Relaxation from Bond for Customs Clearance

Circular No. 23/2020- Customs

Subject: Review of Circular No. 17/2020 dated 03.04.2020 namely, ‘Measures to facilitate trade during the lockdown period- section 143AA of the Customs Act, 1962’- reg.

Madam/ Sir,

Kind attention is invited to Board’s Circular no. 17/2020 dated 03.04.2020 on ‘Measures to facilitate trade during the lockdown period- section 143AA of the Customs Act, 1962’ wherein relaxation was given, in the context of lockdown announced by the Government due to COVID-19 pandemic, to accept an undertaking in lieu of a bond required during customs clearance, subject to conditions as underlined in the circular. The facility was extended to 15.05.2020 vide Circular No. 21/2020 dated 21.04.2020.

2. In reference to MHA order 40-3/2020- DM-I(A) dated 01.05.2020, wherein the lockdown was further extended for two weeks with effect from 4th May 2020, and taking into consideration that it might take some time after the end of the lockdown for the situation to normalize, the Board has decided to further extend the facility of accepting undertaking in lieu of bond for the period till 30.05.2020. Consequently, the date for submission of proper bond in lieu of which the undertaking is being temporarily accepted is extended till 15.06.2020. This relaxation will be reviewed by the board at the end of the lockdown period.

3. The conditions underlined in Circular No. 17/2020 dated 03.04.2020 stand as they are.

4. Suitable Trade Notice/ Standing Order may be issued to guide the trade and industry. Difficulties, if any, faced in the implementation of this circular may be brought to the notice of the Board immediately.

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