Using the IEC No. of other persons by unscrupulous importers-Instructions-Regarding. - Customs - 07/2010

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE : DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS CUSTOM HOUSE : NEW HARBOUR ESTATE : TUTICORIN C.NO :VIII/48/11/2008-Cus.Pol. Dated : 28-04-2010 PUBLIC NOTICE NO. 07/2010 Using the IEC No. of other persons by unscrupulous importers-Instructions-Regarding. It has been observed that some unscrupulous importers are importing/attempting to import GOODS using the IEC No. of other persons, who, on verification, have been found in many cases to be fictitious in the sense that they do not exists at the given address or do not have any knowledge/idea about the import consignment, nor do they have any finance for/experience in the business of imports/exports and in fact they are dummies. Such imports by the said unscrupulous importers set a chain of economic offences starting from mis-declaring the description, value and quantity to Customs down to non-payment of Sales Tax/VAT, Income Tax, Octroi, Money Laundering, generation of black money and violations of foreign exchange laws. 2. As a preventive measure, it has been decided to look into the aspect of the genuinity of the importers, who are importing any GOODS for the FIRST TIME through TUTICORIN, PORT. This will be done from the documents like the following (i) Copy of VAT/Sales Tax Registration certificate. (ii) Certificate from the Bank with whom the Bank Account is being maintained by the importer certifying the signatures, name and address of the importer. (iii) Proof of payment/remittance through the importer's account. (iv) Balance sheet of the previous year. (v) Copy of the last Income Tax Return/VAT or Sales Tax Return filed, which will have to be submitted by the importer or his Clearing Agent (CHA) to the concerned Assessing Officer. The CHA are expected to play a positive role in this regard in terms of Regulation 13 of Customs House Agents Licensing Regulations, 2004. Once the documents (i) to (v) above are filed, import will be allowed on payment of duties applicable. If there is any difficulty in making available any of these documents, the importer may approach Additional Commissioner in charge of Import to make relaxation. 3. This practice/requirement shall come into course with immediate effect. (AJAY DIXIT) COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS