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OFFICE OF THE
COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS, |
PUBLIC
NOTICE NO. 232 /2001
Sub: Relaxation in Customs
procedures in case of Vessels carrying coastal goods exclusively – Regarding.
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All
importers, clearing agents and trading public are hereby requested to refer
this office P.N.168/97 dt.7.10.97 incorporating Notification No.43/97 Cus. NT
dt.11.9.97 and P.N. No.190/97 dt.20.10.1997 issued under Sec.98A of Customs
Act, 1962 exempting Coastal Vessels carrying exclusively coastal goods from the
provisions of Sec.92, 94, 97 and 98(1) of the Customs Act, 1962. Since the Chennai Port Trust has confirmed
that they are alloting exclusive berths for vessels carrying exclusively
coastal cargo, it has been decided to exempt Coastal vessels from the above
said provision of Customs Act, 1962.
2.
The relaxations are applicable to the vessels which
exclusively carry coastal goods and ply as coastal vessels. They will not be
applicable for vessels which convert the status from foreign run to coastal run
and vice versa. The loading and unloading operation by coastal vessels must
take place at separate and exclusive berths in the ports where both coastal and
foreign traffic is handled. The
provisions of Section 95, 96 & 98(2) will also remain operative in case of
such vessels. In terms of Section 95,
the master of vessels is required to maintain “advice book” and the proper
officer of Customs can inspect the book and make entries as deems fit, relating
to goods loaded at the Port.
3.
In terms of Section 96 the coastal goods can only be loaded
or unloaded at places notified under Section 7 of the Customs Act, 1962. In terms of Section 98(2), the provisions
contained in Section 37 and 38 are applicable for coastal goods as applicable
to vessels carrying import and export goods.
4.
Accordingly, the Customs officers would continue to have
powers to board any vessels carrying coastal goods and can require the person
incharge of vessels to produce any documents and to answer any question.
5.
In case of the vessels which change their status from
foreign to coastal or vice versa the existing provisions contained under
Chapter XII of the Customs Act, 1962 shall continue to be operative.
Authority: Board’s Circular
No.40/97 vide
F.No.50/86/92-C16/60/97 AP (SEA) and
F.No.450/86/92-Cus.IV (Pt.) dt.11th May, 2000
CUSTOM HOUSE, CHENNAI
DT. 28.9.2001 Sd/- (JOSEPH DOMINIC)
COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS (SEA)
//
ATTESTED//
(S.
SANKARAVADIVELU)
DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS (IMPORTS)
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