CBEC to give swift clearance for bulk cargo export

The Dollar Business Bureau    In yet another attempt to remove export bottlenecks and ease outbound shipping procedures, the government has decided to exempt bulk cargo from sealing in packages or containers, thus reducing delays in export consignments. The decision was taken after traders’ bodies expressed concern about their problems in sealing of bulk cargo for export, especially for goods such as coal, iron-ore, alumina concentrate and heavy machinery. They sought for a simple procedure for exports of such articles.  “The matter has been examined. Notification has been amended, thereby exempting bulk cargo from sealing in packages or container. The Central Excise has been empowered to grant exemption from self-sealing of bulk cargo for export on case to case basis,” The Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) said in a statement.  However, the customs authority has laid down certain conditions under the goods clearance policy and said that the exemption will be decided on case to case basis and will not exceed one year.  The CBEC also pointed out that it will not allow remission of duty in case of loss of goods during transit and any misuse of the policy will lead to a withdrawal of permission.  The board outlined a set procedure to allow exports without sealing in packages or container and said those who wish to avail this facility will need to write to Principal Chief Commissioner/ Chief Commissioner of Central Excise, and a copy to jurisdictional Assistant/ Deputy Commissioner of Central Excise, with listed details of cargo to be shipped.  The Central Excise will grant or reject the request for waiver of sealing of bulk cargo within 15 days from the application.  “The final decision taken on the application shall be communicated to the applicant in writing and in cases where the permission is granted; conditions and safeguards prescribed shall be clearly mentioned,” the board said.  

November 16, 2015 |2:36pm IST