Revised Customs Procedures for Coastal Cargo: Exemptions and Filing Requirements for Vessels at EXIM Berths.

The circular issued by the Central Board of Excise & Customs on April 27, 2016, outlines revised procedures for the carriage of coastal cargo between Indian ports. It exempts vessels carrying exclusively coastal goods from certain provisions of the Customs Act, 1962, to facilitate faster movement and reduce transaction costs. New notifications specify the requirements for filing coastal manifests for vessels operating at EXIM berths. The revised procedures apply to Indian and eligible foreign vessels under cabotage relaxation, with specific marking and sealing requirements for cargo. The circular also withdraws a previous circular and maintains existing procedures for vessels carrying both EXIM and coastal cargo.