EOUS struggle with new IGCRS e-process

Throughout last week, export-oriented units (EOUs) were struggling through various processes involved in importing their goods under the Customs (Import of Goods at Concessional Rate of Duty or for Specified End Use) Rules, 2022 (IGCRS Rules).

- T N C RAJAGOPALAN

Some of them complained of delays in clearance of their goods through Customs that resulted in demurrage and container detention charges.

The EOUs import their requirements without any duty payment, under the notification 52/2003-Customs dated March 31, 2003, which requires them to follow the IGCRS Rules. Last month, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) asked EOUs to adopt the new processes to electronically obtain new unique IGCRS identification number (IIN), upload the bond details, furnish intimation of imports to be made, and file the bill of entry quoting the IIN and other details from the beginning of this month. The online functionality in the Indian Customs Electronic Gateway (ICEGATE), however, did not work properly and so, the CBIC postponed the implementation of the processes to the 17th and then again to the 25th of this month.