Improvements in Faceless Assessment – Measures for expediting Customs clearances by the Board
Ø w.e.f. 15.07.2021 the facilitation level across all Customs stations would be increased to 90% from current 77% relating to Risk Management Division (RMD)
Ø Working hours of all Faceless Assessment Groups ( FAGs) shall be uniform from 10 am to 8 pm on any working day
Ø National Academy of Customs (NACs) and jurisdictional Pr. Commissioners/Commissioners of Customs shall administratively monitor that FAGs communicate the ‘first decision’ on the Bill of Entry within 3 working hours after its allocation.
Ø Jurisdictional Pr. Chief/ Chief Commissioners of Customs shall ensure as far as possible that one Appraising Officer is given responsibility of not more than 2 (two) FAGs
Ø The total number of queries which can be raised by an Appraising Officer in respect of a Bill of Entry would now be restricted to 3 (three)
Ø The option to `set-aside` 5 (five) Bills of Entry, which is already available with the Appraiser/Superintendent would henceforth not require an approval of the Deputy/Assistant Commissioners of Customs
Ø To promote specialisation in assessment, Board has decided to create separate FAGs for certain commodities which contribute appreciably to the revenue.
(Circular No. 14/2021-Customs dated 7th July)
