Signing or Submission/Handling of Customs Documents–Reg. - Customs - 19/2010

O/o Commissioner of Customs (Export Administration) Air Cargo Complex, Sahar, Andheri East, Mumbai 400099 F.No. S/3-Prev Admn-36/2010 ACC Date : 14.5.2010 Public Notice No. 19/2010 Subject: Signing or Submission/Handling of Customs Documents Reg. Exporters, Importers, Custom House Agents, Trade and Officials of Customs are aware that any activity, in relation to Customs, undertaken by persons not authorized by concerned CHA who is appointed by exporter/importer runs serious risk of misuse of Customs processes and when detected is distressing to all stakeholders. The basic ground rules which act as preventive measures curtailing room for this malpractice do not appear to have been issued as a Public Notice by ACC, Sahar while these have been publicized by both the NCH and JNCH. Accordingly, it is considered appropriate to bring the following to notice. 2. As per Reg. 19(5) of Customs House Agents Licensing Regulations 2004, only those owners/employees of CHA who have passed the examinations referred in Reg. 8 (holder of Customs Pass of Category F ) or in Reg. 19 (holder of Customs Pass of Category G i.e. erstwhile Category Ist , who is authorized by concerned CHA), are allowed to sign Customs related documents (including Check List, SB, BE, etc) concerning import, export, transshipment, etc. and declarations thereof. Thus, only documents signed by such persons are to be accepted. It has to be ensured that the signatory mentions her/his cardex number and Pass Type ( F or G ) below the signature. 3. With respect to document submission/handling, it can be done by only a person authorized and holding Customs CHA Pass issued by New Custom House, Mumbai that is valid on the date of submission/handling. The Pass should have nexus to the CHA appointed by exporter/importer to handle the transaction. 4. Therefore, Service Centre personnel or concerned Customs Officers posted on duties at Customs Sheds, as the case may be, at Air Cargo Complex, Sahar will verify the above relevant aspects, as applicable. 5. In order that there is record of the person who handled documents at various stages, and also as a safeguard, AOs/Supdts/EO/POs must obtain full signature, name in block letters and cardex number on hard copy of SB/BE before the signed final prints are handed over to such persons. 6. Cash Counters/Banks should also verify details from the Customs Pass of the person making physical payments. 7. Importers/Exporters who operate on Self Basis and their authorized employees need to produce Customs Pass/Identity Card issued by New Custom House, Mumbai, during submission of documents, etc. 8. It may be noted that an acknowledgment or receipt for submission of an application for issue of Customs Pass of any type is not a substitute for the Customs Pass. Moreover, every person who transacts any business with Customs at Air Cargo Complex, Sahar needs to carry and display her/his valid Customs Pass and also to allow its inspection when sought at Service Centre or by the Customs Officer. Cooperation of all stakeholders is requested. Sd/-(14.05.2010) (Rajiv Talwar) Commissioner