With ECL, Express Industry can now make payment through multiple banks as per convenience by internet banking and NEFT/RTGS from the existing one bank

The Electronic Cash Ledger (ECL) shall be the mode of payment of Import duties for goods imported through International Courier terminals from 01^st March 2024.

With the introduction of ECL, Express Industry can make payment through multiple banks as per convenience by internet banking and NEFT/RTGS from the existing one bank.

Earlier, the Electronic Cash Ledger was implemented for payment of Import Duties for cargo processed through EDI at Seaports, Airports, ICDs and LCSs from 01^st April 2023.

For implementing the new payment system by use of ECL, handholding of the trade was done by means of registration mela and webinars conducted by DG Systems, CBIC, from October to December, 2023 to familiarise different stakeholders before the launch of ECL for Express Cargo Industry.

A pilot phase was started on 15.01.2024 and the same was expanded in phases to Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai and all other International Courier Terminal locations. Since 12.02.2024, the pilot has been running successfully in all the locations without any glitches in the system.

The new ECL mode of payment is now available for all EXIM and it would facilitate ease of doing business to the trade.

Electronic Cash Ledger payment enables multi bank online settlement for import duties on couriered goods, streamlining import payments. Electronic Cash Ledger (ECL) is mandated as the mode of payment for import duties on goods arriving through International Courier terminals from 1 March 2024, enabling payments via multiple banks using internet banking and NEFT/RTGS and extending ECL use beyond cargo processed through EDI at ports, airports, ICDs and LCSs.