Introduction: On February 7, 2024, the Commissioner of Customs (Import), Air Cargo Complex, Mumbai, issued a significant facility notice addressing a recent disruption in the ICEGATE system. Facility Notice No. 02/2024 outlines the decision to waive “late fees” for importers who were unable to file their Bills of Entry due to technical glitches in the ICEGATE on February 3, 2024. This move demonstrates the Customs authority’s commitment to mitigating the impact of technological challenges on trade operations.
Background of the Issue
The ICEGATE (Indian Customs Electronic Gateway) system, crucial for the filing of Bills of Entry by importers, experienced erratic functionality on February 3, 2024. The technical difficulties began after 4:00 PM and lasted until midnight, attributed to maintenance activities within the ICEGATE infrastructure. This disruption prevented Custom House Agents (CHAs) and importers from timely compliance with filing requirements, potentially incurring late filing charges under normal circumstances.
The Waiver Decision
In response to representations from the trade community and information from the ICEGATE technical team, the Commissioner of Customs (Import) at the Air Cargo Complex, Mumbai, decided to waive the late filing charges. This waiver applies to Bills of Entry that could not be generated or filed belatedly during the affected period. The notice emphasizes the importance of ensuring compliance by the concerned groups and provides a channel for reporting any difficulties encountered due to this issue.
Implications for Stakeholders
This decision has significant implications for all stakeholders involved in the import process, including importers, exporters, custom brokers, custodians, and the general trade under the jurisdiction of the ACC (Import), Mumbai Commissionerate. By waiving the late fees, the Customs authority not only alleviates the immediate financial burden on affected parties but also reinforces the resilience of the trade ecosystem against unforeseen technological disruptions.
Conclusion: The waiver of late filing charges by the Mumbai Customs in response to the ICEGATE system glitch on February 3, 2024, is a commendable step towards supporting the trade community during technical disruptions. This decision underscores the authorities’ understanding of the critical role technology plays in modern trade operations and their readiness to adapt regulations in the face of challenges. Importers and other stakeholders are encouraged to comply with the necessary adjustments and report any difficulties to the designated officials, ensuring that trade activities continue to operate smoothly despite technological hiccups.
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GEN/TECH/PN/20/2023-EDI-Oio Commr-Cus-Imp-Zone-III-Mumbai
1/1737548/2024
OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS (IMPORT)
AIR CARGO COMPLEX. SAHAR. ANDHERI (EAST)
MUMBAI – 400099
Dated: 07.02.2024
Facility Notice No, 02/2024
Sub: Waiver of late filing charges on account of technical glitches in ICEGATE on 03.02.2024 –reg.
Trade has represented that ICEGATE system was down on 03.02.2024 resulting in the importers not being able to tile their Bills of Entry due to erratic functioning of ICEGATE on 03.02.2024. It is also informed by ICEGATE technical team, DO Systems via mail dated 06.02.2024 that the system was working line before 04.00 PM on 03.02.2024, however, it was working intermittently thereafter (till 12.00 midnight) due to the technical maintenance activity at ICEGATE, filing services are impacted for CHA users.
2. In view of the above, “late fees” imposed is hereby waived off in respect of those Bill of entry, which could not be generated after 04.00 PM (till 12.00 midnight) on 03.02.2024 and thus tiled belatedly. The necessary compliance has to be done by the concerned Groups.
3. All Importers, Exporters, Custom Brokers, Custodians, General Trade under the jurisdiction of ACC (Import), Mumbai Commissionerate may bring difficulty faced., if any, to the notice of Joint Commissioner of Customs (in-situ) EDI, ACC, Mumbai for necessary action.
4. This issues with the approval of the Commissioner of Customs (Import), ACC Mumbai.
Signed by
Pawan Kumar Khetan
Date: 07-02-2024 18:40:15
Yours faithfully,
( Pawan Khetan)
Addl. Commissioner of
Customs
EDI, ACC, Mumbai
Copy to:
1. The Commissioner of Customs (Export/General / Import)
2. All Sections/ Groups of ACC
3. BCHAA (Brilian Mumbai Custom House Agents Association)
4. ACAAI (Air Cargo Agents Association of India)
5. AC/DC, EDI for uploading on ACC website immediately Office Copy.
