Public Warehouse Licensing Regulations, 2016 - 70/2016 - Customs - Non Tariff

Public warehouse licensing: eligibility, insurance and undertakings required before grant and subject to cancellation conditions.

Licensing framework requires applicants for a public warehouse licence to meet eligibility criteria including citizenship or lawful incorporation, specified undertakings and a solvency certificate except for certain government undertakings and notified ports; the authority may refuse licence for insolvency, convictions, penalties, unsoundness of mind, unsuitable premises or pending bankruptcy or criminal proceedings. Conditions precedent to grant include an all risk insurance in favour of the President of India, undertakings to pay duties and indemnify the customs authority, and appointment of an experienced warehouse keeper; licences are non transferable and may be surrendered and cancelled subject to clearance of dues and absence of goods or proceedings.