Ban on Usage of Thuraya Satellite Phones in India - Reg. - Customs - 16/2013

MINISTRY OF FINANCE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS Custom House New Harbour Estate Tuticorin-628 004 C.No.VIII/48/265/2012-IG Date: 16.12.2013 PUBLIC NOTICE NO : 16/2013 Sub: Ban on Usage of Thuraya Satellite Phones in India - Reg. Attention to Steamer Agents, Main Line Operators, Customs Brokers, VOC Port Trust regarding Ban on Usage of Thuraya Satellite Phones in India. Any person carrying Thuraya, Iridium or other such sets are also required to mandatorily declare them in the Pre Arrival Notification on Security (PANS) submitted to the Port Authorities. 2. The Steamer Agents, on behalf of the Master of the vessel, are filing Import General Manifest in terms of Section 30 of the Customs Act, 1962. On arrival of the vessel at the Port, Entry inwards is filed under Section 31 ibid read with Import Manifest (Vessels) Regulations, 1971 and the following documents are attached:- LAST PORT CLEARANCE CERTIFICATE COPY OF THE RECEIPT FOR THE INDIAN LIGHT DUES PAID PORT ENTRY INWARD CERTITICATE CREW LIST LAST 10 PORT OF CALLS ENTRY INWARDS CERTIFICATE BY BOARDING OFFICER IGM COPY SIGNED BY THE BOARDING OFFICER STORES LIST CREW DECLARATION. 3. In addition to the above, in terms of Regulation (6) of the Import Manifest (Vessels) Regulations, 1971, the Steamer Agents are declaring Vessel s stores list and list of private property in possession of the Master, Officers and crew. The satellite phones in Vessel s stores list and list of private property, if any, are declared but the brand name/make of the satellite phones, in certain cases are not declared. Presently, the Indian Government has banned the import as well as use of Thuraya satellite Phones in India. The Director general of shipping also has issued an order vide DGS Order No.02 of 2012 dated 17th May, 2012 on usage of Thuraya, Iridium Satellite communication in Indian waters. 4. In view of the above, the steamer Agents are required to mandatorily declare the Brand/make of the Satellite Phones in Vessel s stores list and list of private property in possession of the Master, Officers and crew and sensitize to all concerned on board the vessel about the ban on the usage of Thuraya Satellite Phones in India. Further, if such satellite phones are found to be used in Indian waters and if any unlicensed Thuraya/lridium Satellite Phones are found in the vessel, such phones are liable for confiscation by the Customs. (P.V. SUBBARAO) COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS CUSTOM HOUSE, TUTICORIN