Expenditure related to maintenance of seized livestock - Customs - INSTRUCTION No. 03/2017

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE, DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS (PREVENTIVE) NORTH EASTERN REGION CUSTOM HOUSE, 110 M. G. ROAD, SHILLONG 793001 C. No. VIII(48)11/CUSITECH/Cattle/2016/2430418(A) Dated: 01.12.2017 INSTRUCTION No. 03/2017 Dated Shillong the 1st December 2017 Subject: Expenditure related to maintenance of seized livestock References had been received at this end by which it had been informed that in cases of seizure of cattle and other livestock, maintenance charges have to be borne by those under whose custody the seized goods are placed till disposal by auction of the said goods. As the custody of the seized livestock is usually with agencies other than Customs, they find it extremely difficult to meet the maintenance charges. Therefore, it has been decided at this end that the highest bidder in the auction shall pay/reimburse the charges/expenses incurred by the custodian in relation to the maintenance of the seized livestock. The same shall be required to be paid by the highest bidder to the custodian of the seized livestock while taking delivery of the goods after completion of auction process. Therefore, the maintenance charge shall be exclusive of the bid value received by the Department. This aspect of payment of separate maintenance charges shall be incorporated in the bid documents. Even in cases where the seized goods are to be released to the owner of goods, the owner of the goods will be required to pay the charges incurred for maintenance of the goods. The Divisional heads may decide on the values of maintenance charges which may be applicable for different categories of livestock in consultation with other concerned agencies who are usually responsible for taking custody of the seized livestock and the local veterinary authorities. The system as specified above may be made effective from 08.12.17. This practice shall be followed till further instructions in this regard. [Bandhana Deori] Commissioner