Circular No. ES/36/2015-16 November 6, 2015
To: Members of the Council
Sub: Use of digital signature for submission of documents regarding
Dear Sir,
In order to facilitate trade and create a business friendly environment, several initiatives have been taken in the recent past to simplify Customs procedures and enhance the use of automation in business processes with a view to reduce transaction costs and Customs clearance time in import and export of goods.
As a step towards this objective, CBEC had issued Circular No. 10/2015- Customs dated 31.03.2015 wherein it was decided to allow the electronic submission of digitally signed Customs process documents viz. Bills of Entry, Shipping Bills, Import General Manifest (IGM), Export General Manifest (EGM) and Consol General Manifest (
However, the use of digital signatures was mandatory for importers registered under Accredited Client Programme (ACP) with effect from 01.05.2015.
To make this mechanism more user friendly, CBEC has now issued Circular No. 26/ 2015-Customs dated 23.10.2015 informing members of trade and stakeholders about the operational guidelines. The Board has decided that all importers, exporters using services of Customs Brokers for formalities under Customs Act, 1962, shipping lines and air lines shall file customs documents under digital signature certificates mandatorily with effect from 01.01.2016.
However, the importers/ exporters desirous of filing Bill of Entry or Shipping Bill individually may however have the option of filing declarations/ documents without using digital signature.
Further, wherever the customs process documents are digitally signed, the Customs will not insist on the user to physically sign the said documents.
Members are requested to follow the guidelines provided in CBEC Circular No. 10/2015- Customs dated 31.03.2015 and do the needful.
Thanking you,
V.ANIL KUMAR
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
