Courier imports delayed due to stricter scrutiny

Ever since the vigilance of Customs authorities has increased at ports, airports and customs stations, there has been a delay in clearances at Bangalore, Delhi and Hyderabad. Of late, customs officials had resorted to 100% physical checks of China-origin shipments. The route, it has been found, was being misused by some e-commerce companies to bring goods by declaring them as gifts, which are duty-free.

Flagging the issue, industry lobby, the Federation of Indian Export Organisations has voiced its concern with the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs saying the delay is hurting exporters. “We would like to bring to your notice the problem faced by the exporters, many of whom have imported goods through courier for export production,” Fieo said in the letter to CBIC chairman.