Form of Data Keeping of Excise Related

[PAWAN KUMAR SHARMA]

Sir,

My query is whether we can fulfill the requirements of Excise w.r.t. RG1 register, if we maintain it in soft copy in our database/ERP system.

OR it is mandatory to keep it in hard in the Format prescribed.

AI Summary

Electronic Excise Records Allowed: Maintain Monthly Hard Copies, Keep Backups for Five Years, No Special Permission Needed. A query was raised regarding whether excise records, specifically the RG1 register, can be maintained electronically rather than in hard copy. Respondents confirmed that electronic record-keeping is permissible under Central Excise rules, provided that hard copies are printed monthly and kept in bound folders. It was emphasized that electronic records should be in a readable format and preserved with proper backups for five years. The Central Excise Department does not require specific permission for electronic records, but they must be readily producible upon request by authorities. Misuse of this facility may lead to restrictions by the department.