Norms relaxed for outsourcing activities by courier cos

Providing relief to courier companies, the revenue department said now the firms do not need prior written permission for outsourcing activities like pick-up or local delivery of export/imported packets.
Express Industry Council of India (EICI) had made a representation to the Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) that it is experiencing difficulty in obtaining permission each time if they want to outsource any component in the door to door supply chain.
EICI had also stressed that it is not viable and efficient for a courier operator to own entire supply chain and seek permission each time.
After looking into the representation, the CBEC opined that like other sectors, it is "understandable" an authorised courier would like to outsource some of its non-core activities without the "rigour" of obtaining permission.

"Board has decided that for functions namely pick-up or local delivery of export/imported courier packages/shipments, transportation for officials and housekeeping activities permission will not be required," said CBEC in a circular.
Only prior intimation would suffice, it added.
Under the current regulations, an authorised courier is obligated not to sub contract/ outsource functions without the written permission of the Commissioner of Customs.
An authorised courier performs varieties of activities during the process of assessment and clearance of the goods followed by delivery at the door.