Customs:
The CBIC has issued a circular to amend Circular No. 38/2020-Customs in light of Notification No. 14/2025-Customs (N.T.) dated 18.03.2025, replacing the term “Certificate of Origin” with “Proof of Origin” under the CAROTAR, 2020 rules. This aligns the CAROTAR framework with the updated Section 28DA of the Customs Act, 1962, reflecting a global shift towards self-certification and origin declarations to simplify trade procedures.
Key changes:
- “Proof of Origin” now includes both traditional certificates and self-declarations.
- All verification requests should be routed to the FTA Cell, Directorate of International Customs (DIC), with contact details provided.
- The FTA Cell will manage the uploading and dissemination of specimen signatures and seals for verification, including coordination with DRI.
- The FTA Cell must establish SOPs to track, update, and report on these processes to ensure smooth implementation.
- The amendment takes immediate effect and must be read along with the existing Circular No. 38/2020.
[Circular No. 14/2025 – Customs dated 21.04.2025]
