NEW DELHI (PTI): Self-assessment of import documents for exporters a green light for clearance of cargo rationalization of clearance procedures along with removal of inconvenience and irritants for foreign travellers Non-Resident Indians (NRIS) and Indians travelling abroad were announced June 22.

In a significant extension of liberalization schemes which the government has been following over the past year an official release issued here said a major exercise has been completed to simplify and rationalize customs laws and procedures as part of the liberalized economic industrial and trade policies of the government

A major simplification scheme pertains to self-assessment of import documents While import documents are completed by importers after which they are appraised and assessed by the customs officers it has now been decided that for certain category of goods the importer would self-assess the goods determine his duty liability and on that basis disburse the duty. The goods would be subject to only a percentage examination at the docks the release said.

The self-assessment scheme would apply in respect of goods for which practice of assessment has been settled and there are no disputes about classification or valuation.

To start with this facility would be extended to importers with proven identity and unblemished record of past conduct apart from government departments and undertakings

The customs authorities would however conduct post audit of import documents cleared under the scheme. Any breach of trust by the trade would invite penalty it was clarified

Yet another important simplification measure is the introduction of a green light for clearance of cargo. The import cargo is subjected to a physical examination before its release. Under the new scheme cargo imported by importers with proven identity and unblemished record as well as private sector undertakings would be cleared without scrutiny

However only 10% of consignments would be selected at random for physical check.

As there has been a congestion in the central revenues control laboratory due to the large number of samples received and comparatively limited facilities it has been decided to extend the number of institutes and laboratories (in the public and even in the private sector) which would provide laboratory facilities to government chemists or conduct the tests themselves.

Foreign tourists Non-Resident Indians (NRIS) and Indians travelling abroad can now bring electronic diary video cameras compact disc players lap top computers and color TV sets of 15 cm screen by paying usual customs duty under the new tourist baggage rules announced by the finance ministry.

Travellers will now enjoy enhanced duty-free allowance worth Rs.3000 and Rs.150000 in case of transfer of residence according to a notification by the ministry.

The duty free allowance for Indian travelling abroad for more than three days has been enhanced from Rs.2400 to Rs.3000. If the stay does not increase three days the allowance would be Rs.1500 for passengers arriving from Sri Lanka and Maldives the notification said.

A degree of flexibility has been introduced in transfer of residence rules by condoning a shortfall of the required stay of one year in special cases up to two months by the collector and beyond that by the government Thirteen consumer durables like VCR Color TV and air-conditioners worth Rs.150000 would now be allowed under the transfer of residence rules and Rs.30000 under mini-transfer rules. These things can be purchased at the transmit points while returning to India the notification said.

The tourist baggage rules now exclude obsolete items like Gramophone player with records camera with plates etc.

There would be no customs check nor any visa required for the Bangladesh nationals using the corridor to reach Dahagram and Angarpota on the other side.

The corridor would enable Bangladesh to exercise its Sovereignty over Dahagram and Angarpota which are part of its territory.

India would retain its Sovereignty ownership and control over Tinbighya according to bilateral agreements.

Article extracted from this publication >> July 3, 1992