IMPORT ORDER –Import order is an open interface that consists of interface tables and set of API’s. By using import order we can new, updated or changed sales order from other applications.
v ORDER IMPORT CAN DO FOLLOWING THINGS FOR US:
1. Validation
2. Defaulting
3. Processing constraints checks
4. Apply & releasing or order holds
5. Scheduling of shipments
with Order management checks all the data during the import process to ensure its validity with order management so is prepared for anything horrible. Valid transactions then converted into order lines,reservations,price adjustments and sales credit in OM base tables.
v FOLLOWING ARE PREREQUISITEES FOR ORDER IMPORT:
1. Set up order management.
2. Customer should be created along with BILL TO & SHIP TO.
3. Pricing should be defined for all those item which are part of upload.
4. Item should be assigned to inventory organisation.
5. Define order import source.
6. Payment term should be setup.
7. Currency shoud be setup if order currency is different from SOB currency then conversion rate and conversion type should be defined.
PROCESS OF IMPORT ORDER
IMPORT PROCESSERS –
Procedures have to be followed by ‘PERSON-IN-CHARGE’ of conveyance’ as well as the importer.
Who is 'Person in Charge' - As per section 2(31), 'person in charge' means (a) In case of vessel - its master (b) In case of aircraft - its commander or pilot-in-charge (c) In case of train - its conductor or guard and (d) In case of vehicle or other conveyance - its driver or other person in charge.
The significance of this definition is –
1.He is responsible for submitting Import Manifest and Export Manifest.
2.He has to ensure that conveyance does not leave without written order of Customs authoritie.
3.He has to ensure that goods are unloaded after written order, at proper place. Loading also has to be only after permission.
4.He can be penalised for (a) Giving false declaration and statement (b) shortages or non-accounting of goods in conveyance.
GENERAL PROVISION - Goods are imported in India or exported from India through sea, air or land. Goods can come through post parcel or as baggage with passengers. Procedures naturally vary depending on mode of import or export. Procedures discussed in this Chapter are applicable for imports by sea, air or land, but not as baggage or postal despatch.
v Computerisation of custom work - Work of customs at Delhi airport has been computerised. Work at Mumbai port is also computerised. Whenever the work is computerised, documents like IGM and Bill of Entry have to be filed electronically. Procedure in computerised environment has been specified in CC, New Delhi PN 22/98 dated 8.5.1998. Guidelines for preparing data file for Bill of Entry and shipping bills for Mumbai Customs House has been prescribed vide PN 108/99 dated 30-9-1999 and PN 10/2001 dated 30.1.2001.
v Entry – ‘Entry’ in relation to goods means an entry made in a Bill of Entry, Shipping Bill or Bill of Export. It includes (a) label or declaration accompanying the goods which contains description, quantity and value of the goods, in case of postal articles u/s 82 (b) Entry to be made in case of goods to be exported (c) Entry in respect of goods imported which are not accompanied by label or declaration made as per provisions of section 84. [section 2(16)].
v Amendment of document - Importer, exporter or 'Person In charge' have to submit various documents to customs authorities like Bill of Entry, Import Manifest, Export Manifest etc. Some times, it may become necessary to amend the document due to various reasons like change in classification, clerical mistake in document, change in unloading / loading plan of vessel etc. In such case, permission to amend these documents have to be obtained from customs authorities. [section 149]. Such permission can be given if there are no fraudulent intentions.
In case of bill of entry, shipping bill or bill of export, it can be amended after clearance only on the basis of documentary evidence which was in existence at the time the goods were cleared, warehoused or exported, and not on basis of any subsequent document. [section 149].
v Customs Station - Imported goods are permitted to be unloaded only at specified places. Similarly, goods can be exported only from specified area. In view of this, definitions of ‘Customs Station’ is important.
Customs area means all area of Customs Station and includes any area where imported goods or export goods are ordinarily kept pending clearance by Customs authorities. Thus, ‘Customs Area’ could include some area even outside the ‘Customs Station’. Customs Station means (a) customs port (b) inland container depot (c) customs airport and (d) land customs station.
Section 7 of Customs Act empowers CBEC (Board) to appoint * Customs ports * Customs airports * Places for inland container depots * Coastal ports. These are appointed by issuing a notification. Section 8 authorises Commissioner of Customs to approve proper places in any customs port, customs airport or costal port for unloading and loading of goods or for any class of goods and specify the limits of customs area. Thus, the place (city / town / village etc.) is approved by CBEC, while exact location within that city / town / village is approved by Commissioner of Customs.
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Import manifest is required to be submitted before arrival of aircraft or vessel - Section 30(1) of Customs Act provides that Import Manifest should be filed before arrival of ship or aircraft. Normally, the Agents submit the Import Manifest before arrival, so that maximum possible formalities are completed before vessel or aircraft arrives. This also enables importers to file ‘Bill of Entry’ in advance.
v Grant of Entry Inwards by Customs Officer - Unloading of cargo can start only after Customs Officer grant ‘Entry Inwards’. Such entry inwards can be granted only when berthing accommodation is granted to a vessel. If there is heavy congestion at port, shipping berth may not be available and in such case, ‘Entry Inwards’ cannot be granted. This date is highly relevant for determining rate of customs duty applicable.
v Carrier responsible for shortages during unloading - If the goods are short landed, the carrier is liable to pay penalty upto twice the amount of duty payable on such short landed goods. It has been held that tally sheet prepared by Port Trust authorities on unloading of goods is a statutory document and should be accepted in preference to steamer survey.
v Procedure by Importer - The importer importing the goods has to follow prescribed procedures for import by ship/air/road. (There is separate procedure for goods imported as a baggage or by post.)
BILL OF ENTRY - This is a very vital and important document which every importer has to submit under section 46. The Bill of Entry should be in prescribed form. The standard size of Bill of Entry is 16" × 13". However, for computerisation purposes, 15" × 12" size is permitted. (Mumbai Customs Public Notice No. 142/93 dated 3-11-93).
Bill of Entry should be submitted in quadruplicate – original and duplicate for customs, triplicate for the importer and fourth copy is meant for bank for making
Under EDI system, Bill of Entry is actually printed on computer in triplicate only after ‘out of charge’ order is given. Duplicate copy is given to importer.
TYPES OF BILL OF ENTRY- Bills of Entry should be of one of three types. Out of these, two types are for clearance from customs while third is for clearance from warehouse.
v Bill of entry for home consumption - This form, called ‘Bill of Entry for Home Consumption’, is used when the imported goods are to be cleared on payment of full duty. Home consumption means use within India. It is white coloured and hence often called ‘white bill of entry’.
v Bill of entry for warehousing -If the imported goods are not required immediately, importer may like to store the goods in a warehouse without payment of duty under a bond and then clear from warehouse when required on payment of duty. This will enable him to defer payment of customs duty till goods are actually required by him. This Bill of Entry is printed on yellow paper and often called ‘Yellow Bill of Entry’. It is also called ‘Into Bond Bill of Entry’ as bond is executed for transfer of goods in warehouse without payment of duty.
v Bill of entry for ex-bond clearance -The third type is for Ex-Bond clearance. This is used for clearance from the warehouse on payment of duty and is printed on green paper. The goods are classified and value is assessed at the time of clearance from customs port. Thus, value and classification is not required to be determined in this bill of entry. The columns in this bill of entry are similar to other bills of entry. However, declaration by importer is not required as the goods are already assessed.
Rate of duty for clearance from warehouse - It may be noted that rate of duty applicable is as prevalent on date of removal from warehouse. Thus, if rate has changed after goods are cleared from customs port, customs duty as assessed on yellow bill of entry and as paid on green bill of entry will not be same.
v Mention of BIN on Bill of Entry – A BIN (Business Identification Number) is allotted to each importer and exporter w.e.f. 1.4.2001. It is a 15 digit code based on PAN of Income Tax (PAN is a 10 digit code). [Earlier an EC (Import Export code) number issued by DGFT was required to be mentioned on Bill of Entry].
v Filing of Bill of Entry - Normally, Bill of Entry is filed by CHA on behalf of the importer. Customs work at some ports has been computerised. In that case, the Bill of Entry has to be filed electronically, i.e. through Customs EDI system through computerisation of work. Procedure for the same has been prescribed vide Bill of Entry (Electronic Declaration) Regulations, 1995.
DOCUMENTS TO BE SUBMITTED BY IMPORTER - Documents required by customs authorities are required to be submitted to enable them to (a) check the goods (b) decide value and classification of goods and (c) to ensure that the import is legally permitted. The documents that are essentially required are : (i) Invoice (ii) Packing List (iii) Bill of Lading / Delivery Order (iv) GATT declaration form duly filled in (v) Importers / CHAs declaration duly signed (vi) Import Licence or attested photocopy when clearance is under licence (vii) Letter of Credit / Bank Draft wherever necessary (vii) Insurance memo or insurance policy (viii) Industrial License if required (ix) Certificate of country of origin, if preferential rate is claimed. (x) Technical literature. (xi) Test report in case of chemicals (xii) Advance License / DEPB in original, where applicable (xiii) Split up of value of spares, components and machinery (xiv) No commission declaration. – A declaration in prescribed form about correctness of information should be submitted.
The Noting is now done electronically in large ports, while it is done manually in small ports. Thoka Number (Serial Number) is given while noting the Bill of Entry.
1.ASSESSMENT OF DUTY & CLEARANCE-The documents submitted by importer are checked and assessed by Customs authorities and then goods are cleared. Section 2(2) defines ‘assessment’ as follows – ‘Assessment’ includes provisional assessment, reassessment and any order of assessment in which the duty assessed is Nil. Thus, ‘assessment’ includes ‘Nil’ assessment.
v Noting of Bill of Entry Bill of Entry submitted by importer or Customs House Agent is cross-checked with ‘Import Manifest’ submitted by person in charge of vessel / carrier. It is noted if the description tallies. ‘Noting’ really means taking on record by customs officer. This date is relevant for determining rate of customs duty. Thoka number (serial number) is given in the import section. Otherwise, it is returned for clarifications. In case of EDI system, noting is done by the system itself which also generates bill of entry number.
Date of presentation of bill of entry is highly relevant and the rate of duty as applicable on this date will be considered for calculating the duty payable. Bill of Entry is accepted only after proper scrutiny vis-a vis import manifest and various declarations given in bill of entry and attached documents like invoice, bill of lading etc. If such documents are not attached, the authorities can refuse to accept the Bill of Entry, and hence submission of such incomplete Bill of Entry cannot be taken as date of presentation of Bill of Entry.
v Prior Entry of Bill of Entry - After the goods are unloaded, these have to be cleared within stipulated time - usually three working days. If these are not so removed, demurrage is charged by port trust/airport authorities, which is very high. Hence, importer wants to complete as many formalities as possible before ship arrives. Proviso to Section 46(3) of Customs Act allows importer to present bill of entry upto 30 days before expected date of arrival of vessel. In such case, duty will be payable at the rate applicable on the date on which ‘Entry Inward’ is granted to vessel and not the date of presentation of Bill of Entry, but rate of exchange will be as prevalent on date of submission of bill of entry.
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2.ASSESMENT OF CUSTOM DUTY-Section 17 provides that assessment of goods will be made after Bill of Entry is filed. Date stamp of receipt is put on the ‘Bill of Entry’ and then it is sent to appraising department either manually or electronically.
There are various Appraising groups. Each group is under anAssistant/Deputy Commissioner.
v Appraising the goods - Appraiser has to (a) correctly classify the goods (b) decide the Value for purpose of Customs duty (c) find out rate of duty applicable as per any exemption notification and (d) verify that goods are not imported in violation of any law.
v Valuation of goods - As per rule 10 of Customs Valuation Rules, the importer has to file declaration about full 'value' of goods. If the assessing officer has doubts about the truth and accuracy of 'value' as declared, he can ask importer to submit further information, details and documents. If the doubt persists, the assessing officer can reject the value declared by importer. [rule 10A(1)]. If the importer requests, the assessing officer has to give reasons for doubting the value declared by importer. [rule 10A(2)]. If the value declared by importer is rejected, the assessing officer can value imported goods on other basis e.g. value of identical goods, value of similar goods etc. as provided in Customs Valuation Rules.
v Examination of goods - Examiners carry out physical examination and quantitative checking like weighing, measuring etc. Selected packages are opened and examined on sample basis in ‘Customs Examination Yard’. Examination report is prepared by the examiner.
Payment of Customs Duty - After assessment of duty, necessary duty is paid. Regular importers and Custom House Agents keep current account with Customs department. The duty can be debited to such current account, or it can be paid in cash/DD through TR-6 challan in designated banks.
After payment of duty, if goods were already examined, delivery of goods can be taken from custodians (port trust) after paying their dues. If goods were not examined before assessment, these have to be submitted for examination in import shed to the examining staff. After shed appraiser gives ‘out of charge’ order, delivery of goods can be taken from custodian
FIRST & SECOND SYSTEM OF ASSESSMENT - There are two systems of assessment. Section 17(2) provides for assessment after examination of goods and section 17(4) provides for assessment on basis of documents, followed by inspection and testing of goods.
v “First appraisement system” or 'first check procedure' - is followed if the appraiser is not able to make assessment on the basis of documents submitted and deems that inspection is necessary. Goods are examined first and then these are assessed. This method is followed only if assessment is not possible on basis of documents. - - The importer himself may also request 'first check procedure', if he cannot give all required details regarding description / value of goods. He has to make request for first check examination at the time of filing of Bill of Entry or at data entry stage in case of EDI. He has to give reason for seeking first appraisement. The examination order is recorded on Bill of Entry and then returned to importer. It is then presented to import shed for examination. The shed appraiser / Dock examiner examines the goods as per examination order and records his findings.
v “Second Appraisement System” or 'second check procedure' - which is normally followed, assessment is done on basis of documents and then goods are examined. Such examination is not mandatory. It is done on selective basis on the basis of ‘risk assessment’ or specific intelligence report. Section 17(4) of Customs Act specifically provides that if initially assessment is done on basis of documents, re-assessment can be done after examination or testing of goods or otherwise, if it is found subsequent to examination or testing or otherwise, that any statement made on Bill of Entry or any information supplied is not true in respect of matter relevant to assessment of duty.
First appraisement is generally carried out in following cases - * If complete documents are not submitted * Goods are to be tested for correct classification * Goods are re-imported * Goods are damaged or deteriorated and abatement is claimed * Goods are abandoned and remission of duty is applied for * When goods are provisionally assessed * When importer himself requests for examination of goods before payment of duty.
Examination of Goods - Examiners carry out physical examination and quantitative checking like weighing, measuring etc. Selected packages are opened and examined on sample basis in ‘Customs Examination Yard’. Examination report is prepared by the examiner.
3.PROVISIONAL ASSESSMENT - Section 18 of Customs Act, 1962 provide that provisional assessment can be done in following cases (a) when Customs Officer is satisfied that importer or exporter is unable to produce document or furnish information required for assessment (b) it is deemed necessary to carry out chemical or other tests of goods (c) when importer/exporter has produced all documents, but Customs Officer still deems it necessary to make further enquiry. In such cases, assessment is done on provisional basis. The importer/exporter has to furnish guarantee/security as required by Customs Officer for payment of difference if any. Goods can be cleared after payment of duty provisionally assessed and after providing the security. After final assessment, difference is paid by importer or refunded to him as the case may be. If the imported goods were warehoused after provisional assessment, the Customs Officer may require importer to execute a bond for twice the difference in duty, if duty finally assessed is higher [section 18(2)(a)]. The bond is called as 'P D Bond' (Provisional Duty Bond). The bond is with security or surety. Bank guarantee can also be given as a security.
v Checking of duty drawback / license documents - Documents in respect of Duty Entitlement Pass Book (DEPB), advance license, duty drawback etc. will be checked.
v Execution of bond and payment of duty - Once the duty is assessed, the bill of entry is returned to importer. The Bill of Entry should be presented to comptist for calculation and pinpointing of the duty. If bond has to be executed, it will be taken in bond section.
v Payment of duty - If goods are to be removed to a warehouse, duty payment is not required. The goods can be taken to a warehouse under bond, without payment of duty. However, if goods are to be removed for home consumption, payment of customs duty is required. CHA or the importer can take it for payment of customs duty. Large importers and CHA have P.D. accounts with customs. Duty can be paid either in cash or through P.D. account. P. D. account means provisional duty account. This is a current account, similar to PLA in central excise. The importer or CHA pays lumpsum amount in the account and gets credit on the amount paid. He can pay customs duty by debiting the amount in P.D. (Provisional Duty) account. If the importer does not have an account, he can pay duty by cash using TR-6 challan. Of course, payment through PD account is very convenient and quick.
v The duty should be paid within five working days (i.e. within five days excluding holidays) after the ‘Bill of Entry’ is returned to the importer for payment of duty. [section 47(2)]. (Till 11-5-2002, the period allowed was only 2 days).
v Interest for late payment - If duty is not paid within 5 working days as aforesaid, interest is payable. Such interest can be between 10% to 36% as may be notified by Central Government. [Section 47(2) of Customs Act, 1962.]. - - Interest rate is 15% w.e.f. 13-5-2002. [Notification No. 28/2002-Cus(NT) dated 13-5-2002] Earlier, interest rate was 24% p.a, w.e.f. 1-3-2000, as per notification No. 34/2000-Cus(NT)].
v Disposal if goods are not cleared within 30 days - As per section 48 of Customs Act, goods must be cleared within 30 days after unloading. Customs Officer can grant extension. Otherwise, goods can be sold after giving notice to importer. However, animals, perishable goods and hazardous goods can be sold any time - even before 30 days. Arms & ammunition can be sold only with permission of Central Government.
v Out of Customs Charge Order - After goods is examined, it is verified that import is not prohibited and after customs duty is paid, Customs Officer will issue ‘Out of Customs Charge’ order under section 47. Goods can be cleared from customs area only on receipt of such order. This is an ‘adjudicating order’ within the meaning of Customs Act, even if it is passed by Appraiser and not by Assistant Commissioner.
v Demurrage if goods not cleared - Heavy demurrage is payable if goods are not cleared from port within three days.
Bibliobraphy
v WWW.Google.com
v WWW.Scribd.com
IMPORT PROCESSERS –
Procedures have to be followed by ‘PERSON-IN-CHARGE’ of conveyance’ as well as the importer.
Who is 'Person in Charge' - As per section 2(31), 'person in charge' means (a) In case of vessel - its master (b) In case of aircraft - its commander or pilot-in-charge (c) In case of train - its conductor or guard and (d) In case of vehicle or other conveyance - its driver or other person in charge.
The significance of this definition is –
1.He is responsible for submitting Import Manifest and Export Manifest.
2.He has to ensure that conveyance does not leave without written order of Customs authoritie.
3.He has to ensure that goods are unloaded after written order, at proper place. Loading also has to be only after permission.
4.He can be penalised for (a) Giving false declaration and statement (b) shortages or non-accounting of goods in conveyance.
GENERAL PROVISION - Goods are imported in India or exported from India through sea, air or land. Goods can come through post parcel or as baggage with passengers. Procedures naturally vary depending on mode of import or export. Procedures discussed in this Chapter are applicable for imports by sea, air or land, but not as baggage or postal despatch.
v Computerisation of custom work - Work of customs at Delhi airport has been computerised. Work at Mumbai port is also computerised. Whenever the work is computerised, documents like IGM and Bill of Entry have to be filed electronically. Procedure in computerised environment has been specified in CC, New Delhi PN 22/98 dated 8.5.1998. Guidelines for preparing data file for Bill of Entry and shipping bills for Mumbai Customs House has been prescribed vide PN 108/99 dated 30-9-1999 and PN 10/2001 dated 30.1.2001.
v Entry – ‘Entry’ in relation to goods means an entry made in a Bill of Entry, Shipping Bill or Bill of Export. It includes (a) label or declaration accompanying the goods which contains description, quantity and value of the goods, in case of postal articles u/s 82 (b) Entry to be made in case of goods to be exported (c) Entry in respect of goods imported which are not accompanied by label or declaration made as per provisions of section 84. [section 2(16)].
v Amendment of document - Importer, exporter or 'Person In charge' have to submit various documents to customs authorities like Bill of Entry, Import Manifest, Export Manifest etc. Some times, it may become necessary to amend the document due to various reasons like change in classification, clerical mistake in document, change in unloading / loading plan of vessel etc. In such case, permission to amend these documents have to be obtained from customs authorities. [section 149]. Such permission can be given if there are no fraudulent intentions.
In case of bill of entry, shipping bill or bill of export, it can be amended after clearance only on the basis of documentary evidence which was in existence at the time the goods were cleared, warehoused or exported, and not on basis of any subsequent document. [section 149].
v Customs Station - Imported goods are permitted to be unloaded only at specified places. Similarly, goods can be exported only from specified area. In view of this, definitions of ‘Customs Station’ is important.
Customs area means all area of Customs Station and includes any area where imported goods or export goods are ordinarily kept pending clearance by Customs authorities. Thus, ‘Customs Area’ could include some area even outside the ‘Customs Station’. Customs Station means (a) customs port (b) inland container depot (c) customs airport and (d) land customs station.
Section 7 of Customs Act empowers CBEC (Board) to appoint * Customs ports * Customs airports * Places for inland container depots * Coastal ports. These are appointed by issuing a notification. Section 8 authorises Commissioner of Customs to approve proper places in any customs port, customs airport or costal port for unloading and loading of goods or for any class of goods and specify the limits of customs area. Thus, the place (city / town / village etc.) is approved by CBEC, while exact location within that city / town / village is approved by Commissioner of Customs.
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Import manifest is required to be submitted before arrival of aircraft or vessel - Section 30(1) of Customs Act provides that Import Manifest should be filed before arrival of ship or aircraft. Normally, the Agents submit the Import Manifest before arrival, so that maximum possible formalities are completed before vessel or aircraft arrives. This also enables importers to file ‘Bill of Entry’ in advance.
v Grant of Entry Inwards by Customs Officer - Unloading of cargo can start only after Customs Officer grant ‘Entry Inwards’. Such entry inwards can be granted only when berthing accommodation is granted to a vessel. If there is heavy congestion at port, shipping berth may not be available and in such case, ‘Entry Inwards’ cannot be granted. This date is highly relevant for determining rate of customs duty applicable.
v Carrier responsible for shortages during unloading - If the goods are short landed, the carrier is liable to pay penalty upto twice the amount of duty payable on such short landed goods. It has been held that tally sheet prepared by Port Trust authorities on unloading of goods is a statutory document and should be accepted in preference to steamer survey.
v Procedure by Importer - The importer importing the goods has to follow prescribed procedures for import by ship/air/road. (There is separate procedure for goods imported as a baggage or by post.)
BILL OF ENTRY - This is a very vital and important document which every importer has to submit under section 46. The Bill of Entry should be in prescribed form. The standard size of Bill of Entry is 16" × 13". However, for computerisation purposes, 15" × 12" size is permitted. (Mumbai Customs Public Notice No. 142/93 dated 3-11-93).
Bill of Entry should be submitted in quadruplicate – original and duplicate for customs, triplicate for the importer and fourth copy is meant for bank for making
Under EDI system, Bill of Entry is actually printed on computer in triplicate only after ‘out of charge’ order is given. Duplicate copy is given to importer.
TYPES OF BILL OF ENTRY- Bills of Entry should be of one of three types. Out of these, two types are for clearance from customs while third is for clearance from warehouse.
v Bill of entry for home consumption - This form, called ‘Bill of Entry for Home Consumption’, is used when the imported goods are to be cleared on payment of full duty. Home consumption means use within India. It is white coloured and hence often called ‘white bill of entry’.
v Bill of entry for warehousing -If the imported goods are not required immediately, importer may like to store the goods in a warehouse without payment of duty under a bond and then clear from warehouse when required on payment of duty. This will enable him to defer payment of customs duty till goods are actually required by him. This Bill of Entry is printed on yellow paper and often called ‘Yellow Bill of Entry’. It is also called ‘Into Bond Bill of Entry’ as bond is executed for transfer of goods in warehouse without payment of duty.
v Bill of entry for ex-bond clearance -The third type is for Ex-Bond clearance. This is used for clearance from the warehouse on payment of duty and is printed on green paper. The goods are classified and value is assessed at the time of clearance from customs port. Thus, value and classification is not required to be determined in this bill of entry. The columns in this bill of entry are similar to other bills of entry. However, declaration by importer is not required as the goods are already assessed.
Rate of duty for clearance from warehouse - It may be noted that rate of duty applicable is as prevalent on date of removal from warehouse. Thus, if rate has changed after goods are cleared from customs port, customs duty as assessed on yellow bill of entry and as paid on green bill of entry will not be same.
v Mention of BIN on Bill of Entry – A BIN (Business Identification Number) is allotted to each importer and exporter w.e.f. 1.4.2001. It is a 15 digit code based on PAN of Income Tax (PAN is a 10 digit code). [Earlier an EC (Import Export code) number issued by DGFT was required to be mentioned on Bill of Entry].
v Filing of Bill of Entry - Normally, Bill of Entry is filed by CHA on behalf of the importer. Customs work at some ports has been computerised. In that case, the Bill of Entry has to be filed electronically, i.e. through Customs EDI system through computerisation of work. Procedure for the same has been prescribed vide Bill of Entry (Electronic Declaration) Regulations, 1995.
DOCUMENTS TO BE SUBMITTED BY IMPORTER - Documents required by customs authorities are required to be submitted to enable them to (a) check the goods (b) decide value and classification of goods and (c) to ensure that the import is legally permitted. The documents that are essentially required are : (i) Invoice (ii) Packing List (iii) Bill of Lading / Delivery Order (iv) GATT declaration form duly filled in (v) Importers / CHAs declaration duly signed (vi) Import Licence or attested photocopy when clearance is under licence (vii) Letter of Credit / Bank Draft wherever necessary (vii) Insurance memo or insurance policy (viii) Industrial License if required (ix) Certificate of country of origin, if preferential rate is claimed. (x) Technical literature. (xi) Test report in case of chemicals (xii) Advance License / DEPB in original, where applicable (xiii) Split up of value of spares, components and machinery (xiv) No commission declaration. – A declaration in prescribed form about correctness of information should be submitted.
The Noting is now done electronically in large ports, while it is done manually in small ports. Thoka Number (Serial Number) is given while noting the Bill of Entry.
1.ASSESSMENT OF DUTY & CLEARANCE-The documents submitted by importer are checked and assessed by Customs authorities and then goods are cleared. Section 2(2) defines ‘assessment’ as follows – ‘Assessment’ includes provisional assessment, reassessment and any order of assessment in which the duty assessed is Nil. Thus, ‘assessment’ includes ‘Nil’ assessment.
v Noting of Bill of Entry Bill of Entry submitted by importer or Customs House Agent is cross-checked with ‘Import Manifest’ submitted by person in charge of vessel / carrier. It is noted if the description tallies. ‘Noting’ really means taking on record by customs officer. This date is relevant for determining rate of customs duty. Thoka number (serial number) is given in the import section. Otherwise, it is returned for clarifications. In case of EDI system, noting is done by the system itself which also generates bill of entry number.
Date of presentation of bill of entry is highly relevant and the rate of duty as applicable on this date will be considered for calculating the duty payable. Bill of Entry is accepted only after proper scrutiny vis-a vis import manifest and various declarations given in bill of entry and attached documents like invoice, bill of lading etc. If such documents are not attached, the authorities can refuse to accept the Bill of Entry, and hence submission of such incomplete Bill of Entry cannot be taken as date of presentation of Bill of Entry.
v Prior Entry of Bill of Entry - After the goods are unloaded, these have to be cleared within stipulated time - usually three working days. If these are not so removed, demurrage is charged by port trust/airport authorities, which is very high. Hence, importer wants to complete as many formalities as possible before ship arrives. Proviso to Section 46(3) of Customs Act allows importer to present bill of entry upto 30 days before expected date of arrival of vessel. In such case, duty will be payable at the rate applicable on the date on which ‘Entry Inward’ is granted to vessel and not the date of presentation of Bill of Entry, but rate of exchange will be as prevalent on date of submission of bill of entry.
.
2.ASSESMENT OF CUSTOM DUTY-Section 17 provides that assessment of goods will be made after Bill of Entry is filed. Date stamp of receipt is put on the ‘Bill of Entry’ and then it is sent to appraising department either manually or electronically.
There are various Appraising groups. Each group is under anAssistant/Deputy Commissioner.
v Appraising the goods - Appraiser has to (a) correctly classify the goods (b) decide the Value for purpose of Customs duty (c) find out rate of duty applicable as per any exemption notification and (d) verify that goods are not imported in violation of any law.
v Valuation of goods - As per rule 10 of Customs Valuation Rules, the importer has to file declaration about full 'value' of goods. If the assessing officer has doubts about the truth and accuracy of 'value' as declared, he can ask importer to submit further information, details and documents. If the doubt persists, the assessing officer can reject the value declared by importer. [rule 10A(1)]. If the importer requests, the assessing officer has to give reasons for doubting the value declared by importer. [rule 10A(2)]. If the value declared by importer is rejected, the assessing officer can value imported goods on other basis e.g. value of identical goods, value of similar goods etc. as provided in Customs Valuation Rules.
v Examination of goods - Examiners carry out physical examination and quantitative checking like weighing, measuring etc. Selected packages are opened and examined on sample basis in ‘Customs Examination Yard’. Examination report is prepared by the examiner.
Payment of Customs Duty - After assessment of duty, necessary duty is paid. Regular importers and Custom House Agents keep current account with Customs department. The duty can be debited to such current account, or it can be paid in cash/DD through TR-6 challan in designated banks.
After payment of duty, if goods were already examined, delivery of goods can be taken from custodians (port trust) after paying their dues. If goods were not examined before assessment, these have to be submitted for examination in import shed to the examining staff. After shed appraiser gives ‘out of charge’ order, delivery of goods can be taken from custodian
FIRST & SECOND SYSTEM OF ASSESSMENT - There are two systems of assessment. Section 17(2) provides for assessment after examination of goods and section 17(4) provides for assessment on basis of documents, followed by inspection and testing of goods.
v “First appraisement system” or 'first check procedure' - is followed if the appraiser is not able to make assessment on the basis of documents submitted and deems that inspection is necessary. Goods are examined first and then these are assessed. This method is followed only if assessment is not possible on basis of documents. - - The importer himself may also request 'first check procedure', if he cannot give all required details regarding description / value of goods. He has to make request for first check examination at the time of filing of Bill of Entry or at data entry stage in case of EDI. He has to give reason for seeking first appraisement. The examination order is recorded on Bill of Entry and then returned to importer. It is then presented to import shed for examination. The shed appraiser / Dock examiner examines the goods as per examination order and records his findings.
v “Second Appraisement System” or 'second check procedure' - which is normally followed, assessment is done on basis of documents and then goods are examined. Such examination is not mandatory. It is done on selective basis on the basis of ‘risk assessment’ or specific intelligence report. Section 17(4) of Customs Act specifically provides that if initially assessment is done on basis of documents, re-assessment can be done after examination or testing of goods or otherwise, if it is found subsequent to examination or testing or otherwise, that any statement made on Bill of Entry or any information supplied is not true in respect of matter relevant to assessment of duty.
First appraisement is generally carried out in following cases - * If complete documents are not submitted * Goods are to be tested for correct classification * Goods are re-imported * Goods are damaged or deteriorated and abatement is claimed * Goods are abandoned and remission of duty is applied for * When goods are provisionally assessed * When importer himself requests for examination of goods before payment of duty.
Examination of Goods - Examiners carry out physical examination and quantitative checking like weighing, measuring etc. Selected packages are opened and examined on sample basis in ‘Customs Examination Yard’. Examination report is prepared by the examiner.
3.PROVISIONAL ASSESSMENT - Section 18 of Customs Act, 1962 provide that provisional assessment can be done in following cases (a) when Customs Officer is satisfied that importer or exporter is unable to produce document or furnish information required for assessment (b) it is deemed necessary to carry out chemical or other tests of goods (c) when importer/exporter has produced all documents, but Customs Officer still deems it necessary to make further enquiry. In such cases, assessment is done on provisional basis. The importer/exporter has to furnish guarantee/security as required by Customs Officer for payment of difference if any. Goods can be cleared after payment of duty provisionally assessed and after providing the security. After final assessment, difference is paid by importer or refunded to him as the case may be. If the imported goods were warehoused after provisional assessment, the Customs Officer may require importer to execute a bond for twice the difference in duty, if duty finally assessed is higher [section 18(2)(a)]. The bond is called as 'P D Bond' (Provisional Duty Bond). The bond is with security or surety. Bank guarantee can also be given as a security.
v Checking of duty drawback / license documents - Documents in respect of Duty Entitlement Pass Book (DEPB), advance license, duty drawback etc. will be checked.
v Execution of bond and payment of duty - Once the duty is assessed, the bill of entry is returned to importer. The Bill of Entry should be presented to comptist for calculation and pinpointing of the duty. If bond has to be executed, it will be taken in bond section.
v Payment of duty - If goods are to be removed to a warehouse, duty payment is not required. The goods can be taken to a warehouse under bond, without payment of duty. However, if goods are to be removed for home consumption, payment of customs duty is required. CHA or the importer can take it for payment of customs duty. Large importers and CHA have P.D. accounts with customs. Duty can be paid either in cash or through P.D. account. P. D. account means provisional duty account. This is a current account, similar to PLA in central excise. The importer or CHA pays lumpsum amount in the account and gets credit on the amount paid. He can pay customs duty by debiting the amount in P.D. (Provisional Duty) account. If the importer does not have an account, he can pay duty by cash using TR-6 challan. Of course, payment through PD account is very convenient and quick.
v The duty should be paid within five working days (i.e. within five days excluding holidays) after the ‘Bill of Entry’ is returned to the importer for payment of duty. [section 47(2)]. (Till 11-5-2002, the period allowed was only 2 days).
v Interest for late payment - If duty is not paid within 5 working days as aforesaid, interest is payable. Such interest can be between 10% to 36% as may be notified by Central Government. [Section 47(2) of Customs Act, 1962.]. - - Interest rate is 15% w.e.f. 13-5-2002. [Notification No. 28/2002-Cus(NT) dated 13-5-2002] Earlier, interest rate was 24% p.a, w.e.f. 1-3-2000, as per notification No. 34/2000-Cus(NT)].
v Disposal if goods are not cleared within 30 days - As per section 48 of Customs Act, goods must be cleared within 30 days after unloading. Customs Officer can grant extension. Otherwise, goods can be sold after giving notice to importer. However, animals, perishable goods and hazardous goods can be sold any time - even before 30 days. Arms & ammunition can be sold only with permission of Central Government.
v Out of Customs Charge Order - After goods is examined, it is verified that import is not prohibited and after customs duty is paid, Customs Officer will issue ‘Out of Customs Charge’ order under section 47. Goods can be cleared from customs area only on receipt of such order. This is an ‘adjudicating order’ within the meaning of Customs Act, even if it is passed by Appraiser and not by Assistant Commissioner.
v Demurrage if goods not cleared - Heavy demurrage is payable if goods are not cleared from port within three days.
Bibliobraphy
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