Circular No.ES/242/2019-20 21st February, 2020
To: Members of the Council
Dear Member,
Due to ongoing shutdown in China on account of Coronavirus outbreak, there is a fear of disruption in supply of raw materials / inputs to our industrial units which were dependent on these raw materials. Also, there could be a dip in offtake in exports to China.
On the contrary, there is a strong likelihood of an immediate surge in the imports from and export to China once the spread of the virus is brought fully under control.
In order to handle such emergent conditions, CBIC has decided the following–
To introduce 24x7 clearance at all the Customs formations, so as to address any congestion or delay or surge on account of the prevailing conditions or cessation thereof.
These instructions would remain in operation till end of May, 2020 by which time the disruptions in the supply chains are expected to have settled.
CRCL labs would function 24x7 so that test results could be made available at the earliest.
However, designated Sea Ports/ Air Ports already under 24x7 operation shall continue to function so even after May, 2020.
In this regard, Chief Commissioners are requested to do the following–
To immediately workout the arrangement/ deployment of sufficient number of officers on 23x7 basis at Sea Ports/ Air Cargo Stations/ ICDs/ CFSs etc. falling in their jurisdiction to tackle any incipient instance of congestion/ surge.
A record may be maintained of the Bills of Entry/ Shipping Bills filed beyond the normal office hours, station wise and reported to Board daily at vineetasinha.irs@gov.in.
Members may kindly make a note of the above.
Thanking you,
Yours faithfully,
S.BALARAJU
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
