Shifting to new container e-sealing system in a hurry may hurt trade

CBEC says the exporters should procure the e-seals from vendors conforming to the specific standards

The Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) has revised its instructions on electronic sealing (e-sealing) of containers by exporters under self-sealing procedures. The new procedures will come into force from October 1.

The CBEC had issued a circular (no. 26/2017-Cus dated July 1, 2017) doing away with the procedure of sealing of containers by the jurisdictional excise/Customs officers from September 1. It had given exporters, who have the status of export house or registration under the goods and services tax (GST) laws, the option of self-sealing of containers. Alternately, the export goods could be brought to inland container stations (ICD)