CBIC allows electronic docs for import clearances

To ease movement of essential goods and commodities through customs, government has allowed importers and customs brokers to give electronic out of charge copies of bill of entry and eGatepass from April 15. Once granted, the final electronic out of charge or eOoC copy of bill of entry and eGatepass copy will be sent through an email to the concerned customs broker or importers. The eGatepass copy will be utilised by the gate officer or the custodian to permit physical exit of the imported goods from the customs area.

The reform towards paperless customs will reducing interface or contact with authorities, thereby minimizing the scourge of Covid-19 transmission and costs involved in the procedure. “The Board notes that the specific measures that reduce interface between the customs authorities and the importers/exporters/Customs Brokers are especially relevant in these challenging times, to tackle the scourge of Covid-19 pandemic,” the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs stated in a circular dated April 13.

Some of the other measures undertaken by CBIC in the face of this pandemic include making procedures automated, online and paper-less, clearing goods on basis of undertaking and acceptance of electronic country of origin certificates.