Press Information Bureau

Government of India

Ministry of Finance

31-January-2013 18:03 IST

It has been reported that Customs is insisting that the Courier Companies Produce an authorization from the recipient of the gifts before allowing clearance, which is causing delays and hardship to individuals.

It is clarified at the outset that there is no delay in the clearance of gift parcels at the IGI Airport, Courier Terminal, New Delhi.

The Government had earlier taken note of the difficulties faced by individual recipients of gifts from their friends and relatives abroad on account of Customs insisting that the Courier company should produce in advance the recipients authorization to clear the imported gift parcels. This was particularly hard for individuals staying far away from Delhi. Accordingly taking into account the said difficulties, the legal provision were changed vide Notification No.75/2010-Cus, dated 12.08.2010 to allow the Couriers to submit the required authorization after the delivery the parcel. Thus, as mentioned in Public Notice No.29/2010 dated 27.09.2010 issued by the Commissioner of Customs, (I&G), NCH, New Delhi, the Customs no longer insists on the submission of authorization prior to clearance of imported gifts and the Customs clearance is given immediately. Such authorization is required to be given within a week of the clearance of the item.

At the same time it has been noticed that the facility of import of goods by Courier companies has been attempted to be misused by unscrupulous people importing commercial goods in the guise of gifts. Therefore, while ensuring quick clearance of genuine gift consignment the Customs is alert to any misuse and shall ensure that the facility is not exploited.

It is reiterated for the benefit of the Courier companies as well as the public at large that bonafide gift consignments imported through Couriers are being given prompt clearance by Customs. In case of any difficulty in taking clearance of import of gift parcels, the Authorized Couriers or individuals concerned are advised to approach the Assistant/ Deputy Commissioner of Customs, New Delhi courier Terminal, IGI Airport, New Delhi (Telephone 25653424) for prompt action.

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DSM/RS/ka

Clearance of gift parcels by courier: authorization may follow delivery, ensuring prompt release while preventing misuse. Couriers may clear bona fide gift consignments immediately at the IGI Airport courier terminal without prior recipient authorization, provided the recipient's authorization is submitted to Customs within a short prescribed period after delivery; Customs will expedite genuine gift clearances while remaining vigilant against misuse of the facility and will address clearance difficulties through the Assistant/Deputy Commissioner of Customs at the New Delhi courier terminal.