Confusing, Complicated and Controversial Notifications - ripple is spreading -Surat Trade Notice Withdrawn
AFTER issuing those complicated Central Excise notifications 34, 35 and 36 of 2015 on Friday, the CBEC seems to be fiddling while the proverbial Rome is burning. Everybody is confused, more so the departmental officers and overanxious officers have already started their ‘Mission Enforcement'. The Textile sector seems to be the worst victim.
A Trade Notice supposed to have been issued by Surat-I Commissionerate is doing the rounds and has been carried on a website. The Trade Notice No. 3/2015, dated 20.07.2015 requires:
1. All such manufactures are required to get registered themselves under the Rule 9 of the Central Excise Rule 2002.
2. All such manufactures are directed to declare the stock of the inputs and finished goods separately, as on 17th July, 2015, (in duplicate) to the Jurisdictional Range Office on or before 24/07/2015.
DDT called up the Surat Commissioner to find out if this was correct. He said that the Trade Notice was withdrawn and there is no change in the situation. The position prevailing prior to 17.07.2015, will continue. When asked whether he was issuing a clarification that the Trade Notice is withdrawn, he said that it was so informed to the Trade Associations.
In the meanwhile, this Trade Notice has spread like wildfire causing immense confusion. Even this morning I got a copy from a well-meaning source. We only hope that other Commissioners do not follow and issue such trade notices.
The Board is still silent. Amen!