To: Members of the Council
Sub: De-notification of Inland Container Depots/Container Freight Stations/Air Freight Stations
Dear Member,
CBIC has issued Circular No. 20/2021- Customs dated 16th August, 2021 on de-notification of Inland Container Depots (ICDs)/Container Freight Stations (CFS)/Air Freight Stations.
The Board has noticed that the custodians of ICDs and CFSs face difficulties when they intend to wind up the operations in the facility and approach Customs formations for de-notification of the same. It is reported that there is inordinate delay in the de-notification in the absence of a specified procedure for de-notification. It is also reported that in such cases, the Customs field formations face challenges while ensuring timely payment of Cost Recovery Charges and disposal of un-cleared, seized and confiscated goods which are prerequisites for the de-notification.
Now, the Board has examined the matter and has issued guidelines/ procedures in this regard.
Circular No. 20/2021- Customs dated 16th August, 2021 requires a custodian intending to wind up the operation to submit an application to jurisdictional Principal Commissioner/Commissioner of Customs for de-notifying the ICD/CFS. A Nodal Officer at the level of Deputy/Assistant Commissioner of Customs would then facilitate the de-notification by coordinating the disposal of the goods lying at the facility in a time-bound manner.
The new procedure would ensure undue cost and time over runs are avoided. The de-notification shall be completed within a maximum of four months from the date of receipt of complete application. This is yet another trade facilitation initiative by CBIC.
For detailed information, members may kindly refer to Circular No. 20/2021- Customs dated 16th August, 2021.
Also, Ministry of Finance has issued a Press Release dated 17th August, 2021 in this regard.
Members may kindly make a note of the above.
Thanking you,
Yours faithfully,
S. BALARAJU
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
