Providing relief to custodians of Inland Container Depots (ICDs) and Container Freight Stations (CFSs) across the country, the CBIC today streamlined the procedure of closure of these facilities in maximum of four months only. No timeline was specified earlier.

ICDs and CFS play a vital role in the exim trade as they store and clear import and export goods. These facilities are notified under the Customs Act, 1962 and are administered by the Customs authorities. However, at times a custodian may like to close (de-notify) the facility. The disposal of un-cleared, seized and confiscated goods import/export are prerequisites for the de-notification. The CBIC noted that this process was taking a long time which caused difficulties for the custodians. 

The newly issued Circular No. 20/2021-Customs dated 16.08.2021 requires a custodian intending to wind up the operation to submit an application to jurisdictional Principal Commissioner/Commissioner of Customs for de-notifying the ICD/CFS. A Nodal Officer at the level of Deputy/Assistant Commissioner of Customs would then facilitate the de-notification by coordinating the disposal of the goods lying at the facility in a time bound manner.

The new procedure would ensure undue cost and time over runs are avoided. Importantly, the de-notification shall be completed within a maximum of four months from the date of receipt of complete application. This is yet another trade facilitation initiative by CBIC.

De-notification of ICDs and CFSs now time-bound with nodal officer coordination and faster closure process. De-notification of Inland Container Depots, Container Freight Stations and Air Freight Stations is governed by a streamlined, time bound procedure requiring custodians to apply to the jurisdictional Principal Commissioner/Commissioner of Customs; disposal of un-cleared, seized and confiscated goods is a prerequisite. A Nodal Officer at Deputy/Assistant Commissioner level will coordinate disposal and formalities, and the de-notification must be completed within a maximum of four months from receipt of a complete application.