Use of standard IE Codes notified by the DGFT for exempted categories of importers and exporters under ICES – regarding. - Customs - 19/2001

OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AIR CARGO COMPLEX, SAHAR, ANDHERI (EAST), MUMBAI 400099 F.No. EDI-1/97 CC(ACC) Date: 09th May, 2001 Public Notice No. 19/2001 Sub: Use of standard IE Codes notified by the DGFT for exempted categories of importers and exporters under ICES regarding. Under the Exim Policy by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), persons intending to import or export any goods are required to obtain an importer/exporter code (IE Code) from the designated office of the DGFT. Certain categories of importers/exporters have however been exempted from obtaining the IE Code and these persons can transact business without the use of an IE code. The exempted categories include Central and State Government departments, imports for personal use etc. For effecting imports/exports through the ICES locations such importers/exporters were allowed to use non-standard codes such as 0000, zzzz etc. Attention of importers/exporters/Custom House Agents and other members of the trade is invited to the changes in the Exim Policy effective from 1st April 2001, wherein the DGFT has notified standard importers/exporters codes in respect of 11 categories of importers/exporters who are otherwise exempted from obtaining individual IE codes for the purpose of carrying out business of imports and exports. In this context para 4.6(vi) of chapter 4 of Hand Book of Procedures (Volume-I) may be referred to. Therefore importers/exporters belonging to the specified categories would need to declare the standards IE code as specified in the exim policy in their import/export documents. For example, Central Government departments would need to quote 0100000011, State Government departments will need to quote 0100000029 as their IE code for any export or import effected by them etc. Following the aforesaid changes in the Exim Policy, appropriate provisions have been made in the ICES software package for recording the standardised IE codes in respect of bills of entry and shipping bills filed by the specified exempted categories of importers and exporters. The standard IE codes will be captured in the service center at the time of filing of the documents. It may however be clarified that the standard codes are not to be made use of in the case of exports where the exporter intends to claim drawback or the benefit of any other export promotion scheme. Such exporters are advised to obtain the specific IE code from DGFT for the particular person alongwith the PAN based business identification number (BIN) before effecting exports. Before filing S/B s, the exporter would also be required to register the Authorised Dealer code through whom he intends to get the foreign exchange remitted alongwith his account number with the Authorised Dealer. The exporter will also need to open an account with the designated bank for credit of the drawback amount. Apart from the categories for which standard codes have been prescribed there would still be some categories of importers/exporters who may not be having any IE code (standard or individual) for transacting any import/export business. This category would cover: (a) importers/exporters who may not have applied for and obtained a valid IE code before importing/exporting any goods, (b) persons who are exempt from obtaining individual IE code under the Exim policy but for which no standard code has been prescribed. For these persons it has been decided to allocate the code 0100000001 to enable them to get their documents processed through the ICES after obtaining permission of the designated Asst. Commissioner/Dy. Commissioner for using this code. For persons of category (a) above i.e. persons who are otherwise required to have an individual IEC but have not obtained the code, will be allowed to use the standard code after adjudication of the case by the proper officer for the offence of importing/exporting without a valid code. In case of any difficulty, the trade is advised to contact the Systems Manager. Sd/- Commissioner of Customs Air Cargo Complex, Sahar, Mumbai