Customs Woes - And Department's Response
IN the context of the CBEC's trade facilitation measures and ‘EASE OFDOING BUSINESS', the JN Customs recently held a series of meetings with importers.
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The Principal Commissioner emphasized that under leadership of the Chief Commissioner of Customs, Mumbai Zone- II, this Custom House is working hard to extend best facilities and hassle-free processing of documents and clearance of goods. He reiterated the department's focus to reduce the dwell time and invited suggestions/grievances from the participants. He categorically stated that the administration is keen to receive and act on ‘Positive Criticism' from the trade members to improve standard of delivery of services. He informed that members of the trade can meet officers at any time in the office for any grievance.On knowing about shifting of imports by some importers to other Sea Ports/ICDs, the Principal Commissioner assured best of facilities at JNCH and requested them to rethink their strategies.
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Skip Scanning and get examined:
An importer submitted that on a particular occasion, their lot of 15-20 Containers were subjected to extensive examination as the lot skipped scanning at Port.
The ADC, CSD informed that this may have occurred due to non-generation of CSD Scanning List on a particular day due to problem in Systems. He requested the importers to co-operate in such scenario as these are stray cases and are of not a regular occurrence.
EDI - Manual Payment:
The importers stated that they face problems in making payments through ICEGATE, which is either very slow or at times has software related problems. It was also informed by them that sometimes Challan/RD Payments are not reflecting in the EDI System. An importer informed that they face problems in assessment of their Bills of Entry which are voluminous in size and at the time of assessment, somewhere midway the System is stuck and assessment remains incomplete and ultimately takes 2-3 days in assessment. This problem was reported as frequent after June, 2015. In this regard,the ADC, EDI informed that this matter has already been referred to the DG, Systems,New Delhi.
The Principal Commissioner directed the ADC, EDI to look into the matter to resolve the problems being faced by the trade. Further, all the importers were advised to apply for ACP status so that their Bills of Entry may be routed through RMS. It was ensured that SIIB (I) will forward the comments to RMD on priority on receipt of the ACP Applications. In addition, the importers were also advised to file advance Bills of Entry in cases where they expect any delay in manual assessment on account of technical issues.
Part Delivery:
An importer raised the issue of Part Delivery in the case of Bulk Containers. In response, it was informed by the ADC, AM (I) that revised Facility Notice on this matter is in pipeline and the same shall be issued very shortly.
Drawback: An assessee informed that their Drawback Claims are pending for more than 2 years.
The Principal Commissioner directed the importer to submit a representation in this regard to the ADC, DBK and within 15 days they will receive response and if eligible, Drawback from the Department.