Important changes in respect of Customs and Central Excise duty and legislative changes

Customs and excise duty changes under Finance Bill broaden advance ruling scope and impose procedural and enforcement reforms.

The circular implements Finance Bill, 2013 tariff and procedural changes effective from 28 February/1 March 2013 (with select measures provisional under the Provisional Collection of Taxes Act, 1931), setting out chapter-wise Customs and Central Excise duty rate adjustments, tariff reclassifications, targeted exemptions and technical rectifications, plus procedural clarifications on baggage allowances, time-limits for consumption/installation, and concession continuations. It also summarises legislative amendments expanding advance ruling scope, raising thresholds and non-bailable offence categories, limiting Tribunal stay relief to 365 days, and other enforcement and electronic filing reforms.