Sub:
Delay in filing of
EGM by the Steamer Agents
Attention of the Exporters, Shippers' Association, CHAs, Steamer Agents and all other
concerned is drawn towards the problems faced by the Exporters due to late
issuance of E.P. (Export Promotion) copy of Shipping Bill from EDI System
because of late submission of EGM by the Steamer Agents. Exporters and Shippers'
Associations have pointed out the inconvenience caused due to inordinate delay
in issuing EP copy of Shipping Bill after export of consignments. Such delay
results in financial loss as the exporters cannot file EP copy to the concerned
Bank and DGFT in time. The delay in issue of EP copy of Shipping Bill at Docks
is mainly due to very late filing of the EGM by the Steamer Agents. Normally, EP
copy be issued within 24 hours of sailing the vessel; but due to late filing of
the EGM by the Steamer Agents, the delay occurs. The EP copy of the
Shipping Bill can be generated in the EDI system only after the particulars of
the EGM filed by the steamer agents are entered in the system.
Attention of the steamer agents is invited to Section 41 of the Customs Act,
1962. In terms of the provisions of the said Section, the steamer agents are
required to submit EGM to Customs before departure of the vessel. Therefore, it
is impressed upon the steamer agents that they should henceforth file the
EGM before the departure of the vessel. Where the steamer agents are unable to
file the EGM before departure of the vessel, they should furnish a continuity
bond with security of Rs. 1 lac with the DC/AC (Export Department), so as to
submit the EGM within seven days from the date of departure of the vessel.
In any case, no delay in submitting the EGM beyond seven days from the date of
departure of the vessel will be condoned. Any delay beyond seven days will
attract penal provisions under Section 117 of the Customs Act, 1962 and the
maximum amount of penalty i.e. Rs. 10,000/- shall be imposed.
sd/-
( A. K. RAHA)
Commissioner of Customs (Port)
Custom House, Calcutta
F.No.
S46-11/2000P
Dated, the 6th March, 2000
