Procedure for disposal of unclaimed cargo
Board has issued a fresh set of instructions for speedy disposal of unclaimed/uncleared cargo.
1. This procedure is applicable only to cargo remaining unclaimed/ uncleared for more than one year.
2. The custodian will furnish a detailed list to the Customs and also issue a notice to the consignee stating that if the goods are not cleared within 15 days they will be sold.
3. The Customs shall scrutinize the list and inform the custodian about any disputed or stayed consignments. If no such intimation is received from customs within 15 days the custodian can go ahead with the disposal.
4. The responsibility of the disposal will be exclusively with the custodian, irrespective of any value determined by Customs.
5. Customs will not insist on detailed inventory of the consignments but may choose 10% of the consignments for verification.
6. The disposal shall be by public auction in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Central Vigilance Commission.
7. The bidding will be on cum-duty price. However local taxes like sales tax have to be collected extra from the buyer.
8. An officer from the Customs will be present at the auction but he cannot withdraw consignments from the auction at the last movement except with the written approval of the Commissioner.
9. The custodian will file a consolidated Bill of Entry and the Customs will allow clearance after the assess duty is paid by the custodian.
CBEC Circular No. 50/2005 – Customs, Dated December 1, 2005