Procedure for trans-shipments of goods to SEZ units - JNCH Issues Instructions
AT present, Importer/Customs House Broker (CHB) submits a sealed cover in Import Noting Section, which is opened by ACAO. The documents forwarded by SEZ include the fifth copy of assessed B/E, which is treated as permission for TP of the cargo to the concerned SEZ, and the same is processed by Import Noting Section.
It seems that the procedure of granting permission to trans-shipment (TP) of cargo from Gateway port to Specified Export Zone (SEZ), on the basis of the fifth copy of assessed bill of entry (B/E), is being misused by unscrupulous persons.
So, the Commissioner has directed that the Import Noting Section should take the following precautions:
1. Import Noting Section should ensure that the cover/seal is not tampered with and the same should be opened by ACAO before the person presenting the cover. The ACAO should ensure that the cover contains the following documents.
a. Forwarding/covering letter from "authorised officer" of the concerned SEZ. TA/STA should verify if the unit is listed in the SEZ's list maintained in the section.
b. Letter from the Unit intimating name of the CHB appointed by them for carrying out TP-SEZ procedure at JNCH along with phone no.
c. TA/STA/ACAO should verify CHB's name from ‘list of suspended / blacklisted CHB obtained from CHA Section/NCH, Mumbai.
d. Letter from CHB mentioning name of their employee who has been nominated for carrying out the work with his Kardex no.
e. TA/STA/ACAO will verify Customs pass of the CHB's representative.
2. TA/STA/ACAO should ensure that the fifth copy of assessed B/E having signature and rubber stamp of ‘authorised officer', attested invoice/packing list/bill of lading and other necessary documents are presented before them.
3. TA/STA should ensure that all details in the TP-SEZ forms are duly filled in and no column is left blank.
4. TA will verify alert in the system and/or in a database maintained in the Section and accordingly will put up the note sheet to ACAO.
5. ACAO will cross check the note / details put up by TA and will sign the note.
6. Superintendent should verify IGM No./line no. in the EDI system for Importers name and Address, No. of Pkgs, Gross Weight, Description of goods, BL No./date, Type of Cargo, Container no. and Seal no., etc. Superintendent should ensure "destination code" of the SEZ for which TP is sought.
7. He/she should verify signature of the authorised officer from specimen signatures of "authorised officer". Having satisfied he/she will sign the note and forward to AC for approval.
8. AC/DC will approve the same if nothing contradictory is put up before him/her.
The Commissioner has further directed that an official email ID of Import Noting Section may be created. Similarly, official email IDs of ‘authorized officers' from SEZs may be obtained. Veracity of SEZ-TP may be verified via email, phone call.
Let us hope that the consignment is not held up for all these precautions.