The circular is in response to representations received about difficulties being faced by importers/exporters and their authorised Customs Brokers, during the ongoing lockdown period announced by the Government to prevent the spread of COVID-19 pandemic in the country, in obtaining notarised stamp papers for furnishing bonds required by Customs in certain situations during the assessment and clearance of goods.

The Board states that “the aim of this measure is to expedite Customs clearance of goods and for maintaining balance between Customs control and facilitation of legitimate trade.”

In this regard, the Board has approved relaxation of the requirement to submit bonds prescribed under section 18, section 59 and section 143, and under notifications issued in terms of section 25 of the Customs Act, 1962, subject to compliance of conditions as listed below in this Circular.

The circular has been posted on the Indian Trade Portal and can be accessed here:  

https://www.indiantradeportal.in/uploads/General%20Documents/NU_SPS-TBT/09-04-2020/Circular-No-17-2020.pdf