Basic document is ‘Entry’

Entry’ in relation to goods means entry made in Bill of Entry, Shipping Bill or Bill of Export. In case of import by post, label or declaration accompanying goods is ‘entry’

Loading and unloading at specified places only

Imported goods can be unloaded only at specified places. Goods can be exported only from specified places.

Computerisation of customs procedures

Customs procedures are largely computerised. Most of documents have to be e-filed.

Amendment to documents

Documents submitted to customs can be amended with permission  In case of bill of entry, shipping bill or bill of export, it can be amended after clearance only on the basis of documentary evidence which was in existence at the time the goods were cleared, warehoused or exported, and not on basis of any subsequent document. [proviso to section 149].

ICD and CFS

Imported and export goods are usually handled in containers. These can be stored in Inland Container Depot (ICD) or Container Freight Station (CFS). They function like dry port for handling and temporary storage of imported/export goods and empty containers.

Boat Notes

‘Boat Notes’ are used for transferring small cargo from ship to shore, or from shore to ship, without berthing the ship.

Transshipment of goods

Goods can be transshipped from one conveyance to other after following required procedure. Such transhipment may be to any major port or airport in India. The goods can be transshipped to any other customs station in India if Customs Officer is satisfied that the goods are bona fide  intended for transhipment to any customs station. The facility is available at all customs ports and Inland Container Depots (ICDs).

Coastal goods

Procedures have been prescribed for coastal goods, even if there is neither import nor export.

e-filing of documents

Goods should arrive at customs port/airport only. Most of customs procedures are computerised. E-filing of documents is required.

Import manifest or Import Report

‘Person in charge of conveyance’ is required to submit Import Manifest or Import Report.

Entry Inwards

Goods can be unloaded only after grant of ‘Entry Inwards’.

Risk Management System

Self Assessment on basis of ‘Risk Management System’ (RMS) has been introduced in respect of specified goods and importers.

Bill of Entry for home consumption on payment of customs duty

White Bill of Entry is for home consumption. Imported goods are cleared on payment of customs duty.

Bill of Entry for warehousing

Yellow Bill of Entry is for warehousing. It is also termed as ‘into bond Bill of Entry’ as bond is executed. Duty is not paid and imported goods are transferred to warehouse where these are stored. Green Bill of Entry is for clearance from warehouse on payment of customs duty. It is for ex-bond clearance.

Noting, examination and assessment

Bill of Entry is noted, Goods are assessed to duty, examined and pre-audit is carried out.  Customs duty is paid after assessment.

Bond

Bond is executed if required if assessment is provisional (PD bond) or concessional rate of customs duty is subject to certain post import conditions.

Out of customs charge order

Goods can be cleared outside port after ‘Out of Customs Charge’ order is issued by customs officer. After that, port dues, demurrage and other charges are paid and goods are cleared.

Demurrage if clearance from port delayed

Demurrage is payable if goods are not cleared from port/airport within three days. Goods can be disposed of if not cleared from port within 30 days.

Entry Outward

Loading in conveyance can start after ‘Entry Outward’ is given by customs officer.

Export manifest/Export report

Person in charge of conveyance is required to submit ‘Export Manifest’ or ‘Export Report’.

Registration with DGFT and EPC

Exporter has to be obtain IEC number from DGFT is advance.  He should be registered with Export Promotion Council if he intends to claim export benefits.

Third party exports

Export can be by manufacturer himself or third party (i.e. by exporter on behalf of another).  Merchant exporter means a person engaged in trading activity and exporting or intending to export goods [para 9.40 of FTP]

Registration of documents under Export Promotion Scheme

Advance authorisation, DEPB etc. should be registered if exports are under Export Promotion Scheme.

Shipping Mill

Export is required to submit Shipping Bill with required documents for obtaining permission to export. There are five forms : (a) Shipping Bill for export of goods under claim for duty drawback - these should be in Green colour (b) Shipping Bill for export of dutiable goods - this should be yellow colour (c) Shipping bill for export of duty free goods - it should be white colour (d) shipping bill for export of duty free goods ex-bond - i.e. from bonded store room - it should be pink colour (e) Shipping Bill for export under DEPB scheme - Blue colour.

FEMA formalities

GR/SDF/Softex form (under FEMA) is required to be submitted.

Noting, assessment, examination

The shipping bill is noted, goods are assessed and examined. Export duty is paid, if applicable.

Certification of documents for export incentives

If export is under export incentives, relevant documents are checked and certified. Then proof of export is obtained on ARE-1.

Let export order

Conveyance can leave only after ‘Let Export’ order is issued.