Implementation of SWIFT - Testing of samples under single window - Customs - PUBLIC NOTICE NO. 105/2017

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE, DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE OFFICE OF COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS, CHENNAI-IV 60, RAJAJI SALAI, CUSTOMS HOUSE, CHENNAI 600001 F.N0. S.MISC.25/2017-Docks Appg. Dated: 18.05.2017 PUBLIC NOTICE NO. 105/2017 Sub: Implementation of SWIFT - Testing of samples under single window - Reg. Attention of Importers, Customs Brokers, Custodians, Trade and other stake holders is invited to CBEC s Circular No.03/2016 dated 03.02.2016 regarding Single Window Interface for Facilitating Trade (SWIFT). 2. Consequent to the introduction of SWIFT, clearances/permissions/NOC from other Participating Government Agencies (PGAs) is now transmitted on-line and the previously extant procedure of obtaining these clearances/permissions/NOC etc., on the physical copy has been done away with. However, it has come to notice that the Import Release Orders are issued manually on paper by certain PGAs, and NOC is not transmitted on-line in the [CEGATE system. On request from the importers/CHAs the Assistant/Deputy Commissioners in the respective container freight stations grant NOC after scrutinizing the physical copy of the NOC from the PGA. This practice defeats the purpose of trade facilitation which was envisaged by SWIFT and would also be prone to manipulation by unscrupulous elements. 3. After due consideration, it has been decided that this practice of granting NOC for Bills of Entry which has been referred to PGAs and for which NOC has not been received online shall be discontinued immediately. Out-of-Charge orders shall hereafter be granted by the shed officers only on verification of the NOC online and not from the physical/hard copy. 4. In case PGAs face any technical issues and need to issue physical NOC, reason for the same needs to be mentioned by them on the face of NOC. Difficulties faced, if any, in the implementation of this Public Notice may be brought to the notice of this office. (PRAKASH KR. BEHERA) COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS CHENNAI-IV