Page 29 - ELT_15th June 2020_VOL 372_Part 6th

2020 ] THIS FORTNIGHT A183

undertaking in lieu of bond required during Customs clearance for the period till
15-6-2020 subject to conditions as underlined in the Circular No. 17/2020-Cus.,
dated 3-4-2020. Consequently, the date for submission of proper bond in lieu of
which the undertaking is being temporarily accepted is extended till 30-6-2020.
— M.F. (D.R.) Circular No. 26/2020-Cus., dated 29-5-2020. (See page T28)
AEO certification - Validity of AEO Certification for ease of renewal
process extended. — Taking into consideration the representations by the field
formations regarding the difficulties being faced by the AEO entities in renewing
their existing certifications owing to the national lockdown, the C.B.I. & C. has
extended the validity of all the AEO certificates expired/expiring between 1-3-
2020 and 31-5-2020 to 30-6-2020, except for those entities against which a nega-
tive report is received during this period. — M.F. (D.R.) Circular No. 27/2020-Cus.,
dated 2-6-2020. (See page T28)
Turant Customs - 1st phase of All India rollout of Faceless Assessment
- Clarifications. — Consequent upon issue of Notification No. 50/2020-Cus.
(N.T.), dated 5-6-2020 to implement Faceless Assessment across different Princi-
pal Chief Commissioner/Chief Commissioner Zones and Notification No.
51/2020-Cus. (N.T.), dated 5-6-2020 for the purpose of empowering the jurisdic-
tional Commissioners of Customs (Appeals) at Bengaluru and Chennai to take
up appeals filed in respect of Faceless Assessments pertaining to imports made
in their jurisdictions even though the assessing officer may be located at the other
Customs station, the C.B.I. & C. has issued guidelines to introduce Phase 1 of
Faceless Assessment to implement the next generation reforms from 8-6-2020 at
Bengaluru and Chennai for items of imports primarily covered by Chapters 84
and 85 of Customs Tariff Act, 1975. The phased rollout plan envisages that Face-
less Assessment shall be the norm pan India by 31-12-2020. — M.F. (D.R.) Circu-
lar No. 28/2020-Cus., dated 5-6-2020. (See page T29)
Drawback - Special drive for disposal of applications for fixation of
Brand Rate of Duty Drawback. — Taking into consideration representations
received regarding delay in fixation and disbursal of Brand Rate of duty draw-
back and with a view to provide immediate relief to the business entities and
especially MSMEs, the C.B.I. & C. has issued detailed instructions to undertake a
special drive by the Customs Zones to dispose of all application received up to
31-5-2020 by 30-6-2020. — M.F. (D.R.) Instruction No. 7/2020-Cus., dated 28-5-2020.
(See page T31)
COVID-19 - 24×7 Customs clearance extended till 30-6-2020. — Notic-
ing that the situation of COVID-19 pandemic is still prevailing and trade contin-
ues to face challenges, the C.B.I. & C., as a measure of facilitation, has extended
the facility of 24×7 Customs clearance at all the Customs formations till 30-6-
2020. However, designated Sea Ports/Airports already under 24×7 operations
shall continue to function even after 30-6-2020. — M.F. (D.R.) Instruction No.
8/2020-Cus., dated 1-6-2020. (See page T34)
All India rollout of Faceless Assessment of Bill of Entry - Arrange-
ments in 1st phase to be put in place by the Bengaluru and Chennai Customs
Zones - Clarification. — In continuation to Circular No. 28/2020-Cus., dated
5-6-2020 on the launch of Phase 1 of Faceless Assessment of bills of entry for
goods imported primarily under Chapters 84 and 85 of Customs Tariff Act, 1975

EXCISE LAW TIMES  15th June 2020  29