Disposal of goods through e-auction - Regarding - Customs - F. No. 442/12/2004-Cus. VI (Pt. II)

M.F. (D.R.) Letter F. No. 442/12/2004-Cus. VI (Pt. II) Dated 6-10-2005 Government of India Ministry of Finance (Department of Revenue) Central Board of Excise Customs, New Delhi Subject : Disposal of goods through e-auction - Regarding. The undersigned is directed to inform that the Board discussed the issue of disposal of goods through e-auction. The process of e-auction of unclaimed, confiscated and time-expired warehoused goods through the medium of the internet e-auction was introduced by Chennai Custom House on 8-12-2003. So far, 104 e-auctions have been conducted and goods in 301 lots/consignments were disposed of. The Board noted that with the registration of 300 members from all over the country, with the Chennai Custom House, e-auction has resulted in elimination of cartels and syndicates and has to a great extent succeeded in fetching bids under the most competitive conditions and in a transparent manner. Following this example, Mumbai Custom House and Jawahar Custom House, Nhava Sheva have also introduced e-auction recently. 2. Considering the various benefits of disposal of goods through e-auction, the Board has decided that disposal units of all Customs formations, like Custom House, Aircargo complex ICDs should adopt e-auction utilizing the software developed by Chennai Custom House. The details regarding the procedure to be followed are available in Chennai Customs House website (www.chennaicustoms.gov.in). If felt necessary, the Commissioner of Customs may depute one or two officers to Chennai Custom House for a quick on the spot study of the procedure and the method followed for e-auction for adopting similar procedure in their respective Customs formations. 3. Accordingly it has been decided by the Board that e-auction should be introduced in all Customs formations with immediate effect and conducted regularly every month. Such e-auctions would not only cover confiscated goods by Customs or time-expired warehoused goods but also uncleared/unclaimed cargo lying with the custodians required to be disposed of under Section 48. 4. In this regard, it is also informed that Chennai Customs is conducting e-auction on 12, 13 and 14th October, 2005, and it would be useful if the officers are deputed during any of these days to observe the procedure first hand during the time of auctions. The Chief Commissioner of Customs, Chennai has made necessary arrangements for providing training for the officers who would be visiting for this purpose. The concerned Commissioners may co-ordinate with Shri V. Sesha Giri Rao, Additional Commissioner of Customs, Custom House, Ph: 25232831 (office) 24421442 (residence) for any assistance. 5. Wide publicity may please be given to the above decision by issuance of public notice. 6. Difficulty, if any faced in implementation of the same may be brought to the notice of the Board immediately.