Customs Manual 2013
CBEC has released the Customs Manual 2013. The First Page of the Manual prominently declares that it is "For Departmental use only", but the Preface by Member (Customs) says, “The Customs Manual 2013 contains various instructions, orders circulars on Customs matters compiled meticulously to guide departmental officers in effectively rendering their duties as well to provide information to trade and industry in dealing with Customs."
And finally she hopes that “Customs Manual 2013 would be helpful in the correct application of legal provisions and procedures by the Departmental officials as well as trade.”
So, it is not really "For Departmental use only".
Custom House Agents Continue? The Manual in Chapter 29 deals with Custom House Agents and Custom House Agents Licensing Regulations (CHALR), 2004. The Manual seems to be unaware that the Customs Agents' regime has ended and we have the Customs Brokers.