The Commissioner of Customs (NS-Gen, 1, III, IV, V), Mumbai Zone-II.
3. All Addl./Joint Commissioners of Customs, Mumbai Zone-I1
4. All Deputy/Assistant Commissioner of Customs, JNCH.
5. AC/DC, EDI for uploading on JNCH website.
6. All the Trade Associations.
7. Office Copy.
