Instances have come to the notice of the Board that some unscrupulous exporters are exporting semi-processed leather in the guise of finished leather for evading applicable export duty. Ministry of Commerce and Industry have recommended putting in place a robust inspection system with presence of officials from CLRI at identified Customs stations to check this unauthorized export.

2. The matter has been examined in consultation with CLE (Council for Leather Exports). The Board has decided the following:

a) Officials of CLRI shall be deployed at Chennai, Mumbai and Kolkata (Ports) and Kanpur and Tughlakabad (ICDs). The cost of CLRI officials shall be borne by CLE.

b) The officials of CLRI shall assist Customs officers in examination of export consignments of leather. Where required, samples shall be drawn by Customs in presence of officials of CLRI. Samples so drawn by Customs shall be sent to CLRI or approved labs for testing.

c) The above arrangements shall come into force with effect from 15.04.2013 at aforementioned Customs locations.

3. Board desires that Chief Commissioner of Customs concerned should ensure that cooperation is extended to CLRI officials at the identified Customs stations and instructions as aforementioned are implemented effectively.

4. This instruction may be brought to the notice of all the officers concerned by issuing suitable Standing Orders.

Yours faithfully,

(M.V.Vasudevan)
Under Secretary to the Government of India (Cus.IV.)


www.servicetaxonline.com	www.taxolegal.com	www.centralexciseonline.com