The Indian Customs EDI System for Exports has been introduced at Calcutta Customs since 14th December 1998 in a phased manner for various categories of export. The detailed procedure to be followed for the computerized processing of documents under the ICES was published through Public Notice No. 79/98 dt. 13.11.98 issued by the computer section. This PN contains information regarding various aspects of the system including filing of documents, payment of Cess, examination of cargo in the docks, amendments, drawback disbursement etc. Alongwith the PN, detailed guidelines have also been issued for filing the Export Declaration Form.

Brief Procedure

(i) Before filing any Export Shipping Bill, all exporters and CHAs are required to register with the Customs EDI System their IEC Code No., CHA Licence No. and Authorised Dealer Code No. of the Bank through which export proceeds are to be realised.

(ii) Those intending to file the Shipping Bill will have to present at the Service Center a declaration in the prescribed format signed by the exporter or his authorised CHA alongwith the copy of Invoice and Packing List.

(iii) After the data entry at the service center has been done, a "Check List" will be generated and handed over to the CHA/Exporter who should verify the correctness of the data entered. If any error/mistake is detected by the CHA/Exporter in the data, they should inform the Service Center operators who will make the corresponding correction in the data accordingly.

(iv) After the correct data has been entered into the system, the Shipping Bills shall be processed automatically by the System on the basis of the declaration made by the Exporters. However, the following categories of Shipping Bill are assessed by the Assistant Commissioner (Export):

(a) Shipping Bills where the FOB value is more than Rs. 10 Lakhs.
(b) Shipping Bills relating to free trade samples whose value is more than      Rs.20,000/-
(c) Drawback Shipping Bills where drawback amount is more than Rs. 1 Lakh.   

(v) The status of the Shipping Bill can be checked by the Exporter/CHA at the Service Center. They should also check whether any query has been raised in respect of their Shipping Bill. In case of any query, they should file a reply to the query through the Service Center.

(vi) During examination of the goods at the docks, the CHA/Exporter has to present the Check List alongwith all original documents such as Invoice, Packing List etc. to the Customs Officer. "Let Export" order will be given by the Appraiser if everything is found to be in order after examination of the goods and scrutiny of the documents.

(vii) After the "Let Export" order is given, the printout of the Shipping Bill is generated. The examination report printed on the Shipping Bill is to be signed by the Appraiser, Examiner as well as the CHA/Exporter. The name and Licence No. of the CHA should be clearly mentioned below his signature.