Location of Forex Counters in Airports - CBEC Clarifies
RESERVE Bank of India vide Circular No. 38 dated Oct 25, 2011 [DDT 1721 - 27.10.2011] had clarified that: -
++ Foreign Exchange Counters in the arrival halls in international airports in India shall ideally be established after the Customs Desk (Green Channel/Red Channel). However, Foreign Exchange Counters may also be established between the Immigration Desk and the Customs Desk in international airports in India, subject to the condition that these counters shall only purchase Foreign currency and sell Indian Rupees (INR) and ‘Encashment Certificates', shall invariably be issued by the money changers to the customers.
++ Similarly, Foreign Exchange Counters in the departure halls in international airports in India shall be established only before the Customs Desk or the Immigration Desk, whichever comes first. Putting up suitable display at these counters, reminding the passengers that the area is the last point for non-residents to possess Indian Rupees (INR) may be followed up with the Airport Authorities.
++ The Foreign Exchange Counters of Authorised Dealers Category-I banks, Authorised Dealers Category-II and Full Fledged Money Changers, not conforming to the above, should be relocated in accordance with the above instructions, latest by 31.12. 2011.
CBEC wants Commissioners in charge of International airports to ensure that the directions contained in the Circular are complied with scrupulously.
CBEC Circular No. 51/2011-Customs, dated: 11 November 2011