Removal of port restrictions on import of Tea from Sri Lanka – Notification and CBEC instructions
As per Notification No. 60/200 – cus dated 12.5.2000, Tea imported from Sri Lanka up to 15 million kilograms enjoys a concessional rate of duty subject the condition that the imports take place through the ports of Mumbai, Kolkata, Cochin and Visakhapatnam.
Now the port restrictions are deleted, which means it can be imported through any port.
Now the Board clarifies that the monitoring mechanism for Tariff Rate quota (TRQ) imports of tea from Sri Lanka under ISLFTA was agreed in the meeting held between the Government of India and Government of Sri Lanka on 18-19 April 2000. The said monitoring mechanism shall continue even after removal of port restrictions for import of tea from Sri Lanka under ISLFTA.
Board wants Chief Commissioners to direct all officials under their charge to strictly comply with the monitoring mechanism. Chief Commissioners shall also forward details of imports of tea under ISLFTA to the Directorate General of Systems, Customs & Central Excise, New Delhi. Customs ports having EDI facility shall provide the information to DG, Systems online, while non-EDI locations may do so electronically.
NOTIFICATION NO. and CBEC CIRCULAR NO. 22/2007-Cus., Dated: June 5, 2007