FAQ on CBEC website - educating without any liability
WE received this mail -
"I recently visited the CBEC website www.cbec.gov.in .
On the LHS panel, there is a section called Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). As expected, there is a disclaimer which says that the replies to the FAQ is aimed only at creating public awareness and cannot be used for legal or professional purposes. Be that as it may, the first head is Customs and the question is as below -
Q.1 | Please give me the rate of duty on a particular item |
A.1 | We regret that we do not have the personnel at present to give specific rates of duty. All the necessary information to work out the rate on your own is given on the web site. |
A great way to start the FAQ in the negative .
As you move further, you find that there are some questions which are repeated along with the answers - for eg. Questions 13 & 20, 10 & 32 and 6 & 29.
Of particular interest is the question number 6 and the answer given thereunder. Interestingly, the first sentence thanking the queryist is missing in the repeat question 29.
Q.6 | I am NRI US citizen and I plan to travel to India (mother land) in coming days. Although I have obtained info about Duty Free Allowances, I am still afraid about harassment from Indian custom officers. |
A.6 | Thank you for your letter. As long as you are complying with the provisions of the law there is nothing to fear. In the event of any harassment by any officer, you may immediately contact the senior most officers on duty, usually the Deputy Commissioner of Customs. In case of demands for illegal gratification/graft, there are explicit directions/Notices at every airport on whom to contact |
I stopped scrolling the page for the rest of the FAQ for fear of getting intaxicated."
DDT requests the Board to look into the FAQ.