Expediting Customs Clearances for import consignments relating to COVID 19 pandemic


Quick Summary
This notification from the Indian Ministry of Finance directs all customs formations to expedite the clearance of import consignments crucial for combating the COVID-19 pandemic. It emphasises the urgent need to ensure that critical raw materials, life-saving drugs, and oxygen-related equipment reach their intended users promptly. This directive follows a previous communication urging top priority for equipment related to RT-PCR test labs and other medical necessities.

Instruction No.07/2021-Customs

F.No.450/117/2021-Cus-IV
Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Revenue
Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs
*****

Room No.227B, North Block,
New Delhi, dated the 23rd of April, 2021

To

All Principal Chief Commissioners/Chief Commissioners of Customs/Customs (Preventive),

All Principal Chief Commissioners/Chief Commissioners of Customs & Central tax,

All Principal Commissioners/Commissioners of Customs/Customs (Preventive),

All Principal Commissioners/Commissioners of Customs & Central tax,

All Principal Director Generals/Director Generals under CBIC.

Madam/ Sir,

Subject: Expediting Customs Clearances for import consignments relating to COVID 19 pandemic - reg.

Reference is invited to letter from Board dated 21.04.2021 wherein it was requested that import of equipments for setting up RT-PCR test labs, medical equipments etc should be cleared on top priority by the Customs (Copy enclosed).

2. Considering the scourge of COVID 19 and surge of cases in the Country, it is an imperative that import of critical raw materials, life -saving drugs etc reach the intended users/beneficiaries in time for effective fight against the pandemic. Hence, it is requested that all Customs formations may be sensitised of the urgency of this matter and may be directed to give high priority for Customs clearances of import of goods relating to COVID 19 pandemic, including oxygen related equipments etc.

Enclosed : As above

Yours faithfully,

(Ananth Rathakrishnan)
Deputy Secretary (Customs)
Email: dircus@nic.in
Ph 01123095551

FAQ :

The main purpose is to expedite customs clearances for import consignments related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Goods prioritised include critical raw materials, life-saving drugs, oxygen-related equipment, and equipment for setting up RT-PCR test labs.

All Principal Chief Commissioners/Chief Commissioners and Principal Commissioners/Commissioners of Customs, as well as Principal Director Generals/Director Generals under CBIC, are directed to ensure high priority.

It is necessary due to the surge in COVID-19 cases to ensure critical supplies reach users in time for an effective fight against the pandemic.

This notification was issued on the 23rd of April, 2021.

 



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