Customs Complications - Board solutions? - Seized Cargo lying in Chennai airport for more than 10 years!
RECENTLY Member (Cus & EP) of CBEC , SK Goel chaired a meeting of the Customs Consultative Group in Mumbai. We bring you some of the queries raised and the Member's crisp replies.
Q: There is no time definite procedures for clearance of cargo detained by various agencies viz. CIU/DRI/SIB/AIU etc. At present there are more than 100 C/Ns consisting of 1500 pkgs. which have been detained by various agencies at Chennai airport which are lying there for more than 10 years. Alternatively such C/Ns may be shifted at the detaining authority warehouse to decongest the air cargo complex. The various detained C/Ns lying for years together are occupying a considerable storage area at the scarce airport land while the contents of the goods are either decaying/deteriorating or becoming obsolete, it is suggested that the concerned agency should take over such C/Ns and shift to their respective godown outside the airport premises with a view to de-congest the cargo warehouse.
A: There are a large number of consignments of seized/detained goods pending for disposal in different Customs formations. Member (Customs/EP) has issued directions that in cases, where goods can be disposed of, after obtaining the orders of the Court, the same should be done immediately, so as to de-congest the area. Simultaneously, investigating agencies have also been asked to expedite proceedings in pending matters. As far as Chennai Air Cargo is concerned, necessary directions have already been given for speedy disposal of seized/detained cargo. Commissioner, Chennai (Airport) has informed that the construction work of the new building is still going on and once it is finished, after the relocation of cargo, necessary steps for disposal of cargo will be taken up.
With this issue, we end the coverage of the meeting.