Use of tamper proof bottle seals on containerized cargo for Export- Board issues draft circular
CBEC proposes to issue a circular regarding sealing of containers for export.
In case of departmental supervision Board wants to clarify that
• the tamper proof one time bottle sealing alone should be adopted as it ensures safety and security of sealing process and avoid any resealing at the point of export. Further it would reduce the need for examination at port except in case of specific intelligence as these containers would not be subject to routine examination.
• In respect of one time bottle seals provided by the department, its cost may be recovered from exporters/ manufacturers or their agents.
• However, exporters/manufacturers need not be compelled to procure such bottle seals only from the department as this would defeat the very purpose of self-sealing facility and avoid delay.
• It is also informed that in case of export of cargo by trucks/ other means which can not be bottle sealed, same would be subject to normal examination norms at gateway port.
Board may not be aware that the bottle seals are not available with most of the Central Excise offices. Why can't the Board get these seals made especially for the department? The seal would hardly cost twenty rupees each. Is it worth collecting from the exporters? As a facilitation measure why can't these seals be supplied free?
The Board's draft circular does not mention to whom the objections are to be sent. May be they don't want any opinions.