Examination of consignments of Raw Cashew nuts - reg - Customs - 02/2009

OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS CUSTOM HOUSE: COCHIN- 682 009. TRADE FACILITY No. 02/2009. Sub: Examination of consignments of Raw Cashew nuts - reg. It is noticed that in the case of FCL, imported containers effective examination could not be done at the Q-7 Ramp of Ernakulam Wharf, for want of infrastructural facilities lack of space. In view of the security alert, it is necessary that the consignments are examined in detail as per norms. CFS s are also not equipped to handle bigger consignments involving more containers. In order to strike a balance between the need for effective examination and the infrastructural difficulties, it is decided to revise the existing procedure of customs examination. Raw Cashew nuts is the major item of import through Cochin Port, in terms of the number of containers. These are imported mainly by manufacturer-exporters in Kerala. Due to the large number of containers involved in such Bills of Entry, it is found difficult to de-stuff these containers at the Docks or CFSs before clearance. Therefore, it is decided that henceforth, a small percentage (10% subject to a minimum of 1 container) of these consignments shall be inspected at Docks and it found in order, all the containers shall be allowed movement to importer's premises for detailed examination. Following procedure shall be adopted in such cases. At the time of assessment, group assessing officers shall give examination order for inspection of S/10% containers at Docks and for detailed examination balance containers at importer's premises. Such Bills of Entry shall be presented at Docks, along with copy of the consent from jurisdictional Central excise officers for examination at importer's premises (under whose jurisdiction the unit falls). A plain paper undertaking (in the same format as in the case of Transfer of goods under Bond) to the effect that the Bill of Entry shall be returned to Docks after completion of examination, within 7 days of removal of goods from Docks. On the basis of above, Officers at Docks shall select the container(s) for inspection. If found in order, all containers shall be allowed movement to importer's premises for detailed examination. Officers at Container Cell shall seal all containers with Customs Seals and thereafter, containers shall be allowed for movement to importer's premises, as per existing procedure. Necessary endorsements shall be made in the Bill of Entry to the above effect. Separate CHA-wise registers shall be maintained at Docks for effective monitoring of containers for detailed examination. If any Bill of Entry is not presented for OOC order, within 7 days after completion of examination, further movements of containers under this scheme shall not be allowed for any such importer/CHA. Assistant Commissioner (Docks) shall consider relaxation only in exceptional genuine cases. Further, if any discrepancy is noted on detailed examination, appropriate action as per law shall be initiated against the importer /CHA. Consignments of traders, importers from outside Kerala and those importers who do not want to avail this facility shall be subjected to detailed examination after 100% de-stuffing at CFS. Existing procedure is modified to de-congest the Port, as raw cashew nuts form bulk of the imports through this Port. For RMS facilitated consignments, existing procedure shall continue. Revised procedure as above shall be in force initially for a period of 3 months and thereafter, shall be reviewed. Difficulties, if any, shall be brought to the notice of the undersigned. Sd/- (B. SYED MOHAMMED) Commissioner F.No. C1/01/2009- Cus. TU Dated: 09.04.2009