Implementation of QR code based Sampling Solution at JNCH - Customs - PUBLIC NOTICE NO. 136/2020

OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS, NS-V JAWAHARLAL NEHRU CUSTOM HOUSE, NHAVA SHEVA, TALUKA: URAN, DISTRICT RAIGAD, MAHARASHTRA-400707. F. No. S/9-Gen-02/2019/CSC Dated :21.10.2020 PUBLIC NOTICE NO. 136/2020 Subject: Implementation of QR code based Sampling Solution at JNCH-reg. Attention of the importers, exporters, Customs Brokers and all other stakeholders is invited to the various initiatives / reforms taken by the Government towards Ease of Doing Business (EODB) and Trade Facilitation. As a step towards trade facilitation, QR code based Sampling Solution is being launched FOR TESTING AT JNCH LABORATORY. 2. Need for New Sampling Procedure. 2.1. The process of sampling of import / export goods at docks involves the following stages: Drawal of samples in CFS. Transport of samples from Docks to Sample Cell Receipt of Sample in Sample Cell, Storage of duplicate sample in Sample Cell, Transport of sample from Sample Cell to JNCH Laboratory Testing of samples by JNCH laboratory and Sending the report to customs appraising groups. 2.2 Hitherto, monitoring mechanism to capture the time-stamp of activities at the various stages of entire sampling process chain of the samples drawn for testing at JNCH laboratory was not available. Further, trade did not have facility to track the movement of samples drawn for testing at JNCH Laboratory. The new Sampling Solution provides for the time stamping at various stages of processes involved with sampling and thereby enables analysis of the time taken by various stakeholders in sampling process so that bottlenecks may be identified corrective measures. Further, with an increased focus on reducing the dwell time for samples of import and export goods drawn for testing at JNCH Laboratory, incremental reduction in the time taken at each stage of sampling will help in reduction of overall dwell time. 2.3. The Sampling Solution is web-based portal which enables the user to track the sample in cost-efficient manner on real time basis. 2.4 Transparency and Accountability are the two main pillars of any public reform. The new Sampling Solution coupled with systemic digital design to capture events for processing of samples will add transparency and accountability. 2.5 An additional cross-verification mechanism is provided for the Laboratory in the form of online image of samples drawn so as to ensure that the samples received in Laboratory is the original sample drawn. 3. Intended EODB benefits to the trade. 3.1 Reduced dwell time on account of sampling: Sampling Solution Portal aids in identification of the areas of sampling where delay happens and helps taking steps to minimize the delay thereby reducing the dwell time. 3.2 Increased transparency and accountability of JNCH Laboratory: More transparent and real time monitoring will nudge JNCH Laboratory to speed up the process of testing and sharing of the report with the Group officers for faster clearance. 3.3 Trade will be enabled to track and trace the movement of the sample easily. 3.4 Communication of status of test reports online to trade: Trade will be able to get status of the test report on real time basis by visiting web portal. 3.5 Establishing identity of re-export goods: For the imported goods claiming re-export benefits, the Sampling Solution will be useful as online images taken at time of import sampling can be viewed by Customs Officer at time of export. 4. Scope of mobile /web based Sampling Solution portal: Mobile / web based sampling Solution will be used to capture details of the following types of samples drawn at docks: (i) Samples of Imported goods to be tested at JNCH Laboratory. (ii) Samples of Export goods to be tested at JNCH Laboratory Each QR code-based sampling sticker is printed in duplicate with unique QR code. These QR code stickers are being supplied by customs free of cost during the initial period. The trade and departmental officers can access the sampling solution through web portal having URL https://csc.jawaharcustoms.in 5. Changes in existing sampling process Once the sample drawn at CFS is received by the Docks Admin, the test samples are forwarded to Centralized Sample Cell (CSC) through Collection Centers for clusters of CFSs. The CSC has been forwarding the sample to JNCH Laboratory. In order to enforce accountability and transparency, the following procedure under Sampling Solution is being implemented for samples to be tested by the JNCH Laboratory: At the time of generation of test memo by Assessment Group / Docks Officers, test memo shall be generated bearing the name of the JNCH Laboratory to which sample has to be forwarded. The CSC will forward samples to the JNCH laboratory and retain the duplicate sample with CSC. Assessment Groups will be able to access the status of laboratory report through login provided in Sampling Solution and Laboratory report in Test Memo module through ICES. 6. Procedure to be followed for the web based sampling solution. 6.1 Drawal stage (CFS): While drawing the sample, Docks Officer shall scan the QR code on the sticker and feed details viz. sample drawn, Test Memo and upload the photograph of the sample drawn and test memo in the Sampling Solution through web based portal which can be accessed from his mobile phone. The Docks Officer shall pack and seal the sample in duplicate and affix the QR code stickers on sample and then forward it to JNCH Laboratory along with Test Memo through CSC. The AC/DC in charge of CFS shall ensure that the Sepoy shall submit and check-in the sample on Sample Solution at the CSC on the same day. 6.2 Receipt stage at CSC: At the CSC, the TA posted in CSC shall check the integrity of the sample and QR code sticker and check-in the samples in the Sampling Solution by scanning the QR code on sticker. Thereafter, the rack number (the rack in which the duplicate sample will be stored) and the laboratory name as JNCH Laboratory as mentioned in test memo will be entered in Sampling Solution by CSC. The samples received in CSC shall be sent to the JNCH Laboratory on the same day. While forwarding the sample from CSC to JNCH laboratory, the TA has to check-out the sample in the Sampling Soution through his mobile. The remnant of the samples shall be stored at Sample Cell after their receipt from Assessing Group. 6.3 Receipt of sample and uploading to test reports at the JNCH Laboratory: A designated officer posted by the Joint Director, JNCH Laboratory shall receive the sample. Once the sample is received in the JNCH Laboratory, the designated officer shall check integrity of the QR code sticker on sample and check-in the sample immediately in the Sampling Solution by scanning the QR code on the sample. The Chemist conducting the test may view the photo of the sample drawn at CFS in the sampling solution app and match it with the actual sample received at the JNCH Laboratory. After the testing is complete, the Chemical Examiner shall mention the date in the app when test report is submitted to Assessing Group through ICES or otherwise. The Joint Director will perform the task of JNCH Laboratory Admin for mapping the officers in JNCH Laboratory. 6.4 Accessing the lab report by Group Officers: Each Group DC/AC shall be given a login ID and password to access application and to view the status of reports pertaining to their respective Group. They shall access the content of test report on ICES in Test memo Module or Otherwise. 6.5 AC/DC (Assessment Group) pending report request screen: In case the JNCH Laboratory report is pending for long time, there is an option for AC/DC (Assessment Group) to send a pending report request to JNCH laboratory to send the report. Other than viewing the test report, AC/DC (Assessment Group) can also take various reports like dwell time report of sample and reports on samples ripe for destruction. This Sampling Solution will be rolled out with effect from 23.10.2020 7. The trade can track the status of sample by keying in Bill of Entry /Shipping Bill No. and Date of Bill Of Entry / Shipping Bill in the mobile through web-based portal having URL https://csc.jawaharcustoms.in/track This Public Notice should be considered as Standing Order for the purpose of officer and staff of the department. For any other clarifications regarding the role of the shed officers, Groups DC/AC, officer at CSC and lab officials, DC/AC (CSC) may be contacted on email ID [email protected]. -Sd- (RAJESH KUMAR MISHRA) Commissioner of Customs, NS-V JNCH, Nhava Sheva.