The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has issued Circular, modifying the procedures for handling confiscated Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)/Drones.
Key Amendments:
- New Warehousing & Inspection System:
- All confiscated drones (UAS/UAV/RPAS) must now be transferred to specific focal Customs Commissionerates for stocking, segregation, and joint inspection.
- The designated Customs Warehouses are at Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Bengaluru Airports.
- Customs Zone Mapping:
- All Customs Zones are mapped to the nearest focal Commissionerate for efficient handling (detailed in Appendix-I).
- Updated Nodal Officers List:
- The list of officers responsible for drone disposal has been revised (provided in Appendix-II).
Effect of the Circular:
- Streamlined drone disposal process with centralized warehousing and inspection.
- Improved coordination between Customs and enforcement agencies.
- Updated contact points for enforcement authorities managing drone-related cases.
Circular No. 06/2025-Customs
