Documents to be submitted by the first time importers.-reg. - Customs - 35/2009-10/CCP/JMR

OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS SARDA HOUSE , OPP. PANCHWATI, BEDI BUNDER ROAD, JAMNAGAR F. No. VIII/48-2/CUS(T)/2009-10 Date : 30.03.2010 PUBLIC NOTICE NO. 35/2009-10/CCP/JMR Subject :- Documents to be submitted by the first time importers.-reg. It has been observed that some unscrupulous importers are importing/attempting to import goods by using the IEC No. [Import-Export Code] of other persons, who on verification, have been found in many cases to be fictitious in the sense that they do not exist 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 genuineness of the importers, who are importing goods for the first time through any port within the jurisdiction of the Customs (Prev.) Commissionerate, Jamnagar, for which the following documents would be required to be submitted: [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. 3. The aforesaid documents will have to be submitted by the importer or his Clearing Agents (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 Licencing Regulations, 2004. Once the documents mentioned at [i] to [v] above are filed, import will be allowed on payment of duties applicable and completion of other formalities. If there is any difficulty in making available any of these documents, the importer may approach the incharge Deputy/Assistant Commissioner who may consider relaxation on merits in each case. 4. This practice/requirement shall come into force with immediate effect. 5. The contents of the above Public Notice may be brought to the notice of the members of all trade associations and the Custom House Agents Association. Sd\- (A. K. Gupta) COMMISSIONER