Page 58 - ELT_15th July 2020_Vol 373_Part 2

A64 EXCISE LAW TIMES [ Vol. 373

nating or exported from South Africa till January 9 next year. This comes a day
after it levied Anti-dumping duty on imports of steel and fibre glass measuring
tapes from China.
[Source : The Indian Express, New Delhi, dated 10-7-2020]
Enhanced checks to delay courier imports
Courier imports are now under greater scrutiny with enhanced checks
leading to delay in clearances at Bangalore, Delhi and Hyderabad.
“There is an issue in clearances of courier,’’ said a person privy to the
development. Customs officials, however, maintain that there is no issue in
clearances.
Clearances at ports, airports and Customs stations have begun to nor-
malise after almost 10 days. Customs Authorities had resorted to 100% physical
checks of China-origin shipments.
Courier imports have been on the radar of Authorities after it was found
that the route was being misused by some e-commerce platforms to bring goods
declaring them as gifts, which are duty-free.
Some such Chinese platforms operating via mobile apps selling goods
including Shein have been banned as part of a larger clampdown.
The Federation of Indian Export Organisations has flagged the issue with
the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs saying the delay is hurting
exporters.
“Courier import clearances at Bangalore, Hyderabad and Delhi have
been delayed...” said Ajay Sahay, Director General, Fieo.
“We would like to bring to your notice the problem faced by the export-
ers, many of whom have imported goods through courier for export produc-
tion,” Fieo said in the letter to C.B.I. & C. Chairman.
A Customs official said there could be some issues due to transition of
clearance from Express Industry Council of India to Customs.
Government extends deadline for duty-free import of
diamonds sent for certification
The Government on 12-7-2020 said it has relaxed the deadline for re-
import of cut and polished diamonds that have been sent abroad for certification
and grading by three months in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic.
The three-month extension shall apply to all cut and polished diamonds
that should have been re-imported between February 1 to July 31 this year but
which could not be brought back due to disruption on the account of corona
virus pandemic situation, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs
(C.B.I. & C.) said in a statement
“In view of COVID-19 pandemic situation, the Government 12-7-2020 ex-
tended relief to gems and jewellery sector by relaxing the requirement of re-
import of cut and polished diamonds, which have been sent abroad for certifica-
tion and grading, by three months,” it said.
[Source : The Indian Express, New Delhi, dated 13-7-2020]
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EXCISE LAW TIMES  15th July 2020  58