Introduction of Lab Module in ICES for use by CRCL, Textile Committee and other Agencies — Reg. - Customs - 149/2016

OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS, CHENNAI PORT CHENNAI COMMISSIONERATE VIII (General) CUSTOM HOUSE, NO. 60 RAJAJI SALAI, CHENNAI-600001 F.No.15/2016-Sys. Unit Dated: 20/06/2016 PUBLIC NOTICE NO. 149/2016 Sub: Introduction of Lab Module in ICES for use by CRCL, Textile Committee and other Agencies - Reg Kind attention of Importers, Customs Brokers, Trade and all other stakeholders is invited to Public Notice No 86/2016 dated 23.03.2016 vide which Integrated Declaration under Indian Customs Single Window has been implemented. 2. Another feature has been introduced in ICES to bring online the process of referring samples of consignment for testing and analysis. It is referred to as the 'Lab Module'. This feature is launched to automate the process of referring samples drawn from consignments to testing facilities of the Central Revenues Control Laboratories (CRCL). This module has been extended to cover the testing of consignments by laboratories/referral agencies under the Textile Committee, and to other Agencies to whom Customs may refer samples/documentation for testing and/or NOC. 3. Under the 'Lab module', Customs officers who are responsible for examination of goods and drawal of samples can generate Test Memos online, record the details of the samples drawn online and print test memos. Customs will duly dispatch the samples drawn from the consignment to the concerned laboratory/referral agency. Upon the receipt of the samples, the laboratories can access the Test Memo details online, and when tests/analysis is carried out, the laboratory/referral agency shall record the results/findings online. These results/recommendation can be accessed by Customs instantaneously, and thereafter, Customs can take further necessary action on the consignment without waiting for the physical copy of the test results/recommendation. 4. Under the Single Window project, the Lab Module will be used when a reference has to be made by a Customs Officer online to another Government Agency for NOC/Clearance at the stage of examination, then he may make a reference using the lab module. For example, after going through examination instructions, Compulsory Compliance Requirements (CCRs), documents or goods, if the Officer seeks to forward a sample to another agency such as the Textile Committee for testing of samples, he may draw a sample and forward it to the agency after filling-up details on the Lab Module. 5. The required fees for testing etc, and supporting documents required for these Laboratories/referral agencies are not currently provided in the Lab Module. Therefore, Importers/Customs Brokers would continue to furnish the required documents to the respective agencies as before. Further, the mode and manner of payment of testing fee and other charges of these Labs/referral agencies will continue as per the existing practice. 6. The Chennai Customs will maintain a close liaison with these laboratories/referral agencies to ensure that their responses are received without delay and action is taken promptly with regard to the clearance of goods. 7. The Lab Module shall be launched at Chennai Custom House with effect from 20/06/2016. The concerned laboratories have been mapped in the system with their corresponding Customs locations. 8. It may also be ensured that proactive action is taken to identify Test Memos for which the Test Report has not been received from these agencies within a reasonable time so that the same could be expedited. 9. Difficulty faced, if any, may be brought to the notice of the Dy Commissioner (EDI) for redressel. (Dr V SANTOSH KUMAR) COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS CHENNAI - VIII (GENERAL)