Advisory for non-charging of container detention charges and ground rent charges for the period 24.03.2020 to 14.04.2020 - Customs - ADVISORY 01/2020

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE, DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE CENTRAL BOARD OF INDIRECT TAXES AND CUSTOMS OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS CUSTOM HOUSE, WILLINGDON ISLAND, COCHIN-682009 F.No.C1/01/2020-TU. cus. Dated: 03.04.2020 ADVISORY 01/2020 Subject: Advisory for non-charging of container detention charges and ground rent charges for the period 24.03.2020 to 14.04.2020- reg. Kind attention of all importers, exporters, customs brokers, members of the trade and industry and all other stakeholders is invited to the Order no. 40-3/2020 DM-I (A) dated 24.03.2020 issue by Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India to impose a lockdown of 21 days in the country. 2. Whereas, the Ministry of Home Affairs, vide above mentioned order issued an addendum and included Customs clearance at ports/ airports/ land border in the exemption to Clause 1, operations of Railways and sea ports and their related organisations for cargo movement were also added in the exemption list. 3. This complete lockdown in the country has put the trade, particularly importers, under a very difficult situation, as considering the prohibitory orders, transport of goods along with movement of importers/ customs brokers and their staff, is not feasible to secure the release of imported goods. Moreover due to ongoing lockdown and prohibitory orders, loading and transportation of goods to the importers' premises is also very difficult. 4. Apprehending that delay in securing release of goods from the Docks/CFSs may result into containers' detention charges levied by shipping lines along with container ground charges levied by CFSs, importers and Customs Broker Associations have requested the undersigned to look into the matter. 5. In view of the extra ordinary current scenario and nation's efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19, shipping lines and custodians of CFSs are hereby advised to adopt a sympathetic and humanitarian approach while levying the container detention charges/ ground rent and may not impose any container detention charges/ ground rent charges on import cargo for the period 24.03.2020 to 14.04.2020, over and above the free time arraangment. 6. This is purely an advisory issued in public interest meant for combating the present COVID-19 Pandemic. (MOHD YOUSAF) Commissioner of Customs