Draft Disposal Manual 2013
Draft Disposal Manual 2013
Draft Disposal Manual 2013
DRAFT
DISPOSAL
MANUAL
2013
Government of India
Department of Revenue
Central Board of Exicse & Customs
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DRAFT
DISPOSAL MANUAL
2
INDEX
CHAPTER 1 2
Introduction & Categorisation of Goods received
CHAPTER 2 7
Receipt & Storage
CHAPTER 3 20
Transfer of Charge, Stock Takings and Inspections
CHAPTER 4 24
Special Provision regarding UCC, MHB & TEB goods
CHAPTER 5 33
Valuation and Valuation Committee
CHAPTER 6 39
Disposal and Sale through Auction & Tender
CHAPTER 7 51
Internet Auction
CHAPTER 8 63
Direct Sales & other models of Disposal
CHAPTER 9 70
Diamond, Precious & semi-precious stones
CHAPTER 10 73
Gold, Silver & other Precious Metals
CHAPTER 11 77
Currency & other Monetary instruments
CHAPTER 12 82
Vehicles & Vessels
CHAPTER 13 85
Medicines/ Bulk Drugs/ Drugs formulations
CHAPTER 14 87
Fire Arms
CHAPTER 15 97
Narcotics
CHAPTER 16 109
Disposal of Miscellaneous Goods
CHAPTER 17 118
Monthly Disposal Reports
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FOREWARD
This Disposal Manual is a hand book meant for the guidance of departmental officers
posted in various Commissionerates associated with the Disposal work. An attempt has been
made to comprehensively cover the various procedures to be followed by Customs officers.
These procedures are based on the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962 and Allied Acts and the
Notifications issued there under. This manual has been prepared to serve as a handy guidance
tool for the officers in field. The Officers are advised to keep themselves familiar with these
legal provisions on the basis of which different procedures have been evolved. References to
Notifications/Circulars issued by Government have been indicated wherever possible. In case of
any further clarity cross referencing to necessary notifications, circulars, provisions of the Act
may please be made. Further, wherever required requisite permissions from the concerned
competent authorities may also be obtained.
2. When the situation calls for discretion on the part of the officers, the same should be
used in the context of existing law and rules/regulations. In cases, of doubt or those appearing
to be clearly beyond the competence of the officer concerned, it should be taken up to the
higher authorities for decision and for obtaining orders.
3. This manual has been compiled on the basis of orders/ procedures as in force as on 30th
Sep. 2013. All subsequent corrections, modifications should be made thereto as and when
issued.
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CHAPTER- 1
1.1 Introduction
This Manual prescribes the procedure to be followed for disposal of seized goods/ confiscated
goods / uncleared / unclaimed cargo/ mishandled Baggage / cargo involved in Time Expired Bonds /
Goods detained under Section 142 of the Customs Act, 1962 in all the formations under Central Board of
Excise & Customs (CBEC). The procedures prescribed in the Manual are subject to the provisions of
Customs Act/Central Excise Act, rules and regulations made thereunder and other allied Acts. In case of
inconsistency between the procedures prescribed in this Manual and the provisions of Customs
Act/Central Excise Act and various rules and regulations or allied acts, the later shall prevail.
This Manual supercedes all the instructions issued on the subject till date. If there are no
provisions as regards a particular aspect of disposal, the officers are required to make a reference to the
CBEC. As and when amendments are issued to this Manual or additional instructions are issued by the
CBEC, officers must carry out the corrections in the Manual and keep the Manual up-to-date.
The entire stock of seized/confiscated goods in the custody of the Department has been grouped
under the following four different categories. The categorization has been done on the basis of the life
and nature of the goods, goods notified under the Customs Act and other allied Acts. Steps for early
disposal of the goods falling under the different categories should be taken by the Commissionerates as
prescribed therein.
The goods under this category have a very short shelf life and are prone to rapid decay or they
become outdated very fast. Some of such goods may be perishable in nature while some others may have
certain expiry time prescribed thereon. Some of these goods may also require special arrangements for
their preservation and storage. Therefore these goods may be disposed of immediately after seizure by
the Custodian of the goods after issue of notice to the owners and obtaining orders from the Competent
Authority. If at a later stage, goods are ordered to be released to the lawful claimant, they would get the
sale proceeds realized by the department after deducting the duty liability and other liabilities. Further, if
the goods in this category have been seized and have to be destroyed because they have become unfit for
disposal or for consumption on account of delay, the AC/DC in charge of seizing unit would be responsible
for the lapse. The goods falling under this category are as under:
(i) Fresh flowers, Fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, fish, poultry, eggs and other fresh
uncanned/unprocessed food materials
(ii) Salt and hygroscopic substances (other than in sealed containers)
(iii) Raw (wet and salted) hides and skins
(iv) Livestock
(v) Medicinal herbs
(vi) Molasses
(viii) Newspapers and periodicals
(ix) Confectionary
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(x) Cigarettes, biris, biri-leaves and tobacco, which are liable to deterioration due to drying or
humidity
(xi) Menthol. Camphor, Saffron
(xii) Cereals, sugar and other grocer’ items
(xiii) Tea and Coffee
(xiv) Re-fills for ball-point pens
(xv) Lighter fuel, including lighters with gas. not having arrangement for refilling
(xvi) Beer
(xvi) Cells, batteries and rechargeable batteries
(xvii) Petroleum Products
(xviii) All unclaimed/abandoned goods to be disposed off immediately which are liable to rapid
depreciation in value on account of fast change in technology or new models etc.
1.2.2 Category-II: Goods falling under Section 110(1A) of the Customs Act, 1962
This Category covers the goods, which are notified under the provisions of Section 110(1A) of the
Customs Act, 1962. Goods falling under this category are as under:
1. Gold in all forms including bullion, ingot, coin, ornament, crude jewellery
2. Silver in all forms including bullion, ingot, coin, ornament, crude jewellery
3. Diamonds, precious and semi - precious stones
4. Currency, Indian and Foreign
5. All electronic goods including television sets, Video Cassette Recorders, Tape recorders,
calculators, computers; components and spares thereof including diodes, transistors,
integrated circuits, etc;
6. Cellular Phones
7. Wrist watches including electronic wrist watches; watch movements, parts or components
thereof
8. Primary cells and primary batteries including re-chargeable batteries
9. Photographic films
10. Conveyance
11. Man -made yarn and fabric
12. Bulk drugs and chemicals falling under Section VI of the First Schedule to the Customs Tariff
Act. 1975 (51 of 1975).
13. Patent or proprietary medicine; i.e. any drug or medicinal preparations, in whatever form, for
use in the internal or external treatment of, or for the prevention of ailments in, human
beings or animals, which bears either on itself or on its container or both, a name which is not
specified in a monogram, in a Pharmacopoeia or Formulary
14. Dangerous drugs and psychotropic substances
15. Liquors
16. Ball Bearings;
17. Zip fastners;
18. Software
19. Petroleum products falling under Chapter 27 of Custom Tariff Act, 1975
20. Red Sander
21. Sandalwood
Any other goods notified under notification Section 110 of the Customs Act, 1962 in future will
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also be covered by this category. For expeditious disposal of these goods, immediate action as per the
procedure as laid down in sub-section (IB) of Section 110 (1A) must be taken by the seizing unit. A format
for filing application under sub-section (IB) of Section 110 of the Customs Act, 1962 is available at
Appendix A to this Chapter.
1.2.3 Category- III: Goods to be disposed off within six months from the date of seizure or where the
date of expiry is indicated well before that date
The goods under this category have a short span of life and deterioration in quality starts after a
few days of storage and the risk/expenses for storage/maintenance of these goods are expected to be
heavy and the goods are also liable to rapid depreciation in value on account of the fast change in
technology or designs or introduction of new models, etc. These goods may be disposed off within six
months of their seizure or, where the date of expiry is indicated, well before that date after issuing notice
as provided under para 1.6 All unclaimed/abandoned should be disposed off immediately after
adjudication. Efforts should also be made to dispose of the goods immediately after adjudication even in
the unclaimed cases. Where the gods have been ordered to be released on payment of fine, the
adjudicating authority should invariably specify the time limit within which the option to redeem the
goods on payment of fine in lieu of confiscation should be exercised and action should be taken for
disposal immediately after the expiry of the time limit. The AC/DC in charge of seizing unit should also
keep watch over such goods and communicate disposal order to the Custodian expeditiously.
(i) Photographic goods such as photographic chemicals, papers and digital medium of
photographs.
(ii) Cameras of all types
(iii) Time-pieces and clocks
(iv) Pre-recorded cassettes, CDs, DVDs, MDs and other mediums (Audio/Video);
(v) Costume Jewellery
(vi) Readymade Garments
(vii) Spectacles
(viii) Perfume, Toilet waters and essential oils;
(ix) Tinned and preserved provisions, condensed milk and milk powder.
(x) Spices;
(xi) Resin:
(xii) Catechu
(xiii) Hides, Skins, features and products thereof
(xiv) Rubber goods and erasers
(xv) Paper and articles made of paper
(xvi) Raw-jute
(xvii) V. N. E. oils
(xviii) Petroleum products
(xix) Hypodermine needles and syringes, surgical instruments/equipments
(xx) Medicines and drugs which remain officious only for a limited period
(xxi) Boats and launches (other than those meant for departmental Appropriation
All other goods not listed in the above 3 categories come under this category. The disposal of goods
falling under this category has to be effected after completion of all due formalities and when finality is
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1.3 The disposal of different categories of goods as mentioned can be made through the procedure,
which has been described in the subsequent paragraphs/chapters. The goods falling under categories I
and III need to be disposed off at the earliest because of the very nature of the goods, which have been
seized/ confiscated. If they're allowed to remain for longer durations, pending adjudication and finality, it
is very likely that the said goods would have lost its complete value and would have been non-usable. The
Commissioner can decide any mode of disposal, which have been discussed in the subsequent
paragraphs.
1.4 Customs authorities are not precluded from disposing of the confiscated goods immediately after
confiscation in cases where there is hardly any chance of successful appeal by the owner provided further
that the owner is paid the value of the goods, in case in appeal or revision the order of confiscation is set
aside.
1.5 As the storage of confiscated goods over long period till the completion of the normal processes of
appeal etc. results in the deterioration of the goods, it has been decided that the following types of cases:
(i) where the chances of the order of confiscation being modified in appeal etc. are remote, the goods
should be disposed off by the department immediately after the confiscation of the goods; (ii) if the goods
have been ordered to be absolutely confiscated and (iii) on expiry of the period for redemption in cases
where an option to redeem the goods on payment of fine is not exercised by the owner.
a. Section 150 of the Customs Act, 1962 provides for a mandatory requirement of issuing of notice
to the owner of the goods, not being confiscated,, which are proposed are to be sold under any
provision of the Customs Act, by public auction or by tender or in any other manner.
b. The requirement to issue notice to the owner of the goods shall also prevail in case of goods that
have been confiscated but in respect of which all appeal/legal remedies have not been exhausted
by the owner of the goods.
[F.No.711/4/2006- Cus(AS) dated 14.02.2006]
1.7 In order to avoid any disputes regarding the price which may have to be paid to the party from
whom the goods were seized in the event of appeal etc. being admitted, an intimation regarding the price
at which the goods are being sold should be sent to the party in case the goods are sold to agencies like
NCCF/ Kendriya Bhandar etc. If the goods are of the type which are sold through auction conducted, an
intimation regarding the date, time and place of auction should be sent to the party well in advance.
1.8 Procedure for disposal of goods under Section 110(1A) of the Customs Act, 1962
a. Before action under Section 110 (1A) is initiated, a written notice to the concerned
party shall be given with a clear 15 days notice.
b. All cases under Section 110(1A) shall be processed for disposal on completion of a period of
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two months from the date of their seizure. The process of seeking sanction of the Magistrate
whenever needed shall be completed within a month thereafter. This shall not apply in cases
where the party claims legal ownership of the goods and requests for their release. In such
cases, since the issue relating to title of the goods has not yet been adjudicated upon by the
competent adjudicating authority, attempt should be made to expedite the investigation and
adjudication proceedings. A decision regarding disposal of the goods should be taken in such
cases immediately on completion of the adjudication proceedings.
c. If seized goods are highly perishable and may not have remaining shelf life of even three
months time, the file may be processes and put up for seeking approval to dispose of the
goods under Section 110 (1A) immediately after seizure is affected and preliminary
investigation are over.
d. The disposal of the goods should be clearly reflected in the Show Cause Notice so that the
adjudication authorities as well as the appellate authority pass appropriate orders. When
action under Section 110(1A) is initiated after issue of Show Cause Notice, an addendum shall
be issued immediately after the disposal of goods to indicate the fact of disposal.
e. After the disposal order is passed in terms of Section 110(1A) and the goods disposed,
appropriate entries should be made in adjudication file as well so that at the time of
adjudication ,the adjudicating authority does not give an option of redemption to the party
since no goods exists for exercising such an option.
[Standing Order No.1/99 dated 16.07.99 of Mumbai (Prev.) Commissionerate]
In respect of the goods other than Category II goods, which are locked in court proceedings or if
prosecution is contemplated/launched, Pretrial disposal orders can also be obtained by the seizing unit
under Section 451 of Cr. PC. Format for filing application for pretrial disposal under Section 110 of the
Customs Act, 1962 (Appendix A to this Chapter) may be used for the purpose.
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APPENDIX A
APPLICATION NO. OF 20
CASE NO.
Shri
……………………………….. (Address)
Applicant
I ______________________the applicant above named beg to state the following on solemn affirmation:
That on _______________________________(name)____________________________
Was/were produced before your worship in connection with the seizure of _________valued at
Rs.___________________(M.V) and your worship was pleased to grant him/them bail of
Rs_____________________
The case is kept on dormant file on ___________________ since the accused is absconding.
a) The above goods are of perishable/deteriorating nature. Any further storage is likely to cause
depreciation in its value.
b) There is shortage of storage accommodation. Early disposal orders will ease the congestion in
Warehouse.
c) And the said proceeds can be utilized for country’s developmental requirements.
It is, therefore, prayed that your Worship may be pleased to order for the disposal of the said goods after
keeping the representative samples.
For this act of kindness I shall ever pray. Solemnly affirmed at ………………………………. (Address), This
______________ day of ____________20_______
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CHAPTER -2
2.1 Inventory:
2.1.1 Whenever any goods are detained / seized, a detailed inventory of these goods should be
invariably prepared by the seizing officer at the time of detention/seizure in Form I given at Appendix-A
to this chapter in triplicate or quadruplicate as explained below. If the seizing officer is not able to prepare
the Inventory at the time of seizure, he shall do so as early as possible. The inventory shall always be
prepared and signed with blue / black ball point pen and at no point of time ink pen should be used.
2.1.2 The first copy of the Inventory should be given by the seizing / detaining officer to the owner of
the goods or his authorized representative, if available; otherwise it should be kept with the case file. The
goods together with the Duplicate & Triplicate copies of the Inventory should be forwarded within 24 hrs.
of the detention/seizure to the Custodian of the Godown. The Custodian shall give receipt on both the
Duplicate and Triplicate copies of the Inventory & return the duplicate copy to the seizing officer for
keeping in the seizure file.
2.1.3 The Inventories are very important documents and should be drawn carefully to contain all the
relevant details like description, quantity, brand, serial number, Country of origin, etc., which are
necessary for identification of the items covered by the Inventory and for taking further action relating to
disposal.
2.1.4 The packages containing the detained/ seized goods should be sealed with the seal of the
detaining / seizing officer and the seal, if any, of the lawful claimant or his authorized representative or of
a gazetted officer as the case may be and also signed by them. Specimens of each seal and signatures also
should be affixed on the Inventory of the detained / seized goods for comparison purposes at the time of
receipt by the custodian and also in case of return to the lawful claimant. The valuables seized should be
packed in non-deteriorating containers like hard plastic or Metal Boxes and wire/metal seals may be used
instead of rope/wax seals.
2.1.5 When seized / detained goods are transferred from one Custodian to another, as in the case of
transfer of charge, the Original Inventory and also the Re-inventory, (described later at 2.3.4 para), if any,
shall invariably be handed over along with the goods. While conducting stock challenges, or during
transfer of charge etc., seals on the packages shall always be compared with these specimens of seals on
the corresponding Inventories. The specimen of seal on the Inventories shall act as final proof where any
tampering of seals is suspected or when discrepancy in the goods is found at the time of opening the
packages.
In cases where the detained / seized goods are physically handed over to a third party under
sapurdginama and thus are only notionally handed over to the Custodian, Inventory shall be prepared in
quadruplicate instead of triplicate and the fourth copy shall be given to the Supadigar. Other copies of the
Inventories will be dealt with in the usual manner.
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2.2.1 Storage place should preferably be in the Govt. buildings at ground floor or in basement, which
should be properly secured.
2.2.2 If it is rented, the godown should not be in an isolated building unless adequate security is
provided. It should be spacious enough to house the goods on the racks/almirahs. Godown should
be well ventilated, damp proof and properly illuminated preferably with natural light.
2.2.3 Firefighting equipment should be installed. If there are no efficient & working central fire fighting
system available, sufficient number of portable fire extinguishers should be installed.
2.2.4 Valuables should preferably be kept in treasury/bank lockers. NDPS goods should be kept more
securely.
(a) Valuables
(b) Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic substances
(c) Perishable goods
(d) Vehicles/conveyances
(e) Goods detained from passengers or for observance of formalities which are likely to be
released soon, and ;
(f) Other confiscated goods.
The responsibility for proper storage and custody of these goods should be fixed on individual
officers and for this purpose it should be ensured that the charges of individual officers should be
compact and manageable. In respect of valuables, double lock arrangement should be made, the second
lock being that of gazetted officer, superior in rank to the officer in direct charge.
2.3.1 Immediately on receipt of the goods and the Duplicate and Triplicate copies of the Inventory, the
Custodian should satisfy himself that the packages have been properly sealed, seals are intact and the
Inventory has been made out in a proper manner and gives all the details required as regards the content
of packages. He should also verify whether the categories as regards the nature of the goods as per
Chapter-I have been indicated correctly or not. It is not necessary for him to examine the contents of the
packages provided the seals are intact and the Inventory is in order.
2.3.2 If the condition of packages, seals and the Inventory are in order, the custodian should receive the
goods in his godown and make entries in the Stock Register (refer para2.4) He should then acknowledge
receipt of the sealed packages by way of making cross entries in the Duplicate & Triplicate copies of
inventories, retain the Duplicate copy with him and return the Triplicate copy to the seizing / detaining
officer for keeping it in the case file. In case of any discrepancy, the same should be reconciled before
acknowledging the receipt.
2.3.3 Re-inventory: If the seals are not intact at the time of receipt of the goods by the custodian, it is
the responsibility of the detaining / seizing officer to get the packages opened, get the Inventory made
and the goods verified, tally the contents and re-seal the packages. Such re-inventorisation and re-sealing
should be done in the presence of the owner, or his representative. If the owner is not available, a specific
note to that effect can be made and thereafter the goods may be re-inventorised, verified and re-sealed
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only in the presence of team of gazetted officers including one officer from the seizing unit on the orders
of AC/DC.
2.3.4 When re-inventory of the detained / seized goods is done, the original Inventory should also be
attached to the Re-inventory. The fact of Re-inventory should be endorsed on the original Inventory and
cross references on each document must also be made. The original Inventory as well as the fresh Re-
inventory should always be kept tagged together and be available with the custodian and in case of
shifting of goods both should always travel with the goods.
2.3.5 Aforesaid procedure should invariably be followed during authorized opening of packages during
adjudication proceedings or drawal of samples and resealing thereof.
2.3.6 Duplicate Inventory and also Re-inventory, if any, shall be kept in the file. Separate files may be
maintained for each Stock Register and both shall correctly reflect the stock position in the Godown at all
points of time.
2.3.7 In case the goods stored are physically with sapurdgar and only the notional charge is with the
Custodian, only Triplicate copy of the Inventory will be handed- over to the custodian. The custodian will
not be required to verify the contents of the packages or the packages since the responsibility for keeping
the packages intact is with the suparidgar owner of the Godown or the place of storage of goods.
However, the custodian will add the goods into the account of goods pending for disposal and in the Stock
Register, entries will be made clearly writing the place of storage in the prescribed columns of the
Register.
2.3.8 It is necessary to note that all the goods seized / detained which relate to the formations covered
by a Disposal Unit will be accounted for in the accounts of one or the other Custodian. Where multiple
sections have been set- up in large Custom Houses, one Section will co-ordinate and get the details from
different branches but the procedure prescribed in this chapter will apply as regards receipts, storage,
etc.
2.3.9 Each package should be securely tied, pinned and stuck with a Stock Card in the proper form
given at Appendix ‘C’ to this chapter (Form 3).
(ii) Valuables should be kept invariably in a strong room, special safe in the Custom House
Treasury or in a locker in a nationalized bank, obtained exclusively for the purpose. The packages
shall be stored systematically, serial-wise and year-wise to facilitate easy check and location.
Relevant particulars of the storage arrangements should also be recorded in the Register of
Valuables maintained in Form 2.
(iii) When the valuables are stored in locker/safe, the key of the safe or the locker shall be
kept securely in the personal custody of the Custodian. It should also be ensured that the access
to the safe or the locker shall not be allowed by the Treasury Officer or the Bank Manager, as the
case may be, except on a written authorisation in an agreed form bearing the running number,
signed by the Assistant/ Deputy Commissioner in charge of the disposal. Such authorisation
should be issued normally in the name of the custodian or in exceptional circumstances when the
Custodian is not available, in the name of any other responsible officer. The serially numbered
authorisation forms should be kept in the personal custody of the Assistant/Deputy Commissioner
in charge of the disposal.
(iv) When the valuables are stored in a strong room, following measures must be taken
strictly:
a. The strong rooms storing valuables such as Gold, Silver, Diamonds, Gems &
Jewellery and Precious/Semi-Precious Stones, should invariably have a double lock
system,
b. Two keys for operating the strong room should be entrusted to two separate
officers; one to the incharge of the strong room or godown and the other to a
superior/supervisory officer of gazetted rank;
(v) Whenever the custodian or his superior officer proceeds on leave or on transfer, a regular
substitute should be provided, who shall take proper charge of the strong room & keys, as
prescribed in Chapter 3.
(vi) Only experienced officers whose integrity is absolutely beyond doubt, should be posted
as incharge of the strong room/ godowns. Similar check from vigilance & integrity angle, should
also be ensured for the superior officer who is given the overall supervision of the strong room
and custody of the second key,
(vii) No officer, including custodian-in-charge of the strong room / godown, should be allowed
to open the strong room/ godown on any holiday (including Saturday/Sunday), without a prior
specific written permission from the Addl. Commissioner/Commissioner concerned.
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2.6.1 The Custodian will be responsible for the physical custody of the packages with seals intact. He
will not be responsible for the inner contents of the package if they have been properly sealed and the
seals are intact. The Custodian should, however, insist before accepting the sealed packages that the
Inventory covering the goods is complete in all respects.
2.6.2 After receipt he should attach Stock-Card in the proforma given at Appendix C to this Chapter
(Form 3) of appropriate colour (i) Red colour card for detained goods (ii) Pink colour card for goods seized
but not adjudicated, (iii) Yellow colour card for goods confiscated but not ripe for disposal and (iv) Green
colour card for goods ripe for disposal.
2.6.3 He should ensure that the packages are carefully stored and protected against the ravages of
weather, ants, rodents and insects.
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2.6.4 He should take adequate precautions against theft and pilferage and keep watch on the condition
of the goods and immediately report each such case to the Commissioner. Any incident of the
theft/loss/substitution of the goods, which comes to light should not only be immediately examined
personally by the concerned Commissioner, but it should also be, with the exception for petty cases,
immediately reported to the Principal Accounts Officer and the Statutory Audit Officer etc. as laid down
under Rule 16 of General Financial Rules. Board should also be kept informed of all such cases, on
immediate basis, with a report of action initiated. Action should also be initiated immediately in terms of
provisions of Rule 19 of G.F.R.
[Based on Circular F.No.393/91/98-Cus(AS)dated 12.11.98]
2.6.5 If the goods show signs of deterioration or damage, he should immediately bring it to the notice
of the Assistant/Deputy Commissioner, Incharge of godown, for appropriate action. Separate record of
such goods should be kept which must be updated every month. In case deterioration is noticed in
respect of goods awaiting adjudication, the matter should be brought to the notice of the adjudicating
officer for ensuring quick decision of the case. Where deterioration is noticed in respect of cases under
appeal, the appellate authority should be informed immediately so that prior attention is given to the
disposal of the relevant cases. Where the goods are involved in court proceedings, it will be necessary to
bring the matter to the notice of the court and for getting permission for the disposal of goods pending
finalization of the proceedings in the court. All packages pending for more than three years should
compulsorily be inspected for deterioration of packages/ seals and the same may be brought to the
knowledge of the Asst./ Deputy Commissioner Disposal for appropriate action.
2.6.6 He will be responsible for maintaining the Stock Registers in the proper manner; proper custody
of Registers for Handing over & Taking over charge and Inventories and for submitting the monthly return
of goods ripe for disposal.
2.6.7 Custodian should also be responsible for optimal utilization of space. Following steps may be
taken for optimum utilization of space:
(a) The total stock of seized goods must be reviewed by custodian every month so that the
possibility of disposal in convenient lots could be considered.
(b) Absolutely confiscated goods must be disposed off expeditiously.
(c) Shifting the seized/confiscated goods from the rented premises to own premises wherever
possible to save on rentals. Neat stacking in a scientific manner not only prevents damage /
deterioration of goods but also helps in saving space.
2.6.8 Similarly, the interest of the Govt. in respect of confiscated goods left with the Port Trusts or
other agencies must be safeguarded by Custodian having the notional charge. Special care must be taken
for bulky items like iron and steel materials, heavy machinery etc. which are generally left in the custody
of the Port Authorities. However, where it is felt that the Port Trust arrangements are not adequate, then
Custodian having notional charge shall take concurrent measures in consultation with the Port authorities
for ensuring safety of the goods. In this connection the possibility of renting out suitable open space
accommodation from the Port Administration with wire-fencing enclosure for storing confiscated
materials, which could not otherwise be removed to the godowns should also be explored.
2.6.9 The Officer handing over goods on transfer from the warehouse unit, should also hand over all
files and correspondences relating to these packages received by him or handed over to him.
2.7.1 Regular cargo: A separate godown should, wherever possible, be set apart for keeping regular
cargo confiscated to the Government. On receipt of advice Appendix D to this Chapter (Form 4) from the
Superintendent/ incharge of the Unit dealing with the relevant case file, the Custodian should
immediately move through the concerned section to have the goods located, transported and delivered
into his charge as early as possible and within 15 days of the receipt of such advice at the latest. For
enuring prompt dispatch of the advice in Appendix D to this Chapter (Form 4), the concerned section
should list out all cases for which the period allowed for exercise of option to pay fine in lieu of
confiscation or the period of an appeal, whichever is longer, expires against the date of such expiry in a
forward watch diary and one week from that date reference will be made to the penalty register to verify
if the fine has been paid or appeal filed and if not whether the goods can be taken over as finally vesting
in Government. The section should then list out such of those items which are required to be taken over
by the Custodian from the port authorities for disposal action. When the goods are so delivered into
custody, the Custodian shall after due examination of the packages, make out in triplicate a detailed
Inventory of the contents in Form 1 prescribed at Appendix A to this Chapter and deal with them in the
same manner as other seized/detained goods.
In those Commissionerates where a separate godown for the purpose is not kept, it shall be the
responsibility of the concerned unit to take necessary steps to arrange for the taking over from the port
authorities direct by the Disposal Unit of such of those confiscated goods which have become ripe for
disposal.
2.7.2 Air cargo: Air cargo stored in the Air Cargo Shed may be allowed to be kept in the same shed even
after confiscation, pending disposal in the normal course. The officer incharge of the Air Cargo Shed shall
maintain a Stock Register in respect of confiscated cargo in the proper form (Form 2 prescribed at
Appendix B to this chapter) and shall perform all the functions of the Custodian of the confiscated goods
in respect of Air Cargo and shall deal directly with the Disposal Unit.
2.7.3 ICDs, CFSs and Ports: The provisions of the para 2.7.2 shall mutatis mutadis applying case of
confiscated cargo at 1CDs, CFSs and Ports.
2.7.4 Post parcels: It shall be the duty of the ‘Penalty Unit’ of the Postal Appraising Department to
keep a close watch over all penalty cases registered by them. The parcels which are confiscated but not
redeemed by the addressees and which are ripe for disposal shall be sorted out and a detailed inventory
in Form I prescribed at Appendix A to this Chapter shall be immediately prepared of the contents of each
parcel in the presence of a responsible Postal Official and a Gazetted Officer in the Postal Appraising Unit.
The parcels duly sealed with the seals of both the officers shall then be delivered to the Custodian of
confiscated goods. These goods shall thereafter be dealt with in the same manner as other
seized/detained goods.
goods. If there are any goods which should not be disposed off a remark DELETE should be mentioned
against that entry and the reason as to why it should not be disposed off should also be given against
each entry. The list should then be returned within one week of receipt to the Custodian. The Custodian
should keep the original with him and forward the duplicate to the Disposal Unit for further action. On
receipt of the list from the Custodian, the officer incharge of the disposal unit should examine in the
presence of the Custodian the packages with the list and with the detailed Inventory relating to the
goods. If there are discrepancies, he should immediately bring them to the notice of the Assistant/Deputy
Commissioner, Preventive. The Officer Incharge of Disposal Unit should then prepare a complete list of
goods for disposal and get the goods disposed of.
2.9.2 Seized goods should be moved at the earliest opportunity to the head quarters of the division/
Commissioner where proper storage and security arrangements exist.
2.9.3 Opening and re-sealing of the packages: As far as possible, the necessity for opening of the sealed
packages for further investigation should be avoided. Whenever such sealed packages are required to be
opened, such opening should not be done without the specific authorisation of the Asstt./Deputy
Commissioner (incharge) and the procedure prescribed at para 2.3.4 and 2.3.5 shall be followed. After
opening and resealing the Stock Card and the Inventory / Re-inventory should also be suitably endorsed
and the packages should be re-deposited in the original place of storage. If on such re-examination any
discrepancy is noticed, such discrepancy should immediately be brought to the notice of the higher
officers for appropriate action.
2.9.4 Return of goods to the owner: Whenever seized or detained goods are ordered to be returned to
the owner, the Custodian should, after satisfying himself that all the moneys due to the Government
have been paid by the owner, give delivery of the goods against the owner’s endorsement on the
duplicate copy of the Inventory that the packages have been received by the owner with the seals intact.
In case the owner wishes to have open delivery, the Custodian should comply with the request but the
presence of the Seizing or Detaining Officer should also, as far as possible be secured. If the seizing or
detaining officer is not available, the presence of a Gazetted Officer should be secured.
Commissioners may make any minor changes in this procedure which may be necessitated
by local conditions. No major changes should be made without the prior approval of the Board.
***********
15
APPENDIX-A
(Form)
_____________________________________________________________________
Received with seals intact
1. The details of items should be given package-wise and as far as possible for each item value and
other details should be furnished.
2. Condition of the goods should also be indicated and wherever accessories are not available, that
fact also should be given. The details about accessories be given in the remark column.
3. As far as possible goods of each category should be kept in a separate package so that only those
packages can be disposed of within the time limit prescribed for them and the remaining goods can be
kept separately.
4. Preferably the signature of the owner and the mahazar (Panch) witnesses should be taken on the
package. If the owner is not available at least mahazar witness signature should be taken. The packages
should be sealed with the seal of the Seizing/Detaining officer and the seal of the owner or his authorized
representative if he is available otherwise or that of a Gazetted Officer.
5. As far as possible specimen of the seal on the packages should also be incorporated in the
Inventory.
6. The Inventory should be prepared in Quadruplicate if the goods are going to be handed over to a
Sapurdgal i.e. person other than the Departmental Godown Officer for storage. Otherwise the Inventory
can be prepared in Triplicate. Original will be handed over to the Owner. Duplicate will be kept in the case
file, Triplicate for the Custodian and the quadruplicate to the sapurdgal. (Where Custodian and Ware
House Officer are different).
APPENDIX – B
FORM 2
Stock Register
Date of re- Auction lot Price Dale of Signature Amount Signature Remarks
opening for no. & fetched delivery to of paid as (with
purposes of Other at the bidder recipient godown date
valuation by particulars Auction. at the rent (receipt custodian
Jewellery. of the lot in auction no. and
which signature date to be
included of indicated
recipient also
22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29
APPENDIX - C
FORM 3
STOCK-CARD
For example, if there are four packages detained under a Sl./Ref. No., the stock Card for each
package should indicate the package as ¼, 2/4, 3/4 or 4/4 as applicable.
18
APPENDIX - D
FORM 4
From
The ________________
___________________ Department
To
The Custodian
The goods mentioned hereunder have not been so far redeemed within the prescribed period
and the period for preferring appeal is also over. Necessary steps may therefore, be taken to take
possession of the same and thereafter to dispose them of.
Sr. C.H. No. of Marks Weight (if Description Value Category Date of Remarks
No. Case packages and available) of goods of goods expiry of
File Nos. redemption
No. period
/Appeal
period
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
APPENDIX - E
FORM 5
From
To
_______________
_______________ Department
The under mentioned cases have become ripe for disposal. Kindly indicate with in a week
hereof whether you have any objection to disposal by action being proceeded with.
Date____________ DEPARTMENT
20
CHAPTER – 3
3.1 TRANSFER OF CHARGE: Proper transfer of charge of godowns is essential for correct
accountable of goods. A transfer of charge even temporary should be supervised by
Superintendent (or AC /DC in case of transfer of charge of ‘valuables’) and closely monitored
by AC/DC at Division and JC/Addl. Commissioner in-charge of the godowns at Commissionerate
level. Proper transfer of charge not only affords good opportunity for getting the stock-taking
of entire stock and rectifying the shortcomings, if any, in procedures and in the stocks etc., but
also obviates any chance of substitution, mis-appropriation and embezzlement. In the past,
investigations of many cases of such lapses have failed to pin point responsibility primarily
because of improper transfer of charge. In this regard following guidelines need be followed:
3.1.1 Normally experienced officers having integrity beyond doubt should be appointed as
Custodians. The Custodians so appointed should not be frequently changed or transferred out.
3.1.2 Whenever any Custodian or any other officer incharge of confiscated goods is
transferred, the transfer should be so arranged that the successor is given sufficient time to
take charge of complete stock of the goods.
3.1.3 Wherever the packages and seals are intact, it should not be necessary to open the
packages and count the individual articles. Whenever sealed packages are taken as open
delivery re-inventory shall be drawn by following the prescribed procedure.
3.1.4 A charge report shall be prepared only in a pre authenticated register called ‘Register
of Handing over and Taking over of charge’ prepared in the format prescribed at Appendix ‘A’
to this Chapter and not in loose sheets or in any other form. This register shall be permanent
record and all charge reports shall be prepared only in this register. Separate registers shall be
maintained for different ‘Stock Registers’. Separate pages may be earmarked for transfer of
charge of different Stock Registers in the ‘Register of Handing over and Taking over of charge’.
3.1.5 The officer taking over charge shall point out any discrepancies, etc. in the relevant
column of the charge report by referring to the serial no of the Stock Register. Actual details of
such discrepancies shall, however, be entered in the Stock Register.
3.1.6 The officer taking over the charge shall also take charge of all the Stock Registers and
corresponding Inventories. Once he signs the Register of Handing over and Taking over of
charge, he’ll be construed to have taken over all the goods in the warehouse as well as the
corresponding inventories and Stock Register.
3.1.7 The officer transferred from warehouse/ valuable section should be asked to
surrender the Departmental seals issued to them before handing over charge of the
warehouse to the officer taking over charge of the warehouse under proper receipt and record
of the same should be kept in the warehouse.
3.1.8 After each transfer of charge, the Charge Report shall be scrutinized by the AC/DC in-
charge of the Division and JC/Addl. Commissioner in-charge at headquarters level who shall
take corrective measures on the points raised and discrepancies noticed thereon and put up
the action taken report to the Commissioner.
3.1.9 Whenever the custodian proceeds on long leave, a regular substitute should be
appointed in his place and a complete and correct transfer of custody of goods should take
21
place. Such transfer of charge shall also figure in the Register of Handing Over and Taking Over
Charge. However when the custodian proceeds on short or casual leave or in an emergency,
the custodian should make arrangements to ensure that any articles which may be required
during his absence, are handed over to another officer on proper receipt with the approval of
the Assistant/ Deputy Commissioner concerned. This officer shall also attend to any urgent or
important work relating to godown. Full responsibility for the remaining goods shall, however,
remain with the custodian himself.
3.2 PERIODICAL STOCK CHALLENGE: Once every six months the Assistant/ Deputy
Commissioner or Joint Commissioner/ Addl. Commissioner, Preventive, nominated by the
Commissioner, shall conduct a complete stock taking of all valuables in the custody of the
Custom House/Divisions etc. Similarly, once every six months an Assistant/ Deputy
Commissioner nominated by the Commissioner for the purpose shall conduct a complete stock
taking of all the packages containing articles other than valuables. In order to ensure that stock
taking is conducted regularly, these may be conducted in the month of January and July and
report on the stock taking should be submitted in the following month and the action on the
report should be taken whenever necessary before the next stock taking. Following guidelines
may be followed for stock challenges.
3.2.1 The officers verifying stock shall physically verify the stock with reference to
Inventories and Stock Registers and also with reference to Registers of ‘Handing over and
Taking over charge.
3.2.2 They should verify the seals and satisfy themselves that the seals are intact. If the seals
are intact it should not be necessary to open the packages and verify contents. If seals are
open the reasons thereof may be ascertained and total inventory of the goods must be taken.
3.2.3 Where substitution or pilferage is suspected, immediate action may be taken to verify
the contents of the packages and such further steps as are warranted must be taken without
delay.
3.2.4 They should also particularly examine whether the packages stored show any signs of
deterioration and should also scrutinize the record of deterioration of goods maintained by the
Custodian and check whether suitable action outlined at para 2.6.5 above has been taken by
the Custodian and/or the supervising officer. If not, the same must be urgently taken. The
0fficer deputed for stock challenge should compulsorily inspect all packages pending for more
than three years for deterioration of packages/seals and bring to the knowledge of the Asstt./
Deputy Commissioner for appropriate action to ensure that the packages remain under proper
seal and scope of pilferage is also ruled out.
3.2.5 They should scrutinize the ‘Register for Handing over and Taking over Charge’ to check
if proper transfer of charge has taken place & suggest improvements if any.
3.2.6 They should also examine whether the charge of individual custodians is compact and
manageable.
3.2.7 They should critically examine and report whether the procedures prescribed in this
Manual for storage and safeguard of goods especially for valuables, arms, narcotics drugs and
psychotropic substances, Conveyances, etc. are being followed, like whether arms are being
22
3.2.8 They should also examine whether all necessary steps for expeditious disposal of the
goods have been taken and prepare a report on delayed cases for appropriate action and bring
them to the notice of the appropriate departments/ authority responsible for release of the
goods or their final disposal.
3.2.9 Report of Stock Challenge: They should submit a report regarding the checks
conducted and results achieved to the Commissioner within a week from the date of stock
challenge covering all the above points.
3.2.10 These reports should be scrutinized by Commissioners themselves and they should
also ensure further remedial action is taken immediately. The Assistant/Deputy Commissioner,
Preventive, or any other officer nominated for the purpose by the Commissioner shall conduct
random stock challenges by surprise, periodically, say once every six months.
3.3.1 The officer in- charge of the warehouse should maintain the warehouse register duly
updated. All the entries in the register should be made immediately after receiving the
relevant information.
3.3.2 The warehouse in- charge should keep liaison with the seizing unit and ascertain the
position of the concerned case on regular/quarterly basis. All the updates may be entered into
the relevant column of the register.
3.3.3 The warehouse in-charge should regularly pursue the seizing units for issuance of
disposal order. After receiving the disposal order, valuation of the concerned goods may be
obtain from the approved govt. valuer for the purpose of approval of the same by JPC.
3.3.4 After approval of price is accorded by the JPC, list of such goods furnishing the
information viz. Lot No., Description of goods, Quantity and rate of applicable sales tax/VAT
may be forwarded to Disposal Unit for putting the goods for e-auction.
3.3.5 The warehouse Incharge may also from time to time request the seizing units to carry
out procedure under Section 110A of Customs Act, 1962 for early disposal of goods falling
under the purview of the said Act.
************
23
Appendix ‘A’
CHAPTER- 4
This is the one area where continuous interaction with the custodian is required to be
undertaken, since it would involve substantial amount of duty involvement. The Department
has been very much concerned about the expeditious disposal of unclaimed/ uncleared cargo
lying with custodians and the backlog of accumulated and confiscated cargo. The following
procedure may be adopted for disposal of unclaimed/ uncleared cargo.
4.1.1 Section 48 of Customs Act, 62 deals with uncleared Cargo (UCC). The custodian is
required to issue a notice of sale of the UCC if the goods are not cleared within 30 days after
unloading. The AC/DC in-charge of UCC should ensure that a monthly statement in the
proforma given at Appendix-A to this chapter, is sent by all the custodians.
4.1.2 Section 48 gives powers to dispose off animals, perishable goods and hazardous goods
at any time with permission of the proper officer and even without notice. However for other
goods following two notices are required to be given.
(i) Notice (Initial) in the proforma given at Appendix-B should be sent by the Custodian
to the Importer by Registered Post AD immediately after the expiry of statutory time
limit of 30 days.
(ii) Further, if no reply is received within 15 days, a Final Notice in the proforma given at
Appendix-C should be sent by the Custodian.
4.1.3 If no response in respect of any of the notices is received or if the notices issued are
returned undelivered, the custodian shall send a report to the AC/DC (Docks) incharge of UCC.
4.1.4 However, if the party abandons the goods before 30 days of import or anytime after
issue of notice, the custodian should immediately inform the AC/DC incharge of uncleared
cargo. A copy of the letters of the importer abandoning the goods should be forwarded by
RPAD by the Custodian to the Steamer Agent for information and a copy of the
acknowledgement should be submitted to the AC (UCC).
4.1.5 On receipt of report at sub para 4.1.3 and 4.1.4 from the Custodian, AC(UCC) shall
scrutinize the individual cases with the respective files/ records and immediately intimate the
custodian details of disputed or stayed consignments or consignments required to be retained
for any investigation/ adjudication/ court proceedings, or because of restrictions imposed
under Customs/ allied acts. If no such intimation is received from the Customs within 30 days,
the custodian shall go ahead with the disposal of the goods.
4.1.6 Under section 48 of the Customs Act 1962, the responsibility for disposal of such goods
rests exclusively with the custodian. Accordingly such goods should be disposed off by the
Custodian who shall fix a reserve price, arrived at by a panel of their approved valuers
25
[irrespective of any value arrived at by the Customs Appraisers earlier], which should include
an expert on the product line. In case any request is made by the custodians, the Customs shall
make available to the custodian, the services of an Appraiser to serve on the panel. In cases of
doubt, the same may be referred to a panel of three valuers, whose decision shall be final.
4.1.7 The custodian should fix a date for holding the auction and communicate the same
date to the officer in charge of the Customs station and the concerned Assistant
Commissioner/ Deputy Commissioner. The Assistant Commissioner/ Deputy Commissioner
would nominate, if necessary, an officer not below the rank of Superintendent/ Appraiser to
witness the auction. Customs officers shall not withdraw any consignments at the last moment
from the auction except with the written approval of the Commissioner of Customs.
4.1.8 The Customs officers may not insist on complete and detailed inventory of the
contents of all the consignments to be drawn in their presence. They shall, instead choose 10%
consignments for which detailed inventory shall be made in their presence for sample check.
4.1.9 The bidding shall be on cum-duty price and duty shall be back-calculated from the sale
price [Local taxes like Sales Tax etc., will however have to be charged/ recovered extra from
the buyer].
4.1.10 The sale proceeds must be appropriated as provided under Section 150 of the Customs
Act 1962, keeping the following in mind:
(a) The customs duty shall be determined by backward calculation considering the sale
proceeds of unclaimed / uncleared goods as the cum-duty price. For calculation of
duty, total sale proceeds without allowing any deduction towards sales expenses or
any other charge is to be taken as cum duty price.
(b) After determination of the Customs duty, sale proceeds of unclaimed/ uncleared
goods is to be appropriated in the manner as provided in Section 150(2) of the
Customs Act, 1962.
4.1.11 The custodian will file a consolidated Bill of Entry, of consignments sold buyer-wise, for
assessment of the effective rate of duty by the Customs. Goods will be allowed out of charge
only after the duty assessed is paid by the custodian.
4.1.13 For uncleared/ unclaimed goods which are lying for a period less than one year, the
custodian would get the reserve price fixed by a panel of Government approved valuers
appointed by the Custodian. Customs shall not associate itself with the valuation of such goods
lying uncleared with the custodian. However, both reserve price and bids would be approved
by the Customs. Further, if these goods remain unsold and pass into the category of landed-
more-than-one-year-prior, then the custodians can sell the same following the independent
procedure as detailed in para 3 without any reference to Customs, and adjusting the number
of auctions/tenders to which the lot was already subjected to against the prescribed number
of four such auctions/ tender.”
4.2.1 Once the MHB is found to be abandoned and to be taken up for disposal, an inventory
should be drawn up by the officer in-charge of the MHB in the presence of a gazetted officer.
While preparing Inventory, perishable items should be clearly identified so that the same can
be taken up for disposal without delay.
4.2.2 Specific approval for opening the packages and inventorising of each lot should be
obtained from the Additional Commissioner incharge who shall nominate one or two gazetted
officer(s) for the purpose who will also sign the inventory.
4.2.3 The first and foremost task of the gazetted officer so nominated and officer incharge
of MHB is to certify the weight of the package. If there is any discrepancy between actual
weight and recorded weight he shall immediately bring it to the notice of AC/DC incharge.
Inventory shall be done in the latter’s presence also.
4.2.4 After preparing the complete Inventory, the baggage should be sealed with the seals
of the officers present and their specimen seal affixed on the margin of the Inventory. All the
precautions for preparing Inventory of detained / seized goods as outlined at para 2.1 of
Chapter 2 shall ipsofacto, apply in respect of these goods also.
4.3.1 Section 72 of Customs Act, 1962 empowers the Proper Officer to sell the bonded
goods which have not been cleared by the owner on payment of duty within the time limit
prescribed therein or within the extended time limit, as the case may be, to recover the duty
leviable on the goods. Section 72 also requires the Proper Officer to issue a notice demanding
the full amount of duty together with penalties, rent, interest and other charges payable after
the expiry of the time limit, before detaining and selling the goods. As in the case of UCC,
monthly statement has to be prepared in the proforma given at Appendix-D to this chapter by
the AC in-charge of Bonded warehouse (s) giving the details of the time expired bonded goods
and forwarded to AC (Disposal) for initiating action for disposal. In this case also, AC (Bonds)
will ensure that the Categories of goods are clearly marked so that priority for disposal can be
accordingly given. The goods after being taken over shall be handed over to disposal unit for
disposal.
28
4.3.2 The Disposal Unit shall maintain a separate register in the proforma given in
Appendix-E to this chapter in respect of the Time Expired Goods.
4.3.3 As soon as the goods are disposed off, the details of sale proceeds realised should be
communicated to the AC (Bonds) who will take action for apportionment of the same in terms
of Section 150 of the Customs Act.
Goods detained under Section 142 of the Customs Act, 1962 shall also be inventories in
the proforma Form I given at Appendix ‘A’ to Chapter 2. These goods after giving a notice to
the concerned person(s) from whose possession/control the goods were detained after 30
days of detention may be disposed off preferably by methods given under Chapter 6 & 7 of
this Manual. The sale proceeds shall be apportioned as per Section 142.
***********
APPENDIX-A
1. Serial number
2. IGM NO. & date
3. Line No. and sub line No.
4. Bill of entry No., if any, and date
5. Name of the importer
6. Name of the steamer agent
7. Name of the CHA (if bill of entry has been filed)
8. Description of the goods
9. Quantity
10. Date of issue of first notice
11. Date of issue of second notice
12. Date of intimation to the department for disposal
13. Remarks
/BY R.P.A.D.//
29
APPENDIX-B
Dated the 20
To
1
2
3
Shri/Smt.______________
M/s._________________
_____________________
Sir/s
Sub: Notice under Sec. 48 of Customs Act, 1962, regarding the arrival of the
goods under import and non-clearance thereof— reg.
2. Whereas, you have failed to clear the cargo within the stipulated period as envisaged
under Section 48 of Customs Act, 1962 (as amended) which is reproduced below:
Section 48: Procedure in case of goods not cleared, warehoused, or transshipped within
thirty days after unloading:
If any goods brought into India from a place outside India are not cleared for home
consumption or warehoused or transshipped within thirty days from the date of the unloading
thereof at a Customs station or within such further time as the proper officer may allow or if
the title of any imported goods is relinquished, such goods may, after notice to the importer
and with the permission of the proper officer be sold by the person having the custody thereof:
provided that –
(a) animals, perishable goods and hazardous goods may, with the permission of the proper
officer, be sold at any time;
30
b) arms and ammunition may be sold at such time and place and in such manner as the
Central Government may direct.
Explanation: In this section, “arms” and “ammunition” have the meanings respectively
assigned to them in Arms Act, 1959 (54 of 1959).
3. We, the __________________, ICD/CFS/ACC/CH, being the Custodian of the aforesaid cargo
therefore, hereby tender this Notice under sec.48 of Customs Act, 1962 to you, the Importer
on the address as manifested in the relevant IGM to advice/suggest/request you to make
necessary arrangements to clear the cargo in question within 15 days from the date of issue of
this notice, after paying all their dues to us. If you are not interested to clear the cargo within
the stipulated time or to seek any further time for the same or interested to abandon the
goods, you may specifically intimate this immediately to us, the ICD/CFS/ACC/CH and also to
the Deputy Commissioner of Customs. Un-Cleared Cargo Cell,
__________________________________________ by RPAD/Courier mail or hand delivery
under acknowledgement.
4. Reply should specifically state the your intentions as regards to the clearance of goods
and the time required.
5. If you have filed a Bill of Entry in the Custom House for clearance of the same, you may
also indicate the same with its present status.
6. In case, no reply is received from you within the aforesaid period, or the reply received
does not specify explicitly your intention w.r.t. above, it would be presumed that they are not
interested in the above cargo lying in this CFS and cargo will be disposed off as per the
provisions of Customs Act. 1962 without any further reference or intimation to you.
Yours faithfully,
( )
Copy to:
1. _____________Steamer Agents.
2. ________________ CHA(if any)
3. The Deputy Commissioner of Customs, MCD, ____________
4. The Deputy Commissioner of Customs. Uncleared Cargo Cell.
31
Appendix-C
//BY R.P.A.D.//
Sir/s.
Sub: Issuance of “Final notice” under sec.48 of Customs Act, 1962. regarding the arrival of the
goods under import and nonc1earance thereof- reg.
2. Whereas, you have neither cleared the cargo within the stipulated period prescribed
under the aforesaid notice issued nor sought any extension of time for clearance of the same.
3. We, ICD/CFS/ACC/CH, therefore hereby issue this ‘Final Notice” to clear the above said
cargo within 10 days of the issue of this, failing which, the impugned cargo would be put to
auction at your sole risk and without any subsequent intimation thereof. The sale proceeds
would be appropriated for meeting out the expenditure incurred in the auction, payment of
customs duty aid the realisation of the accrued warehousing charges for ICD/Container Freight
Station and also the payment of such dues of the different parties/agents who have claimed
lien/hold on the subject cargo in the order enumerated below. (give names of parties in order of
their lien / hold)
4. In case it is found the sale proceeds is not sufficient to realise the CFS charges after
appropriating for the expenditure for auction and customs duty, the short-fall, if any, is liable to
be recoverable from the concerned Importer.
Yours faithfully,
( )
Copy to:
1. ________________Steamer Agents.
2. ________________CHA (if any)
3. The Deputy Commissioner of Customs, MCD___________________
4. The Deputy Commissioner of Customs, Uncleared Cargo Cell________________
32
APPENDIX-D
1. Serial number
2. Bond Register No.
3. Into Bond Bill of entry No. and date
4. Bill of entry date
5. Name of the importer
6. Name of the CHA
7. Description of the goods
8. Quantity
9. Value declared as per Bill of entry
10. Date of issue of first demand notice
11. Date of issue of second notice/final
12. Date of taking over the goods
13. Remarks
APPENDIX-E
CHAPTER -5
One vital aspect of speedy disposal of goods is the realistic fixation of retail price in case of
Direct Sale and reserve/fair price in case of sale through Auction/Tender. The success of
disposal of goods would be greatly dependent upon fixation of fair value keeping into
consideration the condition of goods, prevailing market price, technology used in the goods,
level of obsolescence, method of store keeping, wider publicity for auction of the goods, the
time gap between the seizing date and disposal date, etc.
5.1 Book Value: As Book Value of the goods would serve as a reference for the purpose of
Valuation, realistic fixation of the price at the time of seizure with reference to the prevailing
market prices is very important. Therefore tendency to inflate the value of the goods at the
time of seizure should be discouraged. Further, huge difference in Book value and actual sale
proceeds can lead to audit objections. Moreover, when seized goods are ultimately ordered to
be restored to the owner of the goods, after the same has been disposed off, vast difference
between the Book Value and actual sale proceeds can lead to litigation.
(i) For the sake of uniformity, throughout India, Book value of all goods seized
whether in town or at the ports / airports for various violations should be
prevailing whole sale market price.
(ii) The actual sale price of similar seized goods sold through retail shops etc. should
also be kept in view while assigning the value for subsequent seizures. If no such
price is available, then Joint Price Committee (JPC) prices fixed at the nearest
metropolitan city shall be taken as a guide for fixing seizure value.
5.1.2 The Commissioners who are having their headquarters at the same place, they should
ensure that there is close consultation and co-ordination between them so that the seizure
value and retail prices fixed for similar type and quality of goods to be sold in retail at the same
city, are identical.
The prices (inclusive of all duties / taxes etc.) fixed by Joint Pricing Committee (JPC) Mumbai,
Chennai, Kolkata & Delhi should be launched on their Website(s) and of the CBEC and
periodically updated so that the other field formations use the prices of the nearest
metropolitan city as guide/reference value for fixing Book Value and/ or for valuation for
disposal.
The value fixed for direct sale shall be as fixed by Joint Pricing Committee formed by the
Commissioners. The composition of the Committee is given at para 5.4.4 of this chapter based
on Board`s Circular F. No. F.No.711/1/2006-Cus (AS), Circular No. 12/2006 dated 20.2.2006. To
ensure secrecy, the JPC price sheet should be kept sealed with AC/DC, Disposal in charge of
auction.
34
5.2.2 Frequency of meeting: So that the items which have become ripe for disposal are
disposed off expeditiously, it shall be the responsibility of AC/DC (Disposal) to ensure that the
Valuation Committee meets as frequently as necessary.
5.2.4 Other functions of the Committee: Valuation Committee will also certify in each
meeting that the seized goods put up for valuation were properly stored in the WH and
whether any damage because of the storage conditions has been caused. It should also
suggest measures to improve the conditions of storage of the goods.
5.3 Valuation for Auction: The Valuation for Auction/tender etc. is done by fixing fair price
and/or reserve price. There is a difference between fair price and reserve price. Fair price for
the purpose of auction should be the best price at which the Custom House can sell the goods
under normal conditions and should be somewhat lower than the price at which goods of the
same kind and in the same condition could be sold by the purchaser in the wholesale market,
the difference representing the profit which the buyer at the auction expects to make and/or
the margin to cover him against the risk of possible loss.
Whereas, the reserve price should be the absolute minimum price below which for legal or
other reasons, a consignment cannot be sold. Ordinarily goods should fetch appreciably more
than the reserve price. But in exceptional circumstances as elaborated later in this Chapter,
goods can be sold below the reserve price.
5.4 Guidelines for the valuation and disposal by auction-cum-tender of seized, confiscated
and time expired goods :
The procedure for valuation and disposal by auction-cum-tender of seized, confiscated and time
expired warehoused goods that are ripe for disposal is set out in the following paragraphs.
35
5.4.1 The disposal by sale of seized, confiscated and time expired warehoused goods shall
take place simultaneously through public auction and sealed tender right from the first time
that the goods are offered for sale.
5.4.2 The auction-cum-tender shall be held every month.
5.4.3 A Joint Pricing Committee (JPC) shall be constituted in each Customs Commissionerate
charged with the responsibility of disposal of seized and confiscated goods.
5.4.4 The Joint Pricing Committee shall have the following composition:
i. Additional/Joint Commissioner in charge of Disposal
ii. Deputy/Assistant Commissioner in-charge of Disposal
iii. Superintendent in charge of Disposal
iv. Deputy/ Assistant Commissioner holding any other charge
v. Superintendent holding any other charge
5.4.5 The JPC shall determine the Fair Price of the goods to be disposed of through auction-
cum- tender. The Fair Price is the best price at which the goods can be sold under normal
conditions. It can be expected to be somewhat lower than the price at which goods of the same
kind and in the same condition could be sold by the buyer in the wholesale market, the
difference representing the profit which the buyer at the auction expects to make.
5.4.6 The Fair Price should be fixed by ascertaining the probable price of such goods in the
wholesale market, and subtracting from it a discount representing the profit of the buyer at the
auction-cum-tender. This discount (varying according to the nature of the goods) may be 5% to
10% more than the estimated profit which the buyer at the auction-cum-tender can reasonably
expect to make on resale, the increase being the incentive to the prospective buyer at the
auction. Therefore, if an item can fetch Rs 100 in the wholesale market, and the margin of
profit is Rs 20, then the discount may be fixed at 25% to 30%, and the fair price would be Rs 75
or Rs 70. While fixing the quantum of discount representing the margin of profit for the buyer
at the auction, due importance should be given to the condition of the goods, the type of
packing, the fact that no warranty and after-sale service is attached to the goods, the size of
the consignment, etc.
5.4.7 The book value of the goods shall have no bearing on the Fair Price. The CIF value and
applicable rate of duty should find a place in the valuation file only to serve as a comparison
with the Fair Price arrived at with reference solely to the wholesale market price. Further, such
a comparison shall be valid only in respect of goods which have landed up to one year before
the date on which they are valued for purposes of disposal. In respect of goods which have
landed before one year from the date on which they are being valued for purposes of disposal,
the book value shall not be used even as a tool for comparison with the Fair Price determined
with reference to the wholesale market
5.4.8 There shall be no Reserve Price as distinct from Fair Price.
5.4.9 The wholesale market price of the goods offered for sale and the margin of profit shall
be ascertained by Government Approved Valuers alone and not by Customs staff.
5.4.10 The highest bid in the auction-cum-tender shall be accepted by the Chairman of the JPC
if the bid is more than, or equal to or close (not less than the Fair Price by 5% to10%) to the Fair
Price. Otherwise, the goods shall be put up for auction- cum-tender the second time. In the
event of the goods not being sold in the first two auction-cum-tenders, the goods shall be sold
at the highest bid obtained in the third auction-cum-tender. If any lots still remain unsold after
36
the third offer for sale, the Commissioner should ascertain whether the JPC has good reason for
the goods remaining unsold.
5.4.11 The goods should not be withdrawn from auction-cum-tender on flimsy grounds, such
as the possibility that the goods may fetch a slightly higher price in a subsequent auction.
5.4.12 All post-auction/tender offers, even if these are for amounts higher than the successful
bid, shall be strictly disregarded and not taken cognizance of in any manner.
5.4.13 In respect of complaints regarding determination of Fair Price and acceptance of bids in
auction-cum-tender, the Commissioner shall immediately ascertain whether the prescribed
procedure has been adhered to. The matter should not be referred for Vigilance scrutiny in a
routine manner if the prescribed procedure has been followed.
5.4.14 All Custom Houses shall immediately introduce e-auction, and physical auction shall be
discontinued.
5.4.15 The procedure as set out in paragraphs 5.4.1 to 5.4.14 above shall not be applicable to
goods that are required, as per existing instructions, to be disposed of by sale to NCCF or
through SBI or in any manner other than public auction-cum-tender.
5.5. These instructions are applicable to seized, confiscated and time-expired warehoused
goods that have become ripe for disposal and respect of which notice has been given to the
owner of the goods as required under Section 150 and Section 72(2) of the Customs Act, 1962.
[Based on Board`s Circular F.No.711/1/2006-Cus (AS), Circular No. 12/2006 dated 20.2.2006]
5.6 Using experts for fixation of fair price: As departmental officers do not always possess
the expertise to assess the technical parameters and arrive at a fair price that is likely to be
accepted by potential/ prospective buyers, technical experts, Income Tax Registered Valuers
and Chartered Accountants etc. should be actively associated in fixation of prices of goods to
be disposed off. Accordingly for valuation of machinery, the assistance of organizations listed
in the Exim Policy can be taken and for valuation of motor vehicles, the assistance of
Automobile Associations or the Motor Vehicle Department of the local State Govt. can be
taken. The AC/DC (WH) and the JC i/c of WH should have a list of agencies who are found to be
appropriate for the valuation of machinery and other items and their help can be taken. In all
cases, their opinions would only be in the nature of recommendations and should be applied
taking into account the facts and circumstances of each consignment The Valuation Committee
would take their recommendations into account and fix the price.
The proforma for preparing the details of goods for the purpose of valuation can be as in
Appendix B to this chapter.
5.6.1 Discounts allowed on Fair Price: Apart from profit margins and discounts allowed
while fixation of Fair Price, further discounts based on the following factors may be allowed
depending upon the nature of circumstances:
a) Size of consignment
b) Condition of goods. Factors as mentioned at para 5.2.3 can be taken into account.
c) No warranty being attached to goods.
37
5.6.2 Re-fixation of Fair Price: Once a realistic fair price is fixed taking into account of all the
relevant aspects, normally there will be little scope for withdrawal of lots once offered in
auction sales on the sole ground of lack of proper bids. But many times despite all such care
and precautions, goods are not lifted. The major reason is that of obsolescence of goods
especially in the case of computer parts and electronic items etc., where obsolescence sets in
very fast and quite often, within a period of 3-6 months, the item becomes obsolete and / or
the prices comes down drastically. In all these cases, the level of obsolescence has to be
ascertained. In case of obsolescence, the revaluation of these items should be done and if
found necessary by taking the help of experts in that field.
Apart from above, there may be some unique items like machineries and spare-parts. Some
items will not be useful to any other manufacturers / users as they may be specific to the
machinery or to the brand / modal of machinery. In some cases, such items may not have any
commercial value and may even have to be sold as scrap but the Department would come to
know the correct position only after 2 or 3 auctions. It is necessary to identify such items so
that the assistance of recognized valuers can be taken, their recommendations are taken into
account and goods are sold at the appropriate price.
5.6.3 Transparent system: As Customs official are public servants, they are answerable to
various authorities for every action of theirs. In so far as disposal of confiscated goods are
concerned, they should not expose themselves to the possibility of allegations of collusion,
favoritism or underselling being leveled against them. At the same time it is equally incumbent
on them to ensure that goods are disposed off at the earliest opportunity and at the best
possible price so that the interests of the Government are adequately served.
*************
Appendix ‘A’
Consideration List
Sl. Entry Date of Condition Unit of JPC etc. Whether Price Price per
No. No. Seizure/ of Item quantity price if any change ascertaine unit fixed
import code available in JPC price d in the by the
is market committee
warranted including
and if yes ST if no
why ? JPC price is
available
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
38
APPENDIX - B
PROFORMA
Signature
39
CHAPTER -6
6.1 After the goods become ripe for disposal and the valuation etc. is done, concerted
efforts need to be made to dispose of the goods expeditiously with a view to get the best price
for the goods at the earliest possible opportunity. Apart from the aforesaid twin objectives, the
objectives of reducing the cost of storage especially in rented godowns and also disposing of
bulky goods with little commercial / no commercial value and consequently liberating the
space and thus saving huge amounts of money on account of the rent would also be achieved.
6.2 There is a wide variety of goods varying in quantum, type, brand, age, etc. lying with the
Department. The goods and their stock etc. vary from place to place and time to time.
Therefore, no standardized method or approach of disposal can encompass all the peculiarities
of the goods kept at different places throughout the country at all times and under all the
circumstances.
6.3 The manner of disposal of goods may thus vary from type of goods, lots, quantity,
condition, quality, etc. and also from time to time. Specific guidelines given in Chapter No. 7 to
16 which may be read together with the broad guidelines of different methods of disposal
given in this Chapter as well as Chapter 8. These specific and general guidelines are no doubt
important and are useful, yet officers responsible for disposal especially senior officers and the
Commissioners must exercise their best judgment, discretion and initiative to adopt any of
these methods for disposal with suitable modifications as demanded in any given situation.
These specific and general guidelines are given essentially to facilitate the disposal with a view
to achieve the desired objective and should be followed in that spirit rather than finding
scapegoat for non-action or non- disposal. For example, it may make more economic sense to
dispose of promptly at a price offered an item which occupies huge space and for which the
rent payable may neutralize any higher value realized at a later date.
6.4 Auction:
Auction sales are peculiar type of sale of goods. The way and the method of auction sale
are different from those of ordinary sales.
As per Section 64 of the Sale of Goods Act, 1930, in an auction sale, the sale is complete
when the auctioneer announces it by the fall of the hammer or any other customary manner.
Until that is done, a bidder can retract his offer. A bidder is at liberty to withdraw his bid at any
time before it is accepted finally by the auctioneer. The bid is merely an offer, and it becomes,
irrevocable only, when, its acceptance is announced by the auctioneer. In short, the bidder can
retract his bid till the hammer falls or until a similar announcement is made.
When goods are sold in lots, each lot is prima facie deemed to be the subject of a
separate contract of sale.
A right to bid may be reserved expressly by, or on behalf of, the seller, and if it is not so
expressly reserved, it is unlawful for the seller to bid, either himself of through any person.
40
Auctions must be held periodically by the Commissionerates for disposal of the ripe for
disposal good. The periodicity of the auctions will be decided by the Commissioners based on
the quantum of goods available for auction. The following guidelines / procedures should be
followed for sale through auction.
For the purpose of an Auction, at the very outset an Auction Committee consisting of
the Assistant Commissioner (Disposal), one Assistant Commissioner nominated by the
Commissioner and the Supdt. (Disposal) should be constituted. Wherever it is not practicable
to form an Auction Committee with one or more Asstt. Commissioners, the Commissioners
may in their discretion, form committee consisting of specified classes of officers, lower in rank
to that of Asstt. Commissioners. The Commissioners, may, similarly, designate the officers for
conducting various items of work connected to an auction.
The auction Committee, at the very outset, must decide about the following issues: -
It may also recommend cases to the Commissioner for disposal of goods by tender
cum auction, by tender or any other mode of disposal, where such goods have not fetched or
are unlikely to fetch the fair price at the auction. The Commissioner shall accordingly decide
these matters. The Department will be at liberty to offer any goods for sale by auction cum
tender, or tender or by private treaty or any other means other than a auction whenever
deemed fit to do so.
For the purpose of sale of goods by way of auction, the Commissioners are required to
appoint an auctioneer. The agreement of appointment shall initially remains in force for a
41
period of one year which can be reviewed & renewed thereafter. The duties of an auctioneer
are, inter-alia, as follows:
a) to prepare draft auction notice in consultation with the Auction Committee for
approval of the Commissioner.
b) to give wide publicity in respect of the goods to be auctioned at his cost in at
least two leading English’ newspapers or Hindi newspaper & two vernacular
newspapers.
c) to put up the goods for sale in such lots as approved by the Auction Committee.
d) to arrange for examination of the lot(s) by the prospective bidders before the
date fixed for auction, on compliance of such terms & conditions, as may be
specified.
e) to conduct auction in the manner and as per conditions laid down by the
Auction Committee and to announce and publish all such conditions at his own
cost.
f) to collect and immediately deposit the amount of earnest money and also any
other amounts realised or collected on the day of auction, with the Deptt.
failing which he shall deposit the full amount within 24 hours of the auction
with the Deptt.. This would be without prejudice to any other remedy the Deptt
has on account of such breach against him.
g) to cancel a bid forthwith if the bidder fails to pay the earnest money and re-
auction the lot/lots.
h) to collect the balance amount of the bid from the bidder within the time
prescribed from the date of auction or within such extended time by Cash/
Draft as may be specified by the Auction Committee and deposit the same with
the Deptt.
i) to immediately communicate to the successful bidder the decision of final
acceptance of provisionally accepted bids.
j) to prepare in triplicate the Sale Sheet in the form given at Appendix A to this
chapter which shall be signed immediately after the sale both by the auctioneer
and supervising officer.
k) to send one copy of the signed Sale Sheet to Customs Warehouse,
Superintendent and the other copy to the Chief Accounts Officers on the same
l) to prepare in triplicate a Final Sale Account on completion of auction in the
form given at Appendix ‘B’ to this chapter within three working days, showing
the proceeds realized and to submit a copy there of to the officer supervising
the auction sale and to the Chief Accounts Officer.
m) to submit a separate bill in duplicate for his commission. He shall not deduct his
charges from the collections on account of Auction.
n) The Auctioneer or their staff should not, directly or indirectly bid for or
purchase any lot at the auction, except with the prior permission of the Deptt.
in writing.
42
The notice issued by the Auctioneer must stipulate that the officer supervising the
auction reserves to himself the right of fixing reserve price for the goods put up for sale
through auction and of withdrawing part or whole of the goods from the auction if considered
necessary by him without assigning any reasons.
Only on the completion of a sale and collection of entire sale proceeds, the auctioneer
shall be entitled to a commission on the gross proceeds thereof paid and credited to the
government account. A resale shall be treated as a fresh sale. Thus, in case of re-sale, the
Auctioneer shall be entitled to commission only in respect of proceeds of the resale and not on
the proceeds of the previous sale.
The Auctioneers shall conduct the auctions at the godowns owned or hired by the
Department. The Auctioneer will also not be entitled to get from the Government any
conveyance charges etc., incurred in connection with the transport of their staff even if
property or goods are stored at godowns situated outside the Customs Houses or place of
auction.
Where regular auctions are conducted and a large number of consignments are
available, it may be advisable to prepare a catalogue containing, inter-alia, the details of lots
and photographs of the items. These may also be uploaded on the Commissionerate’s website.
6.4.7 Publicity:
6.4.8 Caution Money and Registration of Bidders: The caution money may be fixed in
advance. It shall normally be 2-5% of individual Lot with a maximum limit of Rs. 20,000/- in
case of non valuables and more in case of valuables. Bidders may be asked to deposit the
caution money and get the registration done after furnishing all the relevant information
including telephone number, PAN number, etc. Only Registered Bidders must be allowed to
inspect the lots and bid in the auction. The caution money will be adjusted against the earnest
money or refunded as the case may be, at the conclusion of the auction. There is no objection
to the owner of the goods bidding in the auction. If the bid is fair and he happens to be the
43
6.4.9 Examination of Lots: The registered bidders would be allowed to examine the lots who
can bring one additional person for consultation & expert examination. Examination shall be
done only in the presence of officer appointed for the purpose which may be AC (Disposal)
and/or the warehouse Supdt.
The Earnest Money deposits by the bidders/purchasers for the auction may be fixed at
the following rates:
Further, the notice issued to bidders giving the general terms and conditions of sale by
auction should clearly stipulate that the earnest money shall have to be deposited in both
cases i.e. confirmed acceptance and also in case of subject to confirmation or approval.
However, in the latter case the Condition of Sale shall clearly specify that the successful bidder
shall, on fall of the hammer, deposit 10 percent of the value of the bid as earnest money on
the spot, and the balance amount shall be paid within the time period prescribed or as may be
announced during the auction from the date on which notice of confirmation of sale is put up
on the Commissionerate’s notice board failing which the sale shall be treated as cancelled and
the earnest money shall be forfeited to Government and the goods are resold.
account of this act of indiscretion. The officer supervising the auction can also
debar the said bidder from bidding in the current and/or future auctions also.
Also officer supervising the auction may accept the second highest bid if it is
more than the reserve price.
The auction for confiscated goods should normally be under the supervision of
Supdt./AC/DC as may be decided by Commissioner. However, if the book value of the goods of
individual lot/lots is more than Rs. 1 crore, the auction should be supervised by JC/ADC. In the
case of auctions conducted by Port Trust, ICD & the Container Freight Stations for uncleared
cargo, the Commissioner should depute suitable level officer.
(a) Enforce discipline: Supervisor shall make clear to all Bidders that they must occupy
the seats allotted to them only & show the badge showing registration number to
the CRYER / Auctioneer while making a bid and that they are expected to adhere
to the business ethics and observe discipline. Cross talks and use of gestures is
strictly prohibited and can lead to forfeiture of caution money and bar on
participation in the auction. If the officer supervising the auction so directs, the
Bidders will keep the mobile phones out of the auction hall and/or deposit with
the security personnel.
(b) Strive to get maximum bids and prevent formation of cartel for which he may do
anything including exercise his discretion to give priority to some lot(s) over
others; split or club the lots or withdraw from sale lot(s) any time before or during
the auction without assigning any reason.
(c) A record of all the bids at every auction of public property should be maintained.
But where the number of lots put up for public auction is very large and the
bidding is fast, strict record of all bids cannot be maintained without hampering
the tempo of bidding. In such cases it would sufficient to keep a record of the
amounts of the bids without the names of the bidders. Complete bid lists including
the particulars of bidders in respect of casual auctions (for perishables etc.) where
publicity is limited, should, however, be kept.
(d) No bid shall be deemed to be accepted without the concurrence of the officer
supervising the auction.
(e) The officer supervising the auction shall be at liberty to withdraw from sale lot or
lots for which bids are lower than the reserve price or if there is ring among the
bidders to keep the price from going up.
The acceptance of bid will be governed by the guidelines given in para 5.4.10 of this
Manual. The highest bid in the auction-cum-tender shall be accepted by the Chairman of theJPC
if the bid is more than, or equal to or close (not less than the Fair Price by 5% to10%) to the Fair
Price. Otherwise, the goods shall be put up for auction- cum-tender the second time. In the
event of the goods not being sold in the first two auction-cum-tenders, the goods shall be sold
45
at the highest bid obtained in the third auction-cum-tender if the highest bid is not less than the
fair price by 20% subject to the following conditions.
a) If the bid value is below upto 20% of the Fair Price and the book value of the lot
does not exceed Rs. 20 lakhs the bid shall be finally accepted by the Chairman of
the JPC.
(b) If the bid value is below upto 20% of the Fair Price and the book value of the lot
exceeds Rs. 20 lakhs the bid shall be finally accepted by the Commissioner.
(c) If any lots still remain unsold after the third offer for sale, the Commissioner should
ascertain whether the JPC has good reason for the goods remaining unsold.
When the bids are accepted provisionally subject to confirmation by the Department,
the final decision shall be notified to the auctioneer in within 7 working days from the date of
auction and the auctioneer shall immediately communicate to the bidder the decision of the
Department.
The buyer shall pay the Balance amount of the purchase price between 10.00 Hr and
18.00 Hrs. on any working day’s within the maximum time as per the chart given below:
(a) If a bid amount is less than Rs.5 Lakhs - within 5 days from the date of
confirmation/ approval.
(b) Above Rs.5 Lakh to Rs. 10 Lakhs - within 7 days from the date of confirmation/
approval.
(c) Above Rs. 10 Lakhs to Rs. 20 Lakhs - within 8 days from the date of confirmation/
approval.
(d) Above Rs.20 Lakhs to P.s. 1 Crore - within 12 days from the date of confirmation/
approval.
(e) Rs. 1 crore and above - within 15 days from the date of confirmation/ approval.
However, lesser limits may be prescribed if the same are in vogue in the
Commissionerate. The Commissioner in exceptional circumstances and on sufficient cause
being shown may allow further time not exceeding 5 days. The amount of caution money as
well as earnest money would be forfeited to the Govt. if the successful bidder fails to pay the
balance within the prescribed time limit.
6.4.16 Delivery:
The bidder can take delivery of goods of the confirmed lots subject to receipt of full
payment by the department, and on production of proof of payment of all taxes, levies and
moneys etc.
Delivery should be taken within 3 working days (FREE PERIOD) beyond the last date for
payment allowed herein above. The Commissioner at his discretion on the sufficient cause
being shown may allow further time for taking the delivery not exceeding 10 days and on such
terms & condition as he may specify in writing.
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6.4.17 Re-auction:
Ordinarily goods should not be put up for auction more than three times. Only when
there is a doubt and there is a written report of the supervising officer that bidders had formed
a cartel and the price offered was not genuine, a consignment should be put up for auction for
more than three times.
When the goods are not sold in the first auction, the second auction for such goods
can also be held under auction cum sealed tender. The advantage of auction cum sealed
tender is that it is not necessary for a person to come out in the open and bid in the auction. It
has been found that auction cum sealed tender helps in breaking formation of cartels. The
guidelines for auction cum sealed tender are outlined below:
(a) Sealed tender option shall be provided after the goods have been subjected to at
least one auction.
(b) The auction notice shall specifically identify the lots which are available for
auction as well as sealed tender and also specify to whom the sealed tender shall
be addressed.
(c) Sealed tenders can be put in a box placed for the purpose in the office. The
auction notice shall specify the place where the box is located.
(d) The sealed tenders can be sent by post also. But if the tender is not received
within the date and time specified for the receipt of the tender, such tenders
shall be ignored. Persons sending tenders by post have to send the tenders at
their own risk
(e) As soon as a sealed tender is received by post, the officer receiving the same
shall affix his signature name, designation on the envelope and put it in the box
meant for putting the sealed tenders if it has been received in time.
(f) Before commencement of the auction, the box containing sealed tenders shall
be opened in the auction hall in the presence of at least two witnesses who may
be bidder who shall certify to the effect along with the Officer who is supervising
the auction.
(g) Thereafter without opening the sealed tenders, tenders shall be segregated lot
wise and kept with the officer supervising the auction.
(h) All the sealed tenders shall be super scribed with the following details:
Customs auction on (date). Sealed tender for lot no. (Item name can be given
but not necessary).
Tenders which are not super scribed with thee details are liable to rejection
without opening.
(j) As soon as the bidding is over for a particular Lot, before confirming the
acceptance or the decision about the bid, all the sealed tenders pertaining to
that lot will be opened and if any tender is found higher than the highest bid in
the auction, that tender will be considered for the purpose of making decision
about the sale.
Though this is a less common mode of sale but when there is cartel formation, it is
very useful. Standard form of tender has been prescribed at Appendix D of this Chapter. Form
must not be sold free but at the price of Rs. 50/- or so to discourage frivolous tendering. To
maintain secrecy of fair/ estimated price, earnest money should be fixed at rates higher than
5% of the estimated value. Facility of depositing earnest money to any other Central Govt.
Treasury or by DD may be allowed to accommodate outstation tenders.
***********
48
APPENDIX” A”
Sale Sheet
Sr. Sr. No. as per Stock Items Name of the highest Rs.
No. Register auctioned bidder
Superintendent of Customs/
Asstt./Dy./Jt./Addl. Commissioner of Customs
……………………………………
Auctioneer
Date……………………………….
APPENDIX” B”
Sr. No. Sr. No. as per Stock Register Accepted bid Remarks
49
Total Rs………………………………….
Total of accepted bids delivered Rs……………………………………………………….
Total earnest money for abandoned for Rs……………………………………………………….
Total realized for sale Rs……………………………………………………….
To
Sir,
Yours faithfully
AUCTIONER
Appendix ‘C’
Proforma of Auction Lot Register
1. Sl. No.
2. Lot No.
3. Ref. No.
4. Description of goods
5. Location
6. CIF / Book Value
7. Duty involved (at time of import)
8. RF/FP
9. Sales Value
10. Deposit - particulars
11. Date of Auction
12. Remittance Particulars
13. Date of Delivery
14. Remarks / Ack of Bidder
15. Audit
50
Appendix ‘D’
Standard Form of Tender
The undersigned hereby tender(s) for the purchase from you of the goods specified in column
one of the 1st Schedule hereto or for such portion thereof as you may determine by your
acceptance at the price quoted in column 2 of the said schedule and to take delivery thereof
by the time stated in the column 3 of the said Schedule and subject to the conditions set out in
the “Instructions to Tenders” and General Conditions of Contract” set forth in the Schedule
hereto, and also agree(s) to hold this offer open for your acceptance till the date specified
above.
Receipt No…………… issued by the Custom House Treasury for Rs………………….is enclosed as
earnest money.
The undersigned understand(s) that the tender documents have been sold to him/them.
He/they is/are being permitted to tender in consideration of the stipulation on his/their part
that after submitting his/their tender he/they will not resile from his/their offer or modify the
terms and conditions thereof. Should the undersigned fail to observe and comply with the
foregoing stipulation, the earnest money shall be forfeited to THE PRESIDENT OF INDIA.
Signature of tenderer(s)
st nd rd
1 Column 2 Column 3 Column
Goods for which tender is Price tendered (in figures as No. of days guaranteed for
made and where situated well as in words) removal from godown of
goods purchased
(Witness)
Signature of tenderer(s)
(Address)
51
CHAPTER – 7
INTERNET AUCTION
With massive growth in the information technology and use of computers, Internet
has brought into effect higher level of transparency and spread of knowledge/information on a
very large scale. Information technology and Internet are extensively used in procurement and
disposal of goods and services. Tendering and auction using Internet has the added advantage
of dissemination of information to far-flung areas with ease access and response. One can
participate in e-tendering, e- procurement or e- auction from any part of the world. In view of
the massive advantages offered by information technology, it is desirable that the
Commissionerates should start using increasingly the facility of Internet auction for disposal of
goods.
7.1 Broadly the guidelines for e-auction are same as that for the physical auctions given at
Chapter 6. However, several safeguards need to be followed, which will include that minimum
level of managing the software should be with the AC/DC. Further, the role of the systems
administrator should be limited only to entering the Reserve Price and all discretion and
powers including that of acceptance of the bids will be exercised by the officers of the rank
AC/DC or above . The software for e-auction shall have inbuilt safeguards so as to prevent its
misuse.
7.1.2 E-auction through M/s MSTC: The issue of setting up of a centralized portal for
Customs e-auction of seized/confiscated/time-expired bonded goods, using the services of
M/S MSTC (a Government of India undertaking) has been approved by the Board vide Letter
F.No.450/2/2006-Cus-IV dated 26.10.2007. Accordingly, field formations have been instructed
to avail of the services of M/s MSTC Ltd. for conducting e-auction.
7.1.3. Further, Board, vide letter F.No.450/2/2006-Cus-IV dated 29.01.2008 clarified the
persons who want to participate in e-auction of Customs only, can register with M/s MSTC on
payment of one time registration fee (non-refundable) of Rs.5000.It has been further clarified
that registration fee will be Rs. 10,000/-for persons who wish to avail of all the e-auctions
conducted by MSTC including Customs e-auction.
7.1.4. Currently, 1.75% of the actual sale proceeds of the auction is payable to M/s MSTC by
Customs as service charge. A formal single contact/ agreement has been signed in this regard
on behalf of the CBEC by the Commissioner of Customs (General & Mulund CFS), Mumbai with
M/S MSTC Ltd which is applicable across all the formations (based on para 9.1 of agreement
entered into by Commissioner of Customs (General) with M/s MSTC Ltd).
7.2 Current Procedure for e-auction through M/S MSTC Ltd (Based on Methodology of e-
auction displayed on MSTC`s Website : www.mstcaction.com).
The e-auctions are being conducted by M/S MSTC Ltd on their website
www.mstcecommerce.com under the heading `Indian Customs e-auction/e-tender` The
website can also be accessed from Customs website www.icegate.gov.in.
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The Organization / Seller / Principal desirous of selling its materials through MSTC’s e-
auction Portal will have to first register itself Online on MSTC’s e-auction Website by clicking
on “New User”, selecting “Seller” and filling-up the Seller’s Registration Form. It is mandatory
for the Seller to fill up the e-Mail address & Sales Tax Registration No (if registered with Sales
Tax Deptt.) and to generate their own unique Login ID & Password during Online registration.
The steps for online registration is given as under:
After successful online registration by the principal, M/s MSTC will send an auto e-mail
confirmation letter confirming the seller registration details.
identity of one bidder cannot be known by other bidders, sellers or even M/s MSTC and
therefore, there will be no possibility of any cartel formation. Unregistered customers can also
see all details of the auction notice, list of materials and Terms and Conditions of sale on M/s
MSTC`s Corporate Website www.mstcindia.com and then register with them to bid.
After registration with M/s MSTC, Principal/seller (like Customs) should send the
Disposal List / Terms to them necessarily through e-mail or Computer floppy only (hard copies
can be sent only as post confirmation copy, if felt necessary). M/s MSTC shall publicize the sale
on the Website along with details of Material List, e-auction Schedule (i.e. Opening & Closing
Date & Time), Inspection Schedule, Terms & Conditions of Sale, etc. Actual display of Auction
Notice on the Website will commence under the heading “View Forthcoming Auctions” only
after activation by M/s MSTC. Normally, the e-auction starting date should be kept at a
minimum gap of 15 days after the, display of the Sale Notice starts on the Website to allow the
Customers ample time to make necessary preparation for inspection and bidding.
It is mandatory for the PRINCIPAL to post the Reserve Price (RP) of all the Lots on the
Website (through his own Password) at least two working days before the Starting Date of
Auction, otherwise the e- auction will not start for those lots for which RP has not been posted.
Subject to posting of RP by the PRINCIPAL on the Website, M/s MSTC shall activate e-auction
one working day before the Starting Date of e-Auction.
a) Use the Primary user name and password to log on to the website:
www.mstcecommerce.com.
b) Click on Reserve Price Entry.
c) Select the auction from the drop down list. It will display all the lots of the auction.
d) Fill up the column against each item. While feeding the RP care should be taken
about the Unit of Measurement indicated against each lot. For example, if the unit
of measurement is KG then RP should be in KG, if it is in lot then RP should be in lot
and so on.
7.4. On closing of Auction, Automatic Sale Intimation Letters will be issued to the highest
(H-1) Bidders by email as under:
a) For Confirmed Sale: If the H-1 Bid is equal to or more than the RP, automatic
Confirmed Sale Intimation Letter will be issued to the H-1 Bidder by e-mail and
he will be advised to deposit 25% security deposit (SD) within 3 days. On getting
the SD, MSTC shall issue Sale Order /Acceptance Letter to the Party advising
him to pay the balance Sale Value with applicable Duties/Taxes within 05 days.
b) For “PENDING” Sale: For the lots where the H-1 bid is less than the RP, these H-
1Bids will be kept on hold as “Pending” decision. However, the Principal should
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7.5.1 All Bids will be deemed to be for materials on “As is where is” basis and subject to prior
inspection by the Customers. There will be a pre-determined Starting Time and Closing Time
for the Auction bidding. Normally the bidding for each item / Lot will be kept open for a period
of maximum 4 hrs. or as may be mutually agreed. Once the e-auction starts, the Registered
Customer may log on to the same and choose a particular lot / item for bidding.
Once the bidding starts, the highest bid (hereinafter referred to as H-1 Bid) at any
given point of time will always be displayed on the screen, without showing the name of the H-
1 Bidder.
Any Bidder, including the H-1Bidder, can go on revising his bid so as to improve upon
the same. There will be no restriction on the number of such bids / revisions till the e-auction
closes. No downward revision or cancellation of Bid can be done by any Bidder.
The Bidder shall have the option to make each bid / bid improvement manually or he
can choose the “Auto Bid” mode to give “Standing Instructions” to the system to go on
increasing his bid by a specified incremental value and up to a specified limit.
The e-auction Closing Time will be automatically extended by 8 minutes every time the
last H-1 Bid is received within 8 minutes of the predetermined or extended Closing Time. This
process will continue till the last H-1 Bid remains unimproved for a minimum period of 8
(eight) minutes so as to give ample opportunity to all Bidders and to generate the best
competition. (For example, if the Closing Time is 3.00 pm and the last H-1 Bid is received at
2.59 pm, then the Closing Time will be automatically extended upto 3.07 pm, and so on).
Any time during the e-auction the Bidders as well as the Principals can see the Bid
History of the last 10 Bids. The Principal can access the Bid History of all lots after close of E-
auction.
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Immediately after closing of e-Auction, the Bidders can see the Result online on the
Website by accessing the “Auction Lot Status” which will show them details of the Lots won by
them on Confirmed or STA basis. Such display of “Auction Lot Status” will be available to the
Bidders for 3 (Three) days from the date of Closing of Auction (excluding the date of closing).
Although after closing of Auction, automatic Sale Intimation Letters will also be issued by email
to the successful H-1Bidders (with copy to Principal) advising them to pay the prescribed EMD
/ SD, the successful H-1 Bidders will be required to pay the EMD / SD within 3 days from the
date of closing of e-auction (irrespective of the date of issue of Sale Intimation Letter). It will be
the responsibility of the Bidders to personally see the e-auction Result immediately after
closing of e-auction and pay the SD within the said prescribed time.
After closing of e-auction, the complete Bid-Sheet with names of the H-I Bidders,
whether Sold / STA / Rejected etc. can be seen and downloaded by the Principal from the
Website.
a) Use your Primary username and password to log onto the website.
b) Click on Approval link.
c) Select a closed auction from the drop down list.
d) The page will display those lots for which approval has to be granted. It will
indicate inter alia the RP, the H-1 rate and the H-1 rate as a% of the RP.
e) Check the appropriate box under Approve/Not Approve Headings from all the lots
and click on the submit button at the end of the page.
It may be noted that on receipt of the EMD/SD, a signed Sale Order / Acceptance letter
is issued by M/s MSTC to the successful H-l Bidders advising him to submit the balance Sale
Value with applicable Duties / Taxes within the stipulated time (viz. 05 days from the date of
issue of Sale Order).
The successful Buyer can make the payment of EMD and balance final amount by way
of pay order/ demand draft drawn in favour of Commissioner of Customs and deposit the
same with M/s MSTC. After getting the payment from the buyer, M/s MSTC will issue Delivery
order and forward the payments to the Principal. Delivery may be allowed to the Buyer by the
PRINCIPAL against production of their Photo-ID Card issued by M/s MSTC (containing
Customer’s Photograph & specimen signature).
Alternatively, the Photo-ID Card-holder can authorize his representative along with the
Photo-ID Card (or a Notarized copy of the same) to take delivery of materials.
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If the H-1 Bidder fails to pay EMD/SD, following actions may be taken:
(a) An auto email is issued to the defaulting H-1 Party thereby deactivating his
Password. The defaulting Customer is debarred from participating in the e-auctions
for 6 months. Reactivation of Party’s Password after 6 months may be allowed only
on examination of nature of Party’s default by a Special Committee in M/s MSTC
Head Quarter.
(b) The Lot is put up for immediate re-auction.
7.7 Addition requirement for inspection of Diamonds, Precious & Semi Precious Stones
before E-auction (Based on Public Notice No.03/2008 dated 29.10.2008 of Commissioner of
Customs (Preventive) Mumbai
Sale of Diamonds, Precious & Semi Precious Stones has been centralized in Mumbai
under Commissioner of Customs (Preventive) Mumbai. Commissioner of Customs (P) vides
Public Notice No.03/2008 dated 29.12.2008 has specified caution money for the parties who
are interested in inspection of diamonds, precious & semi precious stones. Such parties who
are registered with M/s. MSTC are required to obtain a photo Identity Pass from Asstt.
Commissioner /Deputy Commissioner of Customs(P) Disposal Section, after depositing a
demand draft/pay order of Rs.50,000/- drawn in favour of Commissioner of
Customs(Preventive) Mumbai. One additional person as assistant / expert for inspection is
allowed on the basis of photo identity card issued to him by AC/DC Customs(P) Disposal Cell on
payment of Rs.10,000/- by way of DD/Pay order.
7.8 Special Terms and Conditions set out by M/s MSTC for Buyers/bidders
I. The Commissioner of Customs may withdraw any lot from auction or tendering at
any time or cancel the same at any stage prior to the delivery of the goods.
II. In case of e-Tender interested buyer can submit their bid through e-Tender only
once.
III. Permission/No Objection Certificate is required to be taken by the buyer from the
concerned authorities as specified in respective items.
IV. Buyers may refer to 'Bidder's Manual' for instructions on bidding process in e-
auction cum e-tender.
V. In case of default in payment of the balance Sale Value within the prescribed time
limits, the balance due payment may be made subject to Customs approval.
Delivery Period will be 7 (seven) days counted from the date of issue of Delivery
Order by MSTC/date of issue of Release Order by Customs.
VI. Payment Of Post-Bid EMD/SD: Within 3 (THREE) days from the date of closing of e-
auction by the highest Bidder whose bid is accepted on Confirmed basis, Non-
payment will result in cancellation of bid & automatic deactivation of Bidder's
Password.
VII. Payment of balance Sale Value with Duties & Taxes: Within 5 (FIVE) working days
from the date of issue of Acceptance Letter/ Sale Order by MSTC (after receipt of
Post-Bid EMD/SD from the Bidder).
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VIII. e-auction Result/Status: The status of the highest bids having been accepted or
Pending basis must be personally seen by the Bidders online through the link
"Auction Lot Status" immediately after closing of e-auction and payment of Post-Bid
EMD/SD must be made accordingly.
IX. Email Address of Bidders: This must always be kept valid, failing which Bidders will
be liable for non-compliance of payment or any other instruction issued by MSTC to
them by email.
7.8 Caution:
7.8.1 The Bidder shall be solely responsible for all consequences arising out of the bid
submitted by him (including any wrongful bidding by him) and no complaint / representation
will be entertained by M/s MSTC/Principal in this regard. Hence Bidders must be careful to
check (the Bid Amount/No. Of "0"/No. Of Digits/Unit Of Measurement etc.) rectify their bid (if
required) before submitting their Bid into the live floor by clicking the 'Bid" Button. In case of
any bid being equal to or more than 5 (five) times the current Highest Bid for a particular Lot,
this will be displayed by way of a WARNING on the Bidder's screen before he confirms/submits
the bid. There is no provision for putting Bids in decimals.
7.8.2 The Sale will be governed by the Material List & Special Terms & Conditions (STC)
displayed on the "Live" Floor (and not under "Forthcoming Auctions") as well as the General
Terms & Conditions (GTC) and Buyer Specific Terms & Conditions (BSTC) already accepted by
the Bidder at the time of Registration with MSTC. The Material List & STC displayed under
"View Forthcoming Auctions" on MSTC's e-Auction Website are tentative and subject to
change at MSTC's sole discretion before the start of e-Auction. Bidders should therefore
download the Material List and STC displayed only under "View Live Auctions" for their record
purpose, if required. The BSTC and GTC can be seen and downloaded by going to the Home
Page of the e-Auction Website and clicking on "NEW USER". Participation in the e-Auction will
be deemed to imply that the Bidder has made himself thoroughly aware of and accepted the
STC, BSTC and GTC. In case of any conflict between the STC and BSTC, the STC shall prevail.
Principal shall have the right to issue addendum to the STC or BSTC to clarify, amend, modify,
supplement or delete any of the conditions, clauses or items stated therein and the Addendum
so issued shall form a part of the original STC.
7.8.3 UNIT/UNIT OF MEASUREMENT (UOM) FOR BIDDING, SALE & DELIVERY: Each Lot will
have to be bid, sold and delivered on the basis of the Unit/ Unit Of Measurement ( i.e. UOM )
stipulated in the Material List displayed on the Auction Floor of "View Live Auctions" against
the respective Lot. Any representation/ complaint from the Bidders for the Bid to be made/
having been made on the basis of any other Unit/Unit of Measurement will not be entertained.
7.8.4 During Live Auction, only brief Lot / Item details will be shown under "Lot Name" on
the Auction Floor where Bidders are required to bid. The complete "Item Details" can be seen
by the Bidders by clicking on the respective Item hyperlinked under Lot Name and it shall be
the responsibility of the Bidders to see the "Item Details" before bidding and no
representation/ complaint in this regard will be entertained by M/s MSTC / Principal from the
Bidders.
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7.8.5 M/s MSTC/PRINCIPAL reserves the right to forfeit any amount / money lying with them
from the successful Bidder who defaults in making the due payments against the e-Auction
even though such amount / money may be lying with M/s MSTC / Principal on account of the
said Bidder against any other contract / transaction.
7.9 INSPECTION OF MATERIALS: All the materials put up for sale through e-Auction will be
sold strictly on "As is where basis “and” No Complaint basis". M/s MSTC / PRINCIPAL reserve
the right to accept / reject any offer / bid without specifying any reason thereof. All quantities
are only estimates and without any guarantee. Inspection, limited to visual checking only, will
be allowed with prior appointment from the PRINCIPAL. Any clarification required may be
sought by the Bidders from the PRINCIPAL at the time of inspection, and no dispute regarding
the material or its physical conditions / location will be entertained thereafter.
7.10 VALIDITY OF BIDS: All Bids will be valid for acceptance by M/s MSTC for a period of
60(sixty) days from the date of closing of e-Auction, excluding the date of closing. In case the
60th day falls on a holiday or remains closed for MSTC, such Bids will be deemed to be
automatically extended to be valid upto the next working day of MSTC.
7.11.1 All sales will be subject to Reserve Price (RP) fixed/subject to approval by the
PRINCIPAL. The PRINCIPAL also has the option to fix a lower limit of the RP for an individual
Lot. Such lot will not be declared "sold" on final bidding but declared "pending" during e-
auction irrespective of reserve price comparison. The sale acceptance will be intimated by the
Principal within 7 working days from the date of e-Auction.
7.11.2 Once bid is confirmed/ accepted, buyer has to make payment accordingly within 3
(THREE) days from the date of Confirmation/ Acceptance
7.11.3 It will be the Bidder's responsibility to personally see the result of e-Auction by seeing
and downloading the "Auction Lot Status" from the Website immediately after Closing of e-
Auction which will be displayed upto 7 (Seven) days from the date of Closing of e-Auction
(excluding the date of closing of e-Auction). The "Auction Lot Status" will show whether any Lot
has been won by the Bidder on Confirmed or PENDING Basis. The successful Highest Bidder for
Confirmed shall have to pay the prescribed EMD/Security Deposit within the prescribed time
counted from the date of Closing of e-Auction (excluding the date of closing). Although
immediately after closing of e-Auction, it must be noted by the Bidders that such Sale
Intimation Letter will be issued by MSTC only for the purpose of record and payment of Post-
Bid EMD/SD will have to be made within the stipulated time counted from the date of Closing
of e-auction irrespective of the date of issue of the Sale Intimation Letter by email. Bidders
must, therefore keep a watch on their incoming e-mail. Normally no hard copy of the Sale
Intimation Letter will be issued by MSTC.
7.12.1 The successful Bidder shall have to deposit Post-Bid EMD/SD within stipulated time
as per Clause 7.5.7 above counted from the date of Closing of e-auction (excluding the date of
closing and irrespective of the date of issue of Sale Intimation Letter) as follows: - Post-Bid
EMD/SD will be @ 25% of the Sale Value for Lots Sold on Confirmed basis.
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7.12.2 Post-Bid EMD/SD by way of PO / DD of any Scheduled Bank favouring the PRINCIPAL
must be submitted to M/s MSTC, Mumbai or any office of MSTC (see details of MSTC's
Regional / Branch Offices on MSTC's Website). Post-Bid EMD/SD is adjustable towards material
value only after receipt of the balance material value along with applicable Duties & Taxes
within the due date, failing which the Post-Bid EMD/SD will be forfeited.
7.12.3 If the successful highest Bidder fails to pay the Post-Bid EMD/SD in time, then his
Password will be deactivated and shall normally be DEBARRED for a minimum period of 6 (six)
months from participating in all e-auction and disposal sales by M/s MSTC on behalf of this
PRINCIPAL and, his Registration Fee will be forfeited. While considering his request for
reactivation which will be at the sole discretion of M/s MSTC, all facts including the number of
PRINCIPALS / e-auction / Lots for which he had failed which are germane will be taken into
account. M/s MSTC at its sole discretion may take recourse to any of the following options for
sale of the unsold Lot:
a) The Unsold Lot may be put up for re e-auction at the sole discretion of M/s MSTC
without Pre-Bid EMD (Earnest Money Deposit) OR with Pre-Bid EMD as may be
deemed fit by M/s MSTC.
b) The H-2 Bidder may be asked to match the H-1 Bid along with submission of
requisite EMD / SD within a period as may be prescribed by M/s MSTC.
c) In case of default in payment of EMD/SD and / or balance Sale Value with Duties
and Taxes by the successful higher Bidder, M/s MSTC reserve the right to invite Bids
for the respective Lot from all the other Bidders of the concerned Lot (other than
the defaulting Bidder) OR all registered customers in sealed covers along with the
prescribed EMD/Security Deposit within the time stipulated by MSTC for finalizing
the sale or to take any other action as may be deemed fit in consultation with the
PRINCIPAL.
d) MSTC may take any other action as may be deemed fit by the PRINCIPAL.
7.12.5 In case the successful Bidder pays the EMD/SD, but fails to pay the balance material
value along with applicable Duties and Taxes within the due date, then his EMD/SD will be
forfeited.
7.13.1 On receipt of Post-Bid EMD/SD from the successful Bidder, Sale Order / Acceptance
Letter will be issued by MSTC to him advising him to deposit the balance material value along
with all applicable Duties & Taxes to any of the Offices of MSTC within 5 (Five) days from the
date of issue of Sale Order / Acceptance Letter by MSTC (including the date of issue). The
entire balance Sale Value will have to be paid by the Buyer in one lump-sum and no installment
payment will be allowed, unless otherwise stipulated in the Lot / Item Details.
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7.13.2 In case of installment payment being allowed as per stipulation in the Lot / Item
Details, the first installment will have to be paid within 5 (Five) days from the date of issue of
Sale Order/Acceptance Letter by MSTC and subsequent installments at 15 (Fifteen) days
interval or as may be stipulated in the Lot/Item Details and the Post-Bid EMD/SD (Security
Deposit) will be proportionally adjusted in each installment.
7.13.3 The mode of payment will be as stipulated in the Sale Order / Acceptance Letter and
the payment will have to be submitted by the Buyer to M/s MSTC, Mumbai or any office of
M/s MSTC for collecting the Delivery Order.
7.13.4 Normally all sale will be treated as Local Sale & the Buyer shall have to pay VAT/Sales
Tax as per the Local Sales Tax Act/Rules/Tariff of the concerned State where the materials are
lying & sale against 'C' Form/CST will not be allowed. However in those cases where the
PRINCIPAL is registered with the Sales Tax Authorities as a Dealer and subject to the
permission of such PRINCIPAL, Buyer's request for sale against 'C' Form/CST may be considered
at the sole discretion of the PRINCIPAL and in the event of the PRINCIPAL not agreeing to the
same, Buyer will have to pay the Local Sales Tax/VAT as per the applicable rate and no
representation in this regard will be entertained by M/s MSTC/PRINCIPAL.
7.13.5 The balance payment will have to be submitted by the Buyer to M/s MSTC by Postal
Order (PO)/Demand Draft (DD) of any Scheduled Bank as stipulated in the Sale Order /
Acceptance Letter. The necessary instructions as to in whose favour the POs/DDs have to be
made by the Buyer for the payment of Balance Sale Value, Duties and Taxes etc. will be
stipulated in the Sale Order / Acceptance Letter.
7.14 DEFAULT IN PAYMENT: In case of default in payment of the balance Sale Value within
the prescribed time limits, the due payment may be made together only subject to CUSTOMS
approval with additional charges @ 1% per week or part thereof calculated on the Full 100%
Sale Value for a minimum period of one week or multiple thereof. The Post-Bid EMD/SD will be
adjusted towards material value only on receipt of the balance Sale Value within the
prescribed time. However, this shall not confer any right to the Bidder to make any Late
Payment of Balance Sale Value or applicable Duties and Taxes and M/s MSTC reserves the right
not to accept the payment of the Balance Sale Value with or without the additional charges
after the expiry of the free payment time.
7.15 DELIVERY:
7.15.1 On payment of balance Sale value by the Buyer along with applicable Duties and Taxes
to any of the M/s MSTC offices, the Buyer shall obtain Delivery Order from M/s MSTC on
producing his e-auction Photo ID Card. In case the Photo ID Card holder deputes any
Representative to collect the Delivery Order, he should attest and authorize the signature of
his Representative on his letter-head along with a self-certified Notarised Photocopy of his
Photo ID Card.
7.15.2 Delivery Period will be 7 (seven) days counted from the date of issue of Delivery Order
by MSTC/date of issue of Release Order by PRINCIPAL as the case may be (including the date of
issue) in all cases. In those cases where the Balance Sale Value is paid within time but the
Buyer delays the payment of applicable Duties and Taxes, the Delivery period will be counted
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from the date of payment of Balance Sale Value. The successful Bidder/Buyer shall co-ordinate
the date and time with the PRINCIPAL in advance and take prior appointment before
placement of Trucks to ensure speedy removal of materials.
7.15.3 The materials sold shall be removed by the Buyers from any one side of the Lot as per
the sole direction of the PRINCIPAL and no segregation of items from the sold Lots will be
permitted.
7.15.4 In case any hot-work permission is required for dismantling operations, the same will
have to be obtained by the Buyers from the PRINCIPAL's authorized representative before
lifting and it will be sole discretion of the PRINCIPAL to allow or not to allow such hot-work
permission at Buyers cost only to the extent of facilitating the loading and transportation of
the goods.
7.15.5 For the purpose of removing the materials, the successful Bidder shall employ or
engage only his / their own personnel and shall keep the Principal fully indemnified against any
claims whatsoever including claim for wage, injuries, compensation, death, etc.
7.15.6 While removing materials, if any accident or damage to the property/life etc. arises by
reason of any act of negligence /omission /default or non-compliance with any of the Terms &
Conditions of statutory regulations or rules and regulations applicable within Principal's
premises, on the part of the Bidder's / his representative or employees resulting in death or
injury to any persons or damages to the property of Principal or any third Party then in such an
event the Bidder will have to pay compensation to any such person including the employees of
Principal for such injury / for damage to person's property of such persons. The Bidder shall in
such and event keep the Principal indemnified from any demand, claims or proceedings made.
7.16.1 In case of any Default in lifting of materials by the Buyer within the prescribed free
time limit, the outstanding material may be lifted within 14 (Fourteen) Days from the due date
subject to payment of Ground Rent by the Buyer directly to the PRINCIPAL for the period of
delay. All matters relating to charging of Ground Rate will be decided by the Customs.
7.16.2 In case of Goods sold on Lot Basis, the Ground Rent will be calculated on the value of
the entire Lot even if lifted in part, where as in case of Goods sold on Unit Weight or Unit
Number Basis, the Ground Rent will be calculated on the value of unlifted quantity.
7.16.3 However it must be noted by the Bidders that it will be the sole discretion of the
PRINCIPAL not to allow the Buyer to lift the Goods with or without the Ground Rent after the
expiry of the stipulated free Delivery period or even within the aforesaid additional period of
14 (Fourteen) Days and in such event, the sale of the material not lifted by the Buyer(s) will be
automatically cancelled and all the moneys paid by the Bidder /Buyer will be automatically
forfeited.
on the date of actual physical delivery of materials. The rates of Duties and Taxes displayed on
the e-auction Website are only indicative and based on the rates prevailing before the
commencement of the e-Auction. Successful Bidders shall have to pay Income Tax by way of
TCS @1.0% plus 10% Surcharge and 3% Education Cess on all Scrap items purchased for trading
as per Section 206 C of IT Act 1961. The TCS will be calculated on the gross Sale Value i.e.
Materiel Value plus Excise Duty (if any) & Sales Tax/VAT. Parties eligible for Tax Exemption or
Lower Rate of Tax should produce prescribed Certificate from Income Tax Assessing Officer at
the time of payment. Notarised Photocopy to be given along with Original, the latter will be
returned after verification. Manufacturers who are exempted from paying Income Tax, must
submitted Certificate to the PRINCIPAL/MSTC as per the format prescribed U/S 206 - (C) of
Income Tax Act 1961 at the time of paying the Balance Sale value. All successful Bidders must
submit their Income Tax PAN No. at the time of making the payment of balance sale value.
Upto the validity period of the Delivery Order / Release Order issued by M/s MSTC /
PRINCIPAL or upto the extended period of validity of the Delivery Order / Release Order in case
the Delivery period is extended by the PRINCIPAL at his sole discretion as the case may be.
7.19 Bidders shall be deemed to imply that the Bidder undertakes not to export the Goods
outside the territory of India, failing which the sale will be liable for cancellation.
7.20 The Bidder(s) shall have no right to issue any addendum to these Special Terms and
Conditions or Buyer Specific Terms and Conditions to clarify, amend, supplement or delete any
of the conditions, clauses or items stated therein.
(Based on special terms and conditions set by MSTC for buyers /bidders currently being
followed and is subject to change if any by MSTC).
************
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CHAPTER- 8
8.1 Public auction has its own advantages and it is definitely preferable to sale by private
negotiation. Therefore, an attempt should be made to dispose off the goods through public
auctions as far as possible. However, there are certain commodities, which shall ordinarily be
not sold in public auction. These shall include consumer goods, electronic goods, luxury
articles, goods which are totally banned or are highly restricted for import. Articles which are
prohibited for import have to be destroyed (e.g. obscene literature etc.). These items should
be listed and got approved by the Commissioner. Such salable articles will be sold either to:
In arranging direct sales, Commissioners should pay personal attention and take
special precautions to avoid allegations of favoritism, etc. First come first served principle may
be applied in all cases. The base price (without discount) of direct sale shall be same
irrespective of mode of disposal and shall be fixed by the Valuation Committee.
8.2.1 Where the goods are in good condition, in original packing with relevant manuals,
books & accessories and are of interest to general public and consumers, such items should be
selected for sale through retail shops. The following steps need be taken to improve the
organization and working of the retail shops:
a) The location of the retail shops should be such that it is easily accessible to the
public; at the same time, the Assistant Commissioner/ Dy. Commissioner in-
charge should supervise the functioning of the shops more closely.
b) Working hours of the retail shops should be prominently displayed on the
notice board outside the shop for the benefit of the public;
c) General stock position of the important goods available for disposal along with
their price should be prominently displayed on a Notice Board and also on the
website of the Commissionerate;
d) Notice Board and also the cash bills shall clearly stipulate that the goods once
sold will not be exchanged or taken back and the department doesn’t
guarantee or give warranty for the goods sold.
e) Working of the retail shops should be subject to a close scrutiny by an officer
not below the rank of an Assistant Commissioner/Dy. Commissioner and senior
officers also should pay periodical visits to the shop to ensure that its working
is smooth and free from possible malpractices/complaints;
8.2.2 Items which are useful for office like photo-copiers, fax machines, computer and
computer parts, educational CDs, stationery items, Air-conditioners, etc. can be offered for
64
sale to Govt. Departments including our own department. Commissioners / Heads of Office
can place orders straightway without calling for quotations and payments can be made by
issuing cheques or by book adjustment.
8.2.3 Wherever, co-operative societies other than NCCF are permitted to purchase goods
directly from the Customs Retail Counters, it must be ensured that these cooperative societies
are engaged in genuine trade and the confiscated goods purchased by them are not disposed
off clandestinely.
8.3.1 All confiscated consumer goods sold in retail through departmental retail shops should
also be offered for sale to the National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation, an apex
organization of all consumer Cooperative Societies in the country at the prices fixed for retail
sales less a discount of 14.5%. The sale to NCCF Ltd. will be subject to the following conditions:
i) NCCF would lift the consumer goods at quarterly intervals soon as an intimation
to this effect is sent to them.
ii) Goods will be sold to the Federation only on cash or Bank Draft, Banker’ s
cheques of local bank and there shall be no pick and choose except that the
damaged and unsalable goods may be rejected by the Federation. Such rejected
goods will be sold by public auction.
iii) Where statutory possession of prescribed licenses is a precondition for obtaining
supplies as a dealer, NCCF or its constituents should hold such a licence.
8.3.2 The representative of the NCCF may be afforded the facility of inspecting goods before
lifting them. A broad indication of description of goods together with quantity that are
available for disposal may be given to NCCF, as and when required.
8.3.3 To avoid any complaint of preferential treatment to any other registered cooperative
society, goods should be sold on ‘first-cum-first-served’ basis. A list of goods ripe for disposal
may be sent to the concerned branches of NCCF by the jurisdictional Commissionerates once a
month so that NCCF is aware of the goods available for disposal.
8.4.1 The goods may also be offered for sale to other co-operative societies/federations.
Only Co-operative Societies verified and certified every year as genuine by an officer of the
rank of AC and above, State Cooperative Federation and State Civil Corporations should be
permitted to purchase the goods. The genuineness of co-operative societies may be verified
through Registrar of Societies. They may be given discount of 10%. Apart from the conditions
applicable for sale to NCCF, they may be subjected to the following additional conditions:
(a) The goods so purchased are in turn sold directly to bonafide consumers only on
the basis of one piece / set per consumer
(b) They shall maintain accounts for purchase and sale. Departmental officer can
scrutinize the accounts and stocks as and when necessary.
8.4.2 Goods may be sold to registered Govt. Employees Consumer Cooperative Society Ltd.
including Cooperative Societies of Customs & Central Excise Employees at the same terms &
65
8.4.3 Further any lot of confiscated/seized consumer goods of value not exceeding Rs. Five
lakhs which are ripe for disposal shall be offered to NCCF/KB/Other Central Government
Employees Consumer Cooperative Society / Multi-State Consumer Cooperative Societies/ State
Consumer Cooperatives, subject to the following conditions.
a) They should be functional for at least 10 preceding years and should submit
Income- Tax returns and VAT/ST returns showing their activities in sale of goods to
the consumers and that appropriate taxes have been duly paid and relevant
laws/rules and regulations are complied with.
(b) Only those Co-operative Societies or National/State level Cooperative Federations
that are duly verified and certified as genuine, every year by an officer not below
the rank of AC/DC, and those that have been duly registered under Multi-State
Cooperative Societies Act, 2002 or concerned State Cooperatives Act, should be
permitted to purchase the confiscated/seized goods. The genuineness of co-
operative societies/federation may also be verified through concerned
Commissionerates or other field formations of this department, wherever
required.
(c) They should be obliged to sell such seized/confiscated goods directly to bonafide
consumers.
(d) No pick and choose of items would be allowed.
(e) Seized/confiscated consumer goods shall be offered on first come first served
basis.
(f) Any lot of confiscated/seized consumer goods of value exceeding Rs. Five lakhs
shall not be sold directly to the aforesaid cooperative societies/federation and
shall be sold by E-auction or auction-cum-tender basis.
(g) Complete accounts may be called for scrutiny by the department as and when
necessary, to ensure that the seized/confiscated goods, which are sensitive to
smuggling are not misused; or to verify that their disposal has not been made to a
single party/ individual; or to ensure that sale has not been made to any persons
where in purchase vouchers etc. had been misused by unscrupulous elements in
legitimizing smuggling.
Confiscated consumer and luxury goods including liquor should also be offered for sale
to TTDC, Canteen Stores Department (CSD) of the Navy, Army & Air Force, Para Military Forces
Canteens, etc. on the basis of retail price with a discount of 10%.
8.7 Sale of Confiscated Consumer and Luxury Goods to Departmental Officers under
CBEC.
8.7.1 Departmental officers would be permitted to purchase only consumer good for
themselves for their family use at a discount of 25% of the prices fixed by the Joint Pricing
Committee
8.7.2 Departmental officers would not be permitted to resell the items of confiscated goods
purchased from the department retail shops for a period of five years. For this purpose, every
departmental officer making the purchase (s) will be required to sign an undertaking to this
effect on each occasion.
8.7.3 This will not exempt the departmental officer from the declaration as required under
the CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964, relating to acquisition of movable property and financial
transactions.
8.7.4 To ensure that the departmental officers do not appropriate to themselves the
favoured items and leave only unattractive items for sale to the general public, the retail shops
shall display daily on a notice board a list of items which carry a premium such as electronic
gadgets like VCRs, VCPs, TVs, etc available for purchase by the general public including
departmental officers.
[Based on F.No. 11412/89-Cus(AS),dated 11.07.1990]
8.8 Fixation of Price in Retail shop: The retail price of articles may be fixed by conducting
market enquiries to ascertain the price at which of like kind, quality, shape, design, etc are
available in the retail market and deducting there from a `discount` representing the
compensation for the buyer in the retail shop for (i) absence of guarantee regarding quality,
workmanship and the like, (ii) lack of provision for after-sale –service facilities, and(iii) the fact
that the goods may not always be in their original packing and condition. The quantum of such
discount may be varied depending upon whether they are fast selling popular brands or
otherwise.
[Based on F.No.30/51/66.LCI, dated 7.1.1967]
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Standard Form (‘A’) of cash memos for use in all Custom and Central Excise
Commissionerates for sale of goods through retail shops has been prescribed. Form ‘A’ is for
sale of articles and will be in duplicate. The original is the Customers copy and should be
perforated.
The standardization and printing of these forms in the C.B.R Customs series will be
done after it has been in use for some time. Necessary arrangements for the supply of the
forms may, therefore, be made by Custom House/ Commissionerate during the interim period.
Any practical difficulties encountered in the use of the forms may also be intimated to the
Board.
FORM ‘A’
DATE_____________
CASH MEMO
CUSTOM HOUSE/ CENTRAL EXCISE COLLECTORATE
_____________
_____________
Local tax______________
Total_________________
E&OE
Customs/Central Excise Officer
Customer’s Signature
Goods once sold will not be exchanged or taken back.
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Commissioners can take a decision to offer old and used goods especially garments
directly to the poor and needy free of cost through IRSLA or reputed and registered
organizations subject to following conditions :
a) The Commissioner after inspecting the goods is satisfied that the items are old and
used and cannot be disposed off except at a throwaway price and can be given
away to the poor and needy in public interest.
b) Photographs of the items and the inspection report thereof are kept in the
concerned seizure and disposal files.
c) Commissioner shall identify such reputed and registered organization whether
Govt. or non-Govt. orphanages, old age homes, institutions for physically
handicapped or destitute and organizations which look after the poor and needy
without charging any money.
d) The cost of transportation of goods, if any, shall be borne by the institutions and
not by the Department. Likewise Port Trust and other custodians shall not be
entitled to any charges for storage etc. in respect of such items.
8.11 Destruction
8.11.1 Commissioners have full powers to order destruction of goods of the following
description:
(a) Sub-standard drugs, time expired medicines, chemicals and toilet preparations
(b) Plants, seeds or bulbs
(c) Foodstuff, spices and other goods which are unfit for human consumption.
(d) Obscene literature/ audio or video material prohibited or banned books and
other items.
(e) Pirated VCDs, films, DVDs, cassettes, etc.
(f) Worn out textiles unfit for use
(g) Goods which cannot be disposed off through any of the modes of disposal
8.11.2 In all these cases, a written report giving the details as to why the item should be
destroyed should be prepared and the order of the Commissioner for destruction should be
taken.
For NDPS Goods procedures and power prescribed in Chapter 15 may be followed.
Apart from this if law in force requires that destruction shall be done in presence of any other
agency/officer such as Plant Quarantine, Drugs Control, Port Health authority, Pollution
Control, Board, etc., the destruction shall be supervised jointly with these authorities. For
every destruction a panchnama shall be drawn and of all persons witnessing the destruction
may be taken on the panchnama.
8.11.3 Powers to write off deficiencies and depreciation in goods seized and confiscated
under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962 due to natural and other causes to the extent
and subject to the conditions indicated below:
The amounts mentioned above relate to the value of the seized/confiscated goods.
The ‘value’ is the market value which includes the duty leviable so that once the value is
written off the question of writing off the duty separately will not arise.
(a) The loss does not disclose a defect in rules or procedure, amendment of which
requires orders of higher authority of Finance Ministry; and
(b) There has not been any serious negligence on the part of any Govt. servant
which may call for disciplinary action by a higher authority.
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CHAPTER-9
9.1 Cut and polished diamonds, rough and uncut diamonds, precious and semi-precious
stones have been notified under Notification No. 31/86 issued under Section 110(1A) of the
Customs Act, 1962. Action stipulated u/s 110(1B) of the Customs Act, 1962 must be taken in all
pending cases urgently. These should be sold through Public auction for which the following
additional conditions have been prescribed:
(a) The sale shall be centralized in Delhi, Chennai , Kolkata and Mumbai .
(b) In order to get the best possible price, widespread publicity, both in India and
abroad should be given.
(c) The venue and date of auction should be decided well in advance in order to
ensure maximum participation.
(d) The services of reputed auctioneer firm may be taken to conduct the auction. The
auctioneer should be selected after ascertaining his past performance in
conducting auctions, expertise in auctioning diamonds, precious stones, jewellery,
etc. The contract between auctioneer and the department should also include
responsibility of the auctioneer to advertise the goods for auction in at least four
national newspapers, and in a vernacular language paper. The department should
however be free to use other forms of media, if it so desires, to give wide publicity,
in India and abroad. The terms and conditions for the auctioneer would be decided
by the Chief Commissioner of Customs, concerned.
(e) Entire stock of such items should be segregated into identifiable lots either on the
basis of seizure cases or any other practical and discernible categorization. Each
‘lot’ must be properly photographed. The photographs would serve as a record in
addition to the same being used in the Catalogue which should be prepared for the
purpose of giving wide publicity and also for conducting the auctions.
(f) Caution money of Rupees Fifty Thousand only by D.D, pay order or B.C. shall be
charged from each prospective bidder. Only on payment of the caution money the
bidders would be registered for bidding and will be eligible to participate in the
auction.
(Based on Public Notice No. 03/2008, dated 29.10.2008 of Commissioner of Customs
(Preventive), Mumbai & Ministry’s letter no. 711/12/2004 Cus(AS) dated 3.10.05 )
(g) The ‘lots’ should be allowed for examination by prospective bidders by following a
strict procedure prescribed for the purpose to ensure there is no substitution. The
procedure shall, inter-alia, consist of prescribing application form for inspection,
giving details of the bidder (address, name, Telephone No., Income tax PAN
Number, details of fee payments, etc.). Examination by only one bidder at one
time who can bring one additional person for consultation and expert
examination. Examination shall be in presence of Assistant Commissioner
nominated for the purpose, Jewellery Appraiser of the department and the
warehouse Supdt.
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(h) The Reserve price shall be fixed by a Pricing Committee consisting of Addl.
Commissioner of Customs, Asstt. Commissioner of Customs, Jewellery Appraiser,
an eminent person in Commerce/trade in such items and a Government Approved
Valuer in respect of these items. The selection of members for pricing committee
shall be by the Chief Commissioners of Customs (Preventive), Mumbai on the
recommendation of Commissioner of Customs. In order to ensure secrecy, the
reserve price list should be kept sealed with the Chairman of the JPC to be handed
over to the Asstt. Commissioner supervising the auction only on the day of the
auction.
(i) The reserve price may be fixed taking into consideration the value of seizure,
escalation in value of these goods over the years, present market value/demand
and existing restrictions in free import of these goods.
(j) Since the disposal of diamonds etc., may be spread over a period of time, prices
fixed at a time may not hold good subsequently and this may call for periodic
revision. The reserve/fair prices so fixed shall be liable for revision once in three
months or such time as is considered reasonable by the Chief Commissioner of
Customs concerned.
(k) The auction should be attended by Commissioner of Customs, Addl. Commissioner
concerned and Senior Officers of Customs to ensure maximum fairness.
(l) A record of all the highest bids for each lot at every auction should be maintained.
The record of bid list should mention names of bidders and value/amount bid for
the lot in question.
(m) The highest bidder shall, on fall of the hammer, deposit 25% of the value of the bid
as earnest money on the spot. The bidder will be informed about the acceptance
or rejection of bid within 48 hours of completion of the auction proceedings by
way of listing of successful bids on the Notice Board of the Customs House at
Mumbai.
(n) The successful bidder will be required to pay the balance amount and take delivery
of the goods within 3 days of the receipt of the communication regarding
acceptance of their bids. If a party fails to pay the balance amount and take
delivery of the goods within the stipulated period as above, the Earnest Money
shall be forfeited.
(o) In case of rejection of bid, the rejection letter will be issued and caution money
and earnest money collected from the bidder will be refunded to the party within
a week’s time.
(p) All available stocks of diamonds, rough and uncut diamonds precious and semi-
precious stones should be transferred to Commissioner of Customs (Prev.)
Mumbai.
(q) In the case of Custom Houses at Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi and Jaipur smaller lots of
these goods of value not exceeding Rs. 2 lakhs and when total value of stock ripe
for disposal of these goods at a particular time is less than Rs. 20 lakhs can be
disposed off by disposal units attached to these Customs Houses/
Commissionerates. The procedure to be followed will be mutatis mutandis, as
72
prescribed above except that lower amount of caution money may be prescribed.
9.2 However, in view the Board`s instructions, for e-auction of seized and confiscated
goods, the Preventive Commissionerate, Mumbai is utilizing the services of M/S MSTC Ltd. The
auction of diamonds, precious and semi-precious stones is being conducting through MSTC on
their website www.mstcecommerce.com. Procedure for e-auction through MSTC is given in
detail in Chapter 7 of this Manual. Commissioner of Customs (Preventive), Mumbai has also
issued a Public Notice No.3/2008 dated 29.10.2008 in this regard to cover the procedure of e-
auction through MSTC and the requirement of issuing of photo-I- pass to the bidder for
inspection of diamonds, precious and semi-precious stones on payment of Rs. Fifty Thousand
(refundable) and Rs Ten Thousand (refundable) respectively for his assistant.
***********************
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CHAPTER -10
Both Gold and Silver in all forms including bullion, ingots, coins, ornaments and crude
jewellery are covered under Notification No.31/86-Cus dated 05.02.86 issued under Section
110 (1A) of the Customs Act, 62. Action stipulated under Section 110 (1B) of the Customs Act,
1962 must be taken in all pending cases urgently.
The procedure for disposal by sale of seized/confiscated gold (other than gold
ornaments/jewellery) shall be as follows:
(i) The sale of seized/confiscated gold found ripe for disposal shall be routed through
State Bank of India (Bank) who will act essentially as consignee agents. Gold considered ripe for
disposal shall be delivered by the concerned Customs House to the Bank at the major centre(s),
viz. Mumbai, New Delhi, Calcutta, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Jaipur,Cochin, Bangalore and Shillong
for sale in the open market.
(ii) Such gold shall, as far as possible, be in an easily marketable form such as TT bars,
1kg bars, 500/100gms bars etc. Crude gold/ jewellery will be converted by the Customs
Department to .999/.995 purity before delivery to the Bank for sale.
(iii) The sale price of gold irrespective of the form of gold (whether TT bars 0.999 or Kg.
bars 0.995 purity) will be based on the closing market price of the previous day, as reported in
the local editions of the three national Economic daily newspapers. Sales tax/Octroi etc. will be
extra and chargeable to the buyer.
(iv) The pricing of gold will be worked out by the Bank taking due note of the
methodology as per enclosed Annexure-I. The Customs Department will accept the price
worked out by the Bank on this basis.
(v) No commission will be levied by the Bank on the Customs Department. However, all
out of pocket expenses incurred by the Bank would be deductible (@ 1% of the market price).
(vi) The Bank will arrange for payment of taxes such as Sales Tax, Octroi, etc. out of the
sale proceeds of the gold and would submit copies thereof to the concerned Commissioner of
Customs along with the advice/ challan for remittance of sale proceeds. The sale proceeds will
be deposited immediately after sale of gold into the designated account to be advised by the
Commissioner of Customs.
(vii) The concerned Commissioner of Customs will provide copies of the Assaying Certificate
along with the physical delivery of gold and assume responsibility for the fineness of gold as
certified in the Assaying Certificate. In the event of any gold being found counterfeit, the same
will be returned to the Commissioner of Customs concerned. The Department will also ensure
that the gold is suitably packaged as per practice in the market. The Bank would render
necessary assistance to Customs Department.
(viii) The Bank will take physical delivery of the gold from the Customs warehouse/ office
against a suitable acknowledgment. The control system /mechanism for this purpose will be
worked out by the Bank and advised to the Department
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(ix) The Bank will decide at which centre the gold is to be sold based on various cost/
other factors and will also exercise its discretion/ judgment as to (a) when to sell (b) at what
price to sell. Although it has to be borne in mind that gold prices can fluctuate significantly even
during the course of a single day, the Bank will use its discretion/ market knowledge to get the
benefit of the “best” possible price. The concerned Commissioner will, post – sale, make an
evaluation as to whether, in view of the range of prices prevailing at the time of sale, the “best”
possible sale has been made. The above arrangement will be reviewed as and when necessary
through mutual discussion.
(x) The Bank will also explore the scope for marketability of coins. The price of such coins
will be based on the actual gold content only
Annexure-I
(Based on the closing market price reported in the three national Economic dailies)
The sale of primary silver may be made at the average price reported in the Mumbai,
Delhi and local (if any) editions of the three economic dailies, namely, Economic Times,
Business Standard and Financial Express on the previous day of sale. The entire silver stocks
valued as above may be first offered to M/s MMTC at a discount 3% of the average price fixed.
If they fail to lift the stock within three days ,it can be sold in retail through retail shop to public
on first come first served basis at a discount of 3% of the average price fixed, subject to the
procedure laid down below.
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10.3.1 Studded with precious stones: Jewellery including fine Jewellery of gold, silver or other
precious metals studded with diamonds, precious and semi precious stones shall be disposed
off on ‘as it is basis’ and the procedure prescribed for disposal of diamonds, precious & semi-
precious stones shall be mutatis mutandis followed. However while fixing fair price, the
valuation committee shall also take into account the metal content and workmanship.
10.3.2 Other fine Jewellery, Gold ornaments, unique coins, art pieces, etc. which in the
opinion of the Commissioner can fetch higher prices in public auctions even though the gold /
silver content is low shall be sold in public auctions at Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, Chennai &
Kolkata. The prescribed procedure for sale in auction for disposal of diamonds, precious stones
& semi-precious stones, shall mutatis mutandis apply except that lesser amount of caution
money may be prescribed.
10.3.3 Gold or Silver in other forms, coins but not unique coins, broken jewellery shall be sent
to the Govt. mint for conversion into primary gold of standard purity. The converted gold /
silver may thereafter be sold as primary form through Commissionerates situated at the same
place where mint is situated. If the gold / silver in forms mentioned at Para 10.3.2 above
cannot be disposed off by the following procedures prescribed therein such gold / silver may
be disposed off in the manner prescribed in this para.
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(i) MMTC will be paid service charges equivalent to two percent (2%) of the sale
value.
(ii) Cost of advertisement may be charged separately by MMTC.
(iii) The goods shall lie with Customs till the sale is finalized by MMTC. Further till the
time the amount due to the department is received the delivery would not be
given.
(iv) The minimum sale price shall be fixed by a Joint Pricing Committee (JPC, to be set
up by CC(P) Mumbai).
(v) Since a number of national laboratories like National Physical Laboratory (NPL),
New Delhi, National Metallurgical Laboratories, Jamshedpur and other actual
users, in the Gems & Jewellery Industry may also be interested in buying these
metals, so wide publicity may be given to these sales.
***********
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CHAPTER-11
11.1 Due to long time taken in adjudication of cases involving seizure of foreign currency,
traveler’s cheques and bank drafts, the validity of traveler’s cheques and/or bank drafts
expires and difficulties are experienced in obtaining the credit against such documents. Such
delays also afford opportunity to the concerned persons to receive the amount against the
seized documents on the pretext of these having been lost or destroyed. The following
instructions may accordingly be followed to ensure uniformity in procedure for the realization
of the proceeds of the confiscated foreign currency, traveler’s cheque and bank drafts and to
avoid difficulties enumerated above.
ii) Adjudication of the seized bank drafts and/or traveler’s cheques and/or other
instruments of exchange should as far as possible be completed sufficiently ahead
of the expiry of the period of validity of these documents which normally extends
from 3 to 6 months from the date of issue.
iii) The confiscated foreign currency, traveler`s cheques, bank drafts and other
instruments of exchange should be sent to the Reserve Bank of India immediately
after the adjudication is completed for affording credit of the proceeds to the
Government account. The confiscated currency and documents should be sent to
the Reserve Bank of India along with necessary details as in the proforma given at
Appendix B.
11.2 Normally there is no difficulty in getting early credit so far as foreign currency is
concerned. In regard to the traveler’s cheques and foreign bank drafts, the credit can also be
obtained immediately provided that (i) the documents are fully discharged i.e. duly signed by
the person in whose favor these were issued and (ii) these are presented within the period of
their validity. Most of the confiscated bank drafts and/or travelers cheques do not however,
contain discharge of the payees/ beneficiaries and, as such cannot be encashed or credited in
the Government account in the normal way. Under the procedure followed by the Reserve
Bank of India, it takes about 2-3 months to collect proceeds in such cases. It should, therefore,
be possible for the Reserve Bank of India to send an intimation of credit in respect of the
confiscated travelers cheques and bank drafts which are not fully discharged within a period of
4 months from the date of receipt of the documents by them. If the intimation is not received
within this period, the Commissionerate should remind the Reserve Bank of India to expedite
the intimation. Wherever it is possible it would be worthwhile to obtain discharge of the
78
payee/beneficiary on the confiscated documents since this will reduce the work of the Reserve
Bank of India to a considerable extent.
11.3 It should, however, be noted that when the Government (i.e. the Customs
Department) acquires title to cheques, hundis and such other negotiable instruments by
operation of Law (i.e. by endorsement and delivery as required by Sec. 50 of the Negotiable
Instruments Act), the Government. is not entitled to the rights of a holder in due course
thereof as defined in the said Act and therefore, the proceeds of such confiscated instruments
should be realized from the foreign banks only if orders passed under Indian laws were binding
on them. Even a suitable amendment of the Negotiable Instruments Act will not serve any
purpose because that Act is also not binding on banks situated in foreign countries. In the
circumstances, before realizing the proceeds of these confiscated instruments from the foreign
banks, the Reserve Bank has to furnish an indemnity to the bank concerned guaranteeing the
refund of the amount on the propriety of the payment being subsequently challenged by the
drawer for one reason or other. The Reserve Bank in turn obtains an undertaking from the
Commissioner of Customs concerned to refund the amount to the Reserve Bank on demand.
Proforma No. II mentioned in para 11.1 (iii) above indicates the form in which this undertaking
should be given by the Commissioner.
11.4 The Reserve Bank have pointed out that whenever they approach the Commissioner
concerned for the refund of such an amount, all sorts of queries (as to the of the refund and
the question of time-limit) are raised by the Customs authorities thus considerable time is
taken to make the actual refund placing the Reserve Bank in embarrassing position vis-à-vis
the foreign banks and harming its reputation abroad. It should be clear from the facts stated in
the foregoing para that the legal position regarding realization of proceeds of confiscated
cheques drawn on foreign banks is very weak and proceeds in these cases are realized only
because the Reserve Bank acts as the agents of the Government and also given a proper
indemnity to the paying bank. Therefore, when the Reserve Bank approaches the Customs
authorities for refund of the amount, there should be no question of challenging the propriety
of the refund-claim and the amount should be refunded to the Reserve Bank forthwith and not
later than seven days.
11.5 No question of time-limit as envisaged in Sec 27 of the Customs Act, 1962, also arises
here because that Sec is applicable only to refund of duty whereas in this case it is a refund of
proceeds of a confiscated instrument which has been realized not strictly by the enforcement
of any order passed by the Government but through mutual arrangement between the
Reserve Bank and the paying Bank.
11.6 The above instructions may also be adopted mutatis mutandis in the case of seized
Postal Savings Certificates. An intimation of seizure of National Defense Certificates/National
Savings Certificates etc. issued by Post Officers may be sent to the post offices in the Proforma
given at Appendix C to this chapter and acknowledgement obtained.
11.7 Reserve Bank of India vide their letter ECS 39/122 A-88/89 dated 20.7.88 have
conveyed their approval to State Bank of India receiving the foreign currency from Customs
and crediting the sale proceeds to Customs account subject to the following conditions :
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i) In case State Bank finds that some of the confiscated currencies are not
encashable and Custom authorities desire to have those currency destroyed,
necessarily permission from the Reserve Bank of India, Exchange Control Deptt.,
should be obtained.
ii) If an occasion arises for refunding in foreign exchange part or full value of
confiscated foreign currency, already credited to the Govt. account, Customs will
arrange to obtain though State Bank of India, prior approval of Reserve Bank for
the release of Foreign exchange.
APPENDIX ‘A’
NB: The bank of issue of the credit instrument may please take note of the above seizure
and any request for issue of duplicates and claims for cash against the above noted instrument
should not be acceded to without prior reference to this Custom House. Undertaking of further
commitments in respect of the above instrument with the drawer/payee may please be
deferred until the confiscation proceedings contemplated are completed.
Customs Officer
(Seal)
APPENDIX ‘B’
From:
Commissioner of Customs/Central Excise
To
The Reserve Bank of India
Subject: Confiscation of credit instruments/currencies under the Customs Act,1962 and the
Foreign Exchange Regulation Act, 1973.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Sir,
We have caused to be handed over to you for collection and credit to Government
account Travelers cheques/bank drafts/Currencies as per details given in the attached
statement.
2. These cheques/drafts currencies are being hereinafter referred to as the cheques.
3. We hereby represent and warrant that we are duly entitled to arrange for the
collection for and on behalf of the President of India) of each of the cheques by virtue of the
cheques having been duly confiscated by us in exercise of the powers conferred under the
Customs Act and Foreign Exchange Regulation Act. We hereby request that the aggregate of
the face amounts of the cheques be collected and credited to Government account.
4. In order to induce you to comply with our above request we hereby agree to indemnify
and hold THE RESERVE BANK OF INDIA harmless and indemnified from any and all claims,
demands and/or actions which may be asserted or instituted against it by any third party(ies)
with respect to all or any of the cheques, and at any time upon its request, to appear and
defend against each and every such claim, demand and/or action. In any event, we will pay any
judgements(s) which may be obtained against said Bank and will reimburse it for any and all
expenses which may be incurred by it in connection therewith.
Yours faithfully,
( )
For and on behalf of the President of India
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APPENDIX ‘C’
NB: The Post Office of issue of the certificate(s) may please take note of the above seizure and
any request for issue of duplicate(s) and claims for cash against the above noted certificate(s)
need not be acceded to without prior reference to this Custom House.
Received from the Customs Office ……………………….. an intimation about the confiscation of the
following saving certificate(s).
A note of this seizure has been made in the records of this office.
(Name & date) (Post Master)
Stamp of Office
To
CHAPTER - 12
The conveyances which have been finally confiscated and have become Govt
property can be used for Govt. purposes in any exigency. However, the use of the seized
conveyances should, be kept to the minimum and these should only be run from time to time
to keep them in proper working condition and prevent their deterioration. Heads of
Department should personally ensure that seized conveyances etc. are not run unnecessarily.
Before selling confiscated conveyances, the possibility of utilizing the same for the
departmental use should be fully explored. These conveyances, however, be utilized only after
taking prior approval of the Board. At the time of making such proposals, the following
particulars of the conveyances should be furnished;
1. Date of seizure.
2. Date of the order under which it was confiscated, duty, redemption fine, and
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Conveyances have been notified vide Notification No.31/86 dated 5.2.86 under Section
110 (1A) of the Customs Act, 1962. Despite this seized conveyance are, in many cases, not
being disposed off, pending completion of adjudication proceedings, court cases, etc. for a
long time leading to deterioration without any benefit to anyone. Continued storage of such
conveyances may also result in considerable expenditure on garaging facilities and
maintenance charges. Accordingly, it must be ensured that:
i) Prompt action is taken in terms of Sec. 110(1B) of the Customs Act 1962 to dispose
off all seized vehicles.
ii) Where the order of confiscation mentions fine in lieu of confiscation or of
reshipment, the period allowed for reshipment / redemption should be only up to
30 days. In case option of re-export of vehicle is given as in case of carnet, the
period allowed for re-export normally shall be two months. If the party does not
clear the conveyance by paying up the fine in lieu of confiscation, or does not
arrange to re-export the vehicle within the permitted period, a final notice of ten
days should be given, after which the conveyance should be disposed off.
iii) Where the conveyance has been confiscated absolutely, steps should be taken to
dispose off the confiscated motor vehicle or vessel straight away without waiting
for further out come in appeal / review.
iv) For the conveyances seized under NDPS Act 1985 or any other Act, action under
section 451 of The Code of Criminal Procedure 1973 shall be invariably taken for
which an application in the concerned trial court must be filed and pursued during
the trial so as to obtain the orders of court before the final judgment in the case. If
no such action has been taken till date, the same must be taken immediately and
pursued with the trial court to get the orders of disposal from the court before the
final orders. In case of appeals pending with High Court, the High Court must be
approached for getting early orders of disposal of the conveyances pending
decision in the appeals.
v) Utmost care should be taken to ensure that conveyances are sold at the earliest
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and at the best available market price after giving wide publicity so as to avoid any
loss to the owner in the event of the adjudication order being set aside on appeal
or revision and to avoid any possible dispute with the owner regarding the
adequacy of the price at which the conveyance or vessel was sold.
vi) The position in respect of the conveyances pending disposal should be reviewed
periodically and action as necessary to dispose them off should be taken
expeditiously. If there is any delay or negligence on the part of any of the officers
concerned, appropriate action to fix the responsibility and Initiate disciplinary
action should be taken.
The conveyances with built in secret chamber used for smuggling shall be disposed off
after such chambers are completely removed. If such secret chambers cannot be removed, the
orders of the Board should invariably be taken before disposing off such conveyances.
12.6 Conveyances may be sold by public auction e-auction cum tender or may be
appropriated to department. If they cannot be sold in such manner, then through NCCF.
************
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CHAPTER- 13
13.1.1 Drug formulations ordinarily fall in two categories. The first category consists of such
drug formulations which are labeled in accordance with the provisions of the Drugs and
Cosmetics Act and Rules framed thereunder. If the samples drawn from the seized/confiscated
consignments of such formulations are found to be of standard quality the goods may be
released for use in hospitals only.
13.1.2 The second category consists of formulations which are not labeled in accordance with
the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and Rules made thereunder. The Drugs
Controller (India) has opined that such formulations would be deemed to be “misbranded”
drugs under this Act . Further, it would ordinarily not be possible to re-label such products as
the information to be given on the label would have to be provided by the manufacturer. He
has, therefore, advised that such seized/confiscated drug formulations falling in the category
of ‘misbranded’ drugs and should be destroyed.
13.1.3 Therefore, the State Drug Controllers/ Zonal and Port Officers of the Drug Controller
(India) should invariably be consulted as above in the case of seized/ confiscated drug
formulations and action to release them to hospitals or to destroy as the case may be, should
be taken only on the advice given by these authorities.
Following directions have been given by Drug Controller of India, New Delhi to all
Zonal officers and Drugs Controllers vide letter No. X-11038/50/80-D dated 09.12.1980
regarding procedure to be followed in this respect:
13.2.1 Whenever a request is received from Customs or Excise authorities for advice on the
disposal of confiscated drugs, a Drug Inspector may be deputed to inspect the consignment to
see whether the containers of the drug are damaged so as to affect the quality of the drug and
whether the containers are labeled with the essential particulars such as the name of the drug,
name of the manufacturer, date of the manufacture and date of expiry incase of drugs having
a limited life period.
13.2.2 If on inspection, the Drug Inspector reports that the containers are damaged so as to
affect the quality of the product or the containers do not bear the essential particulars on the
label then the consignment of drug concerned should not be recommended to be disposed off
by public auction.
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13.2.3 If the containers of the drug are found to be intact and not damaged and they are also
labeled with necessary particulars then representative samples may be drawn and got tested.
13.2.4 If these samples are reported to not of standard quality, then the drugs in question
should not be recommended to be disposed off by public auction.
13.2.5 If the samples are reported to be of standard quality then the drugs in question may be
recommended to be sold by public auction. The authorities requisitioning the drugs should be
licensed and the drugs permitted to be sold only to manufacturers holding valid manufacturing
licenses under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.
13.2.6 The procedure outlines above would be applicable only to “bulk drugs” seized by the
Customs/Excise Authorities. Confiscated formulations should not be allowed to be sold by
auction.
*************
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CHAPTER- 14
FIRE ARMS
14.1.1 The policy guidelines for the disposal of confiscated fire arms are as under:
(i) Disposal of warlike stores and their components etc: Details of all confiscated
warlike stores, i.e. Missiles, Weapons of Mass Destruction, grenades, rockets
launchers, mines, night vision devices, HHGs & MMGs, etc., and their
components and such other stores of similar nature shall be intimated to the
Ministry of Defence for obtaining disposal instructions.
(ii) Disposal of Prohibited fire arms and Prohibited bore fire arms: Details of
certain selected types of confiscated automatic fire arms e.g. 7.62mm SLRs,
AK-47 rifles, 7.62mm LMGs, 9mm carbine, etc., and their ammunitions after
taking care of the Departmental requirements, be intimated to the Ministry
of Home Affairs for reallocation to units of Army/CPMF/ State Police Forces
involved in CI Operation as per orders of MHA (Provisioning Branch).
(iii) The Service pattern and other prohibited bore fire arms: Details of all
confiscated service pattern and other prohibited bore fire arms and their
ammunition which are classifiable under categories 1(b) 1(c) of Schedule I of
the Arms Rules, 1962 which shall, inter-alia, include all semi-automatic and
other fire arms of the type in use of the Armed Forces or Central Para
Military Forces / Police Forces or the State Police Forces shall after taking
care of the Departmental requirement be intimated to Ministry of Home
Affairs (Provisioning Branch), Government of India for disposal instructions
in revised proforma I annexed.
(i) The pricing of non-prohibited bore weapons allotted to MPs will be made on the
basis of the prevailing CIF prices of the similar weapons for import into India plus the
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Customs Duty leviable i.e. (a 150% Ad-valorem plus 10% of the CIF cum-duty prices, as
illustrated below (Sales Tax as applicable will be chargeable on this price in addition).
illustration: Suppose the C.I.F. price of a particular model of a NPB weapons is Rs.
8,000/-. The Sale price of the said weapons shall be fixed /determined as under:
(ii) Though normally no regular imports of weapons are permitted, but occasional
release of the weapons to returning Indian diplomats, etc. on transfer of residence is
permitted and the prices for duty purposes are being determined. These prices could
be made use of for determining the likely CIF prices of identical / similar models of
weapons of same manufacturer.
(iii) Wherever prices of particular models of weapons for sale by the Department to
MPs/V1Ps are not easily forthcoming, the latest available price lists, as available on
INTERNET could be taken into account. As these prices in the country of sale are
generally inclusive of all taxes & incidentals, etc., an average deduction of 33% could
be given over these prices for notionally arriving at the CIF prices for the particular
models (or somewhat nearest comparable / similar models) for import into India.
(a) Board vide F.No.711/54/86-Cus(AS) dated 30.10.1987 has discontinued the sale
of confiscated non prohibited bore weapons to officers and introduced a scheme for
loaning of weapons. It has been decided that :
(i) A remark in red ink should be affixed in the Service Book of the officer
concerned to the effect that ___________ bore Revolver / Pistol of make
_________ bearing number_________ has been loaned to the officer,
(ii) This remark should be attested by the Head of the department.
(iii) The Officer should give an undertaking in the proforma given at ANNEXURE A
given below. This undertaking should be kept in the custody of the
controlling head of department of the officer concerned.
(iv) A copy of the undertaking should be forwarded to the DPO (now Directorate
of Logistics) for record.
(v) The Directorate of Logistics should maintain a register which should clearly
indicate the names of the officer to whom the weapon has been loaned, the
date of superannuation of the officer and the make model and the number
of weapon. A yearly review of the register should be done by the Directorate
of Logistics to ensure that in all cases where the officers have retired or left
the department, during the period of the review, the weapons have been
resumed and taken back into stock.
(vi) As and when weapons are returned, the second copy of the undertaking kept
in the service record should be cancelled by the Head of Department
concerned under intimation to the Directorate of Logistics. Suitable entries
should be made in the Service Book of the officer concerned regarding the
resumption of weapons and cancellation of the undertaking given by the
officer. The Directorate of Logistics should, on receipt of this intimation
enter the fact of resumption in the register maintained by it and cancel the
original undertaking.
(vii) During their tours, the officers of Directorate of Logistics should inspect the
Commissionerate record of the weapons loaned out and satisfy themselves
that in all cases where the loanee officers have retired/left the department,
the weapons loaned to them have been resumed.
(viii) Where a loanee officer has been transferred out of the Commissionerate
the undertaking given by him should be transferred to his new
Commissionerate along with the service records.
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PROFORMA - I
STATE/UT_____________
MONTH______________
YEAR_________________
STATEMENT SHOWING STOCKS OF CONFISCATED/ FORFEITED SERVICE PATTERN AND PROHIBTED BORE ARMS
S.N. Description Calibre Whether the Indicate if Opening Stock Total Stock Balance as Remarks.
of the weapon is the Stock added transferred on last day Indicate if
weapon free from weapon is during the to CPO/ of the this
encumbrances serviceable Month State Police Month weapon is
or orders of or during the required by
competent otherwise Month, if State Police
Court for its any for its use
use has been and state
obtained the
number
required
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
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ANNEXURE A
The Schedule
Description of weapon
Maker’s Name
Description
Sl. Number
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the Mortgaging or/Borrower has hereunto set his hand and Shri
___________________ for and on behalf of the President of India has hereunto set his hand.
___________________
in the presence of
1.____________________________
2. ____________________________ _________________________
___________________________
1.____________________________
2. ___________________________
(Signature of Witnesses)
_________________________
The following course of action may be taken in each case of reported loss of weapon
which is allotted to the Departmental officers:
(i) If a confiscated weapon leased to a departmental officers is lost for any reason, its
replacement cost will be recovered from him immediately, i.e. regardless of any
departmental action, at the rate fixed by Customs department for sale of such weapon
to MPs/VIPs etc.
(ii) A departmental inquiry may be conducted against officer, preferably after
obtaining a report from the police regarding their inquiry under the Arms Act. In case
the police inquiry points towards negligence or serious lapse or fraud on the part of
the officer, a fine equivalent to the replacement cost of the lost weapon may be
imposed on the officer in addition to imposition of any other fine/penalty/punishment
as may be contemplated under CCS(CCA) Conduct Rules, 1965.
In addition to various existing modes of disposal of arms and ammunition, Govt have
decided that hence forth arms and ammunition of the description given below should first be
offered to the National Security Guard (N.S.G.). The Director General/Inspector General,
National Security Guard, Ministry of Home Affairs, East Block-5, R.K. Puram,’ Delhi-110066
should directly be informed immediately after the following weapons or any unusual arms are
seized, under intimation to this Ministry:
a. 9MM SMG
b. 9MM Pistols.
c. 12 Bore (Automatic)
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d. AK 47 Rifles.
e. Senior Rifles (Bolt Action) (7.62/5.56) Calibre
f. Self Loading Rifle (7.6215.56) Calibre.
g. G.III NATO Rifle (7.62/5.56) Calibre.
h. Hand Fired portable Rocket Launches (Any Calibre)
The National Security Guard authorities would thereafter inspect and select the
weapons for their use which would be earmarked and given to them after adjudication
proceedings, etc. are over. The rest of the weapons and ammunition should be disposed of in
accordance the approved manner of disposal of fire-mms and ammunition. The value of the
weapons selected by the National Security Guard will be determined by the Pricing Committee
on the basis of the prices fixed by the Ordnance Factories for similar type of weapons
manufacture in India
14.5.1 As disposal of seized fire arms which are obsolete / obsolescent is required to be done
by the concerned offices in an effective manner and to avoid unnecessary piling up of weapons
in Government armories, the disposal of aforesaid categories of arms and ammunition shall be
regulated in the manner indicated in the following paragraphs:
(a) First & foremost the obsolete fire arms are required to be condemned. For this
purpose the procedure prescribed by the Army towards condemnation/declaring
serviceability of the fire arms, being presently followed by some of the Central Para-
Military Forces, may be adopted. A gist of such procedure, prescribed by Ministry of
Home Affairs vide no.V-11020/14/96-ARMS (PB) and V-11020/7/97-Arms (PB) both
dated 16.10.2001, presently being followed in CRPF is given below:
damage / condition of the weapon in the proforma prescribed for this purpose.
2. As per existing rules and regulations, technical inspection of arms is made once
in a year by our AIA. During the inspection, if a weapon is found damaged, the
AIA sentence the weapon as repairable or unserviceable considering its condition.
If an arm is sentenced unserviceable not due to fair wear and tear, the AIA
suggest the concerned head of office to conduct a COI for investigating the
circumstances under which the fire arms got damaged. During the technical
inspection, the AIA follows the gauging limits / standards as prescribed for
declaring the weapon unserviceable. Further in case of arm damaged due to
unfair wear and tear, the AIA is supposed to give his recommendation considering
the extent of damage and the cause of the weapon as per existing rules.”
Deputy Commissioner. The wooden butts can be broken and the metal part of the
weapons can be destroyed by putting in furnaces after ensuring that there is no
explosive material inside.
(c) A record of weapons destroyed/defaced/mutilated should be maintained in the
following proforma:
(i) Full nomenclature of weapon specifies caliber and type of weapons i.e.
revolver, pistol, shot Gun, rifle, stem carbine, etc.
(ii) Registered number and manufacturers particulars (i.e. firm name, country of
origin, country made, etc.)
(iii) Reasons for confiscation/surrender giving full details of Owner, if any.
(iv) Reasons/ authority for destruction giving reference of Competent authorities
giving orders for destruction.
(v) Details
(vi) Any other remarks, if any.
1.
2.
3.
Date: ______________
Place: ______________
(Issued vide: F.No.441/28/DPO(AS)88/Pt. DPO, Customs & Central Excise, New Delhi
dated 13.10.1989)
***********
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CHAPTER -15
NARCOTICS
15. It has been noticed that different investigating officers of various enforcement
agencies adopt different procedures in drawing samples from seized narcotic drugs and
psychotropic substances, particularly with regard to the number of samples drawn, quantity of
sample , method of sealing, mode of packing, dispatch of samples, etc., to the laboratory
concerned for testing purposes. It has also been found that handling of samples of different
stages and places may also become an issue at dispute during the trial and hence, a clear and
uniform procedure is necessary to avoid any doubt or confusion at any level. With a view to
bring uniformity in approach in such matters, and also to provide for secure system of
handling of drug samples and disposal of seized drugs, the procedure with regard to drawing,
forwarding and testing of samples and final disposal of the drugs has been standardized as
outlined in the Standing Order No. 1/89 dated 13.6.89 issued by the Ministry under section
52A(1) of the NDPS Act, 1985 read with NCB standing orders 1/88 and 2/88 latter dated
11.04.88 may be followed.
15.1 The Government of India has, by issue of Notification in F.No. 664/23/89-Opium dated
the 29th May, 1989 (SO. No. 38 1(E) published in the Gazette of India (Extraordinary), has
specified the following narcotic drugs and psychotropic substance, which shall, as soon as after
their seizure, be disposed off, having regard to their hazardous nature, vulnerability to theft,
substitution and constraints of proper storage space:
15.2 Most of the narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances cannot be conclusively proved
to be such drugs or substances merely by visual examination in the trial Court and they require
to be proved by chemical analysis to be conducted by chemists authorized under section 293
of Cr. P.C. 1973. Government of India vide notification No. 74 F.No.50/53/76-Ad.II dated 17th
July 1976 as amended vide notification dated 2nd February 1977 have declared chemists of
different grades working in Central Revenues Control Laboratories as Chemists to Government
for the purpose of section 293 of Cr.P.C.
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15.3 As regards to materials, apparatus, utensils, any other articles or conveyances seized
along with Narcotic Drugs or Psychotropic Substances, or in respect of which any offence
punishable under Chapter IV of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985,
they shall be dealt as per the provisions of the section 451 of the Criminal procedure, which is
reproduced below:
“451. Order for custody and disposal of property pending trial in certain cases:
When any property is produced before any criminal court during any enquiry or
trial, the court may be take such order it thinks fit for the proper custody of such
property pending, the conclusion of the enquiry or trial, and, if the property is subject
to speedy natural decay, or if it is otherwise expedient so to do, the court may after
recording such evidence as it thinks necessary, order it to be sold or otherwise disposed
off.
Explanation: For the purpose of this section” property includes-
(a) Property of any kind or document which is produces before the count or
which is in its custody.
(b) Any property regarding which an offence appears to have been committed
or which appears to have been used for the commission of any offenses.”
15.4 Para 5.23 of the Opium Manual Volume III prohibits use of contraband opium with
amorphine strength of less than 6% for the manufacture of alkaloids by the Opium Chemist
and hence the cost is nil and should be destroyed by following the procedure prescribed under
Standing Order 1/89 dated 13.06.89.
15.5 Disposal /destruction of seized drugs and compliance of Supreme Court Order-
Instructions;
Hon’ble Supreme Court in its order dated 11.04.12 in the case of UOI vs Mohanlal and
Anr held that the hazardous nature of the substance seized in large quantities all over the
country must not be let loose on the society because of human failure or failure of the system
that is purported to have been put in place. Since the NDPS Act provides for pretrial disposal of
drugs (Sec 52A of NDPS Act) the post trial disposal can also be done following the Court order.
Accordingly, Ministry vide F.No.591/06/2012-Cus(AS) dated 07.08.2013 instructed:
i. Chief Commissioners to look into the matter personally and to ensure all out efforts
are made for disposal of narcotics and drugs lying in Customs Malkhanas/ Godowns
and pre trial disposal applications are filed for issuance of order for disposal, either
by way of destruction or disposal through designated authorities, from the courts.
ii. Wherever, the cases attained finality and the contraband seized that are not
destroyed, the same shall be disposed of as per guidelines expeditiously.
iii. The officers dealing with NDPS cases may be asked to draw attention of the
concerned Magistrates of the courts to the above Supreme Courts orders while
seeking orders for pretrial disposal.
iv. All jurisdictional Commissioners should chalk out time table for ensuring disposal of
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narcotic and drugs lying in stock and ensure that the same is disposed off/
destroyed in a time bound manner at the earliest possible following the prescribed
procedure.
v. Commissioner, Directorate of Logistics shall monitor the progress of
disposal/destruction of narcotics drugs by the field formations and keep track of the
records periodically by seeking reports from the field formations.
vi. A consolidated report on details of disposal of contraband seized under NDPS Act
1985 quarterly of the financial year shall be submitted to the Board by 15th day for
the proceeding quarter.
Now, therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) of section 52a of
the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (61 of 1985), (hereinafter referred to
as ‘the Act’), the Central Government hereby determines that the drugs specified in the
aforesaid Notification shall be disposed off in the following manner, namely:
2.1 All the drugs shall be properly classified, carefully, weighed and samples on the spot of
seizure.
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Drawal of samples
2.2 All the packages/containers shall be serially numbered and kept in lots for sampling.
Samples form the narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances seized, shall be drawn on the
spot of recovery, in duplicate, in the presence of search witness (Panchas) and the person from
whose possession the drug is recovered, and a mention to this effect should invariably be made
in the panchanama.
Quantity to be drawn for the sampling:
2.3 The quantity to be drawn in each sample for chemical test shall not be less than 5
grams in respect of all narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances save in cases of opium,
ganja and charas (hasish) where a quantity of 24 grams in each case is required for chemical
test. The same quantities shall be taken for the duplicate sample also. The seized drugs in the
packages /containers shall be well mixed to make it homogeneous and representative before
the sample (in duplicate) is drawn.
Method of drawal:
Single container/package
2.4 In the case of Seizure of a single package/container, one sample (in duplicate) shall be
drawn. Normally, it is advisable to draw one sample (in duplicate) from each
package/container in case of seizure of more than one package/container in case of seizure of
more than one package/container.
2.5 However, when the packages/containers seized together are of identical size and
weight, bearing identical markings and the content of each package given identical results on
color test by the drug identification kit, conclusively indicating that the packages are identical
in all respects the packages/containers may be carefully bunched in lots of 10
packages/containers/except in the case of ganja and hashish (charas), where it may be
bunched in lots of 40 such packages/containers. For each such lot of packages/containers, one
sample (in duplicate) may be drawn.
Bunching for
2.6 Where after making such lots, in the case of hashish and ganja, less than 20
packages/containers remain, and in the case of other drugs, less than 5 packages/containers
remain, no bunching will be necessary and no samples need be drawn.
2.7 If such remainders are more in the case of other drugs and substances and 20 or more
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in the case of ganja and hashish, one more sample (in duplicate) may be drawn for such a
reminder package /container.
2.8 While drawing one sample (in duplicate) from a particular lot, it must be ensured that
representative sample are in equal quantity is taken from a package/container of that lot and
mixed together to make a composite whole from which the samples are drawn for that lot.
2.9 The sample in duplicate should be kept in heat sealed plastic bags as it is convenient and
safe. The plastic bag container should be kept in a paper envelope which may be sealed
properly. Such sealed envelope may be marked as original and duplicate. Both the envelope
should bear the S.No. of the package(s)/ containers from which the sample has been drawn.
The duplicate envelope containing the sample will also have a reference of the test memo. The
seals should be legible. This envelope which should also be sealed and marked ‘secret-drug
sample/ Test memo’ to be sent to the chemical laboratory concerned.
2.10 The Seizing officers of the Central Government Departments, viz., Customs. Central
Excise, Central Bureau of Narcotics, Narcotics Control Bureau, Directorate of Revenue
Intelligence etc. should dispatch samples of the seized drugs to one of the Laboratories of the
Central Revenues Control Laboratory nearest to their office depending upon the availability of
test facilities.
Preparation of inventory:
2.11 After sampling, detailed inventory of such packages /containers shall be prepared for
being enclosed to the panchanama Original wrappers shall also be preserved for evidentiary
purposes.
3.1 All drugs invariably be stored in safes and vaults provided with double-locking system.
Agencies of the Central and State Governments may specifically designate their godowns for
storage purposes. The godowns should be selected keeping in view their security angle,
juxtaposition to courts etc.
3.2 Such godowns, as a matter of rule, shall be placed under the over-all supervision and
charge of a Ga2etted officer of the respective enforcement agency who shall exercise utmost
care, circumspection and personal supervision as far as possible. Each seizing officer shall
deposit the drugs fully packed and sealed in the godown within 48 hours of such seizure, with a
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forwarding memo indicating NDPS Crime No. as per Crime and Prosecution (C & P Register)
under the new law, name of the accused reference of test memo, description of the drugs, total
no. of packages/containers, etc.
Acknowledgement to be obtained
3.3 The seizing officer, after obtaining an acknowledgement for such deposit in the format
(Annexure- 1) shall hand over such acknowledgement to the Investigating officer of the case
along with the case dossiers for further proceedings.
3.4 The Officer-in-charge of the godown, before accepting the deposit of drugs shall ensure
that the same are properly packed and sealed. He shall also arrange the package/containers
(case-wise and lot-wise) for quick retrieval, etc.
3.5 The godown-in-charge is required to maintain register wherein entries of receipt should
be made as per format at Annexure-II
3.6 It shall be incumbent upon the Inspecting officers of the various Departments
mentioned at Annexure II to make frequent visits to the godown for ensuring adequate security
and safety and for taking measures for timely disposal of drugs. The Inspecting Officers should
record their remarks/observations against Col. 15 of the Format at Annexure II.
3.7 The Heads of the respective enforcement agencies(both Central and State
Governments) may prescribe such periodical reports and returns, as they may deem fit, to
monitor the safe receipt, deposit, storage, accounting and disposal of seized drugs.
3.8 Since the early disposal of drugs assumes utmost consideration and importance, the
enforcement agencies may obtain orders for pre-trial disposal of drugs and other articles
(including conveyance, if any) by having recourse to the provisions of subsection (2) of section
52A of the Act.
SECTION IV-ACTION TO BE TAKEN BY POLICE AND OTHER EMPOWERED OFFICERS FOR PRE-
TRIAL DISPOSAL
4.0 Where any narcotic drug or psychotropic substance has been seized and forwarded the
officer- in- charge of the nearest police station or to the officer empowered under Section 53,
103
the officer, referred to in paragraph No.3.3 of the order shall prepare an inventory of such
narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances containing arch details relating to their description,
quality, quantity, mode of packing, marks, numbers or such other identifying particulars of the
narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances or the packing in which they are packed, Country of
origin and such other particulars as may be considered relevant to the identity of the aforesaid
drugs in any proceedings under the Act and make an application to any Magistrate for the
purpose of -
4.1 Where an application is made under sub-section (2) of section 52A of the Act, the
Magistrate shall, as soon as may be, allow the application.
Courts to treat documents and list of samples certified by Magistrate as’ primary Evidence’
4.2 The Officer-in-charge of the godown, before accepting the deposit of drugs shall
Notwithstanding anything contained in the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 (1 of 1872) or the Code of
Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), every court trying an offence under this Act, shall treat
the inventory, the photographs, or narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances and any list of
samples drawn under sub-section (2) ibid and certified by the Magistrate, as primary evidence
in respect of such offence.
4.3 While preferring an application under section 52 A to any magistrate, emphasis may be
laid on ‘expediency of disposal’. The grounds that may be highlighted may pertain to-
4.4 Since the filing of charge-sheet /compliant is a condition precedent expeditious issue of
orders for pre-trial disposal , complaints by the respective enforcement agencies must be filed
after completion of investigation with in stipulated period of 90 days of seizure/arrest, on a
104
4.5 While moving the application under sub-section (2) of section 52 A of the A as above,
production of all seized articles/drugs, etc. along with the Panchnama (in original) and detailed
inventory thereof is essential. The inventory shall be complete in all respects and contain such
particulars, as may be relevant to establish nexus/identity articles. The chemical analysis report
should also be simultaneously filed.
4.6 After the court orders are passed for pretrial disposal of drugs, those drug which have
no legitimate value (expecting opium, morphine, codeine and the baine, which are required to
be transferred to the Government Opium and Alkaloid Works Undertaking at Ghazipur or
Neemuch, as the case may be) are required to be destroyed consistent with the with the
guidelines issued under this order and not repugnant to the court’s order.
4.7 As bulk of seizures of drugs relate to illicit import or export and are made at the points of
entry or exit or in transit traffic, such drugs are liable to seizure under section 110 of the
Customs Act, 1962 and confiscation under sections 111 or 113 ibid. In such cases, it would be
appropriate to initiate proceeding under the Customs Act also.
5.1 A three Member Committee of the respective enforcement agencies (both Central and
State), known as the “Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Disposal Committee”
should be constituted to discharge its functions from the Headquarters of the respective Heads
of the Department. The Committee will be headed by an officer not below the rank of Deputy
Commissioner of Customs and Central Excise with two Members of the rank of Assistant
Commissioner of Customs and Central Excise in case of a Customs and Central Excise
Commissionerate.
Functions:
5.3 The committee shall meet, as frequently as possible, as may be considered necessary
for quick disposal of drugs and at least once in two months. While the Central agencies shall
endorse a copy of the minutes of such meetings directly to the Narcotics Control Bureau, the
State Enforcement Agencies concerned shall report the same to their respective State Police
Headquarters (CID), who, in turn, may keep the Narcotics Control Bureau informed of the
progress made from time to time.
5.4 The Officers-in-charge of godowns shall prepare a list of all such drugs that have
become ripe for disposal to the Chairman of the respective drug disposal committee. After
examining that they are fit for disposal and satisfying that they are no longer required for legal
proceedings and the approval of the court has been obtained for the purpose, the Members of
the respective drug disposal committee shall endorse necessary certificates to this effect. The
Committee shall thereafter, physically examine and verify the drug consignments with
reference to the seizure report and other documents like chemical analysis, etc., including its
weighment and record its findings in each case.
5.5 The composite sample shall be drawn for getting the same tested by the Central
Revenue Control Laboratory or the State Forensic Science Laboratory/State Drugs Control
Laboratory concerned. If no variation, either in purity or quantity is found the same shall be
ordered for destruction by the Department. Where any minor variations are noticed, a detailed
report may be submitted to the Head of Department of the enforcement agency concerned. In
the case of wider variations, the matter shall be immediately reported to the Narcotics Control
Bureau indicating the follow-up action taken in this regard. The destructions of drugs in such
cases can be done only after obtaining the orders of the Head of the Department concerned.
5.6 The committee shall be empowered to order destruction of the seized drugs in the
following cases:
2. Hashish (Charas) 50
3. Hashish Oil 10
4. Ganja 500
5. Cocaine 1
6. Mandrax 150
7. Other drugs Upto value of Rs.5 lacs
5.7 The disposal Committee shall intimate the Head of the Department concerned the
program of destruction (giving complete details) in advance (at least 15 days before the date of
destruction) so that, in case he deems fit, he may either himself conduct surprise checks. The
disposal Committee shall inform the respective Heads of Department in respect of every
destruction made by it indicating the date of destruction, quantities destroyed, etc.
5.8 In those cases where the quantities exceed the above limits, destruction shall be
ordered and take place only under the supervision by the Head of the Department himself
alongwith the Chairman and Members of the Drug Disposal Committee.
5.9 All drugs excepting opium, morphine, codeine and the baine shall be destroyed by
incineration in such places where adequate facilities and security arrangements exist for the
same after ensuring that this may not be a health hazard from the point of view of pollution.
Open destruction of such drugs may also be resorted to, wherever considered feasible and
necessary, after due publicity to gain the confidence of public, wide publicity, in such cases
would be consequential.
Certificate of destruction
6. A certificate of destruction (in triplicate (Annexure III) containing all the relevant data
like godown entry, no., file No., gross and net weight of the drugs seized etc. shall be prepared
and duly endorsed by the signature of the Chairman as well as Members of the Committee. This
could also serve the purpose of panchanama. The original copy shall be posted in the godown
register after making necessary entries to this effect, the duplicate to be retained in the seizure
case file and the triplicate copy will be kept by the Disposal Committee.
6.1 The procedure outlined above should be followed by all Central and State enforcement
agencies concerned. Other goods (including conveyance), ripe for disposal may be disposed off
by public auction or in such manner as is deemed convenient in the best interests of the
Government.
107
ANNEXURE 1
(Para 3.4)
GODOWN RECEIPT
Place:
Date:
Time:
ANNEXURE-II
(Para 3.6)
Inspecting Officers: In the case of Central Enforcement Agency: (1) D.G.NCS, (2) Dy. D.G.NCB,
(3) Narcotics Commissioner of India, (4) Dy. Narcotics Commissioners, (5) D.G. BSF, (6) Dy D.G.
BSF, (7) Sr. Officers of CBI, (8) Principal Commissioner, Customs & Central Excise, (9)
Commissioner, Customs & Central Excise, (10) Assistant Commissioner of Customs & Central
Excise.
In the case of State Enforcement agencies : (1) D.G. of Police, (2) I.G. of Police, (3) Dy. I.G.P., (4)
Superintendent of Police, (5) State Excise Commissioners, (6) Dy. Excise Commissioners, (7)
Superintendent of Excise and equivalent officer of State Government in the authorized
department.
IN TRIPLICATE
CERTIFICATE OF DESTRUCTION OF NARCOTIC DRUGS AND PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCES
(PARA 9, 10 OF THE STANDING ORDER NO. /88) - DETAILS OF DRUGS AND SUBSTANCES
DESTROYED
CHAPTER-16
(i) Sale through Army canteen/CSD: It is reiterated that the requirements of Army
authorities/Military Canteens/Canteen Stores Department (CSD) for purchase of
confiscated/seized goods may be allowed since they provide consumer goods of high
quality to the troops wherever they are situated. The earlier instructions dated 10.2.64
issued in this regard, provide that confiscated goods, as much as can conveniently be
made available, after meeting the earlier demands of Army authorities/Military
Canteens/CSD and/or the consumer's cooperative stores, are to be offered to the
Central Government Employees Consumer Cooperative Society Ltd.
(ii) Sale through NCCF/KB/Consumer Cooperatives: Any lot of confiscated/seized
consumer goods of value not exceeding Rs. Five lakhs which are ripe for disposal shall
be offered to NCCF/KB/Other Central Government Employees Consumer Cooperative
Society/Multi-State Consumer Cooperative Societies/ State Consumer Cooperatives,
subject to prescribed conditions. Most of these conditions had been prescribed in
various instructions of the Board issued earlier and have been reiterated here:
(a) They should be functional for at least 10 preceding years and should submit
Income-Tax returns and VAT/ST returns showing their activities in sale of
goods to the consumers and that appropriate taxes have been duly paid and
relevant laws/rules and regulations are complied with.
(b) Only those Co-operative Societies or National/State level Cooperative
Federations that are duly verified and certified as genuine, every year by an
officer not below the rank of AC/DC, and those that have been duly
registered under Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002 or concerned
State Cooperatives Act, should be permitted to purchase the
confiscated/seized goods. The genuineness of co-operative societies/
federation may also be verified through concerned Commissionerates or
other field formations of this department, wherever required.
(c) They should be obliged to sell such seized/confiscated goods directly to
bonafide consumers.
(d) No pick and choose of items would be allowed.
(e) Seized/confiscated consumer goods shall be offered on first come first
served basis.
(f) Any lot of confiscated/seized consumer goods of value exceeding Rs. Five
lakhs shall not be sold directly to the aforesaid cooperative
societies/federation and shall be sold by E-auction or auction-cum-tender
basis.
110
(g) Complete accounts may be called for scrutiny by the department as and
when necessary, to ensure that the seized/confiscated goods, which are
sensitive to smuggling are not misused; or to verify that their disposal has
not been made to a single party/ individual; or to ensure that sale has not
been made to any persons where in purchase vouchers etc. had been
misused by unscrupulous elements in legitimizing smuggling.
(iii) Sale through e-auction/auction cum tender: In respect of confiscated/seized
goods of all types and confiscated/seized consumer goods exceeding value of Rs. Five
lakhs in single lot, may be disposed through e-auction or auction-cum-tender, since it
offers enhanced transparency and accountability for quick disposal of goods. In such e-
auction or auction-cum-tender process, all persons including NCCF, KB, other CG
employee's consumer cooperatives, Multi-State/State cooperatives or National/State
level Cooperative Federations can also participate. If the NCCF/KB/other Consumer
Cooperative societies are found to be successful bidder, then the goods may be sold to
them with the eligible rebate/discount as prescribed, subject to fulfillment of other
conditions of e-auction/auction-cum-tender. Instructions for use of E-auction or
auction-cum-tender have already been prescribed vide Board's Circular No.50/2005-
Customs dated 1.12.2005 and No.12/2006-Customs dated 20.2.2006.
CVC has been emphasizing on e-commerce/e-procurement/e-sales for enhancing
transparency, giving equal opportunities to all. Accordingly, CVC vide Office Order
No.46/9/03 dated 11th September 2003 (No.98/ORD/1) has stated that the
departments/organizations may themselves decide on e-procurement/reverse auction
for purchases or sales and work out the detailed procedure in this regard. It has,
however, to be ensured that the entire process is conducted in a transparent and fair
manner.
Board had earlier appointed a Task Force to examine the various issues arising out
of the audit review, and to suggest effective measures to put in place a permanent
mechanism for expeditious disposal of cargo including confiscated/seized goods. Based
on the recommendations of a Task Force, Board had streamlined the procedure for
disposal of goods which inter-alia include its approval for setting up of a centralized e-
auction portal by engaging the services of M/s. MSTC Ltd. Mumbai, a PSU under the
Ministry of Steel. This e-auction procedure had been in force for quite some time and it
had facilitated expeditious disposal of goods by the field formations. Detailed
instructions and guidelines on this procedure are already available in MSTC website,
which specifically hosts e-auctions for Customs and Central Excise department
regularly. It is hereby reiterated that E-auction or auction-cum-tender prescribed vide
Board's Circular No.50/2005-Customs dated 1.12.2005 and No.12/2006-Customs
dated 20.2.2006 may continue to be utilised in respect of confiscated/seized goods.
(Issued vide F. No. 711/01/2006-Cus.(AS)/Pt.)
16.2 Foodstuffs seized under The Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954
16.2.1 In respect of the following articles of food, import is prohibited under Section 5 of The
Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954. -
(iii) any article of food for the import of which a license is prescribed, except in
accordance with the conditions of the license, and;
(iv) any article of food in contravention of any other provision of this Act or of any
rule made there under.
16.2.2 The following procedure may be followed for disposal of goods seized under The
Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954: -
(a) In respect of small consignments comprising of goods unfit for consumption, their
goods should be destroyed after confiscation.
(b) In case of other consignments, the detention/seizure may be reported to the
Director, Central Food Laboratory for his opinion whether the consignment is
unfit for human consumption. If the Director is of the opinion that the
consignment is unfit for human consumption, the same should be confiscated
and destroyed. If the consignment is reported to be misbranded, the party may
be permitted to pay the fine in lieu of confiscation of the goods and clear them
after confiscation after suitably re-branding the goods.
(c) In no case should articles, the import of which is prohibited under Section 5 of the
PFA Act, be auctioned.
16.3 Liquor
16.3.1 Liquor may be sold to the Canteen Stores Department (India) or to defence
establishments for sale to defence personnel at price equal to CIF plus duty less 10% as
discount. For sale to ITDC for resale in the duty free shops or for due export subject to making
entry in the stock registers of these shops, no duty may be collected. ITDC is allowed to pay
50% of the cost of liquor at the time of delivery and balance may be paid by them within a
period of 6 months.
16.3.2 Liquor may also be offered for sale to duty free shops run by private organizations at
price equal to CIF less 10% discount. Liquor may also be sold without discount to hotels,
restaurants and clubs having the necessary liquor licenses directly, subject to compliance with
requirement of State Excise Department
16.3.3 If liquor cannot be sold as above, it may be sold to public as retail sale after following
the procedures as per State Excise Law. Only one outlet in a state may be designated by the
Chief Commissioner for the purpose. However, not more than two bottles of liquor / wine or
one crate of beer may be sold per person
I. banned and;
II. regulated
16.5.2 The disposal of these two categories of hazardous waste shall be carried out under the
supervision of the Monitoring Committee constituted vide order No.23-16/96-HSMD-Vol.III
dated 20.11.2003 of Ministry of Environment and Forests, (HSM Division) on Hazardous Waste
Management. Names and constitution of the Monitoring Committee is given in the said letter.
Ministry of Environment and Forests may be contacted on the latest constitution of
Monitoring Committee. The Committee has been empowered to oversee the implementation
of the Hon’ble Supreme Court’s orders on hazardous waste management in the WP No. 657 of
1995. Accordingly:-
(b) Regarding those that are regulated and are permitted for recycling and
reprocessing within the permissible parameters by specified authorized persons
having the requisite facilities vide the rules as amended may be released/ disposed
off or auctioned as per rules to the registered recyclers/ reprocessors. Also before
allowing clearance for recycling and domestic use, clearances should be obtained
from the Monitoring Committee on Hazardous Waste Management.
a) Seized/confiscated cloves and other spices, ripe for disposal should first be
offered to the National Consumer’s Co-operative Federation at the ruling
market price i.e. the price quoted in the Mumbai or Delhi or local Economic
Times or as fixed by the Valuation Committee based on these in other areas
113
(iii) Red sanders also known as Red Sandal Wood, Ruby Wood, sanders Wood
Red Sanders and Sandal Wood are to be disposed by auction / tender through the
State Forest Department. For this purpose the Custodian, after getting disposal
orders from the seizing unit, has to coordinate with the District Forest
Department authorities and then transport them to the designated godown of
the Forest Department under escort by the Preventive Officers. Proper
acknowledgement shall be obtained for the receipt of the Red
Sanders/Sandalwood by the State Forest Department authorities. All these need
to be entered in the Seized Goods Register. Further disposal by the Forest
Authorities shall be closely monitored.
[Based on circular F. No. 10807/3/DLA, dated 15.11.2004]
(c) Snake skins may be first offered to M/s Bharat Leather Corporation for
manufacture of products for export. If they do not take then they should be handed
over to Wild life authorities for destruction.
(d) For wild life trophies, animal parts, products including skins, etc., which are on
the verge of rotting the same should be destroyed by burning after due intimation and
permission of wild life authorities and in their presence and subject to compliance of
other provisions relating to disposal of confiscated goods.
16.10 Antiquities
(i) The Ministry of Scientific Research & Cultural Affairs have set up Expert
Committees at each of the 4 Ports, namely, Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai and Chennai with
a view to giving suitable expert opinion whether art objects are antiquities or not
under the Antiquities (Export) Control Act, 1947. All doubtful cases may be referred to
the Committee for their opinion. Only the cases of articles, which are considered by
the Committee to be antiquities under the Act or where the Committee considers that
the article is not an antiquity but it is not free from doubt need be referred to the
Director General of Archaeology for a final opinion in accordance with the Act.
(ii) All confiscated antiquities when they become ripe for disposal should be handed
over to the Archaeological Survey of India free of charge. It will be the responsibility of
the Archaeological Survey of India to dispose of such antiquities by way of gifts to
different Museums or Institutions, or if necessary, by other means.
(iii) For the purpose of handing over such confiscated antiquities to the
Archaeological Survey of India, the Commissioner will contact the local/regional
Superintending Archaeologists, Archaeological Survey of India, or Deputy
Superintending Archaeologists (Customs) and provide them with a list of confiscated
antiquities ripe for disposal. The Superintending Archaeologists will make their own
arrangements for taking over such antiquities. They will also give a proper receipt to
the Custom House indicating the details of antiquities received.
(iv) The fair price fixed for the confiscated antiquities by the Expert Committee
referred to at (i) above may be taken as the notional sale proceeds for the purpose of
payment of rewards to informers/officers.
Survey of India’s responsibility to look after them with due care to prevent any
deterioration or damage or loss. The Archaeological Survey of India will also be
responsible for releasing such seized antiquities in their custody to the Customs
authorities for inspection or production before the adjudicating authorities or the
Courts, as may be required until the final and formal transfer of the antiquities after
confiscation etc., is affected. It will be the responsibility of the Archaeological Survey of
India to keep, as far as possible, such antiquities at Museums/Institutions situated in
the same town in which the office of the adjudicating officer is located so that those
are easily available for adjudication, etc.
c) May be destroyed if the volume is large and both the organizations refuse to
accept.
116
In order to obviate the difficulties being faced in the disposal of confiscated cigarettes
of foreign origin and to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Rule 3(1) (a) “the
cigarettes and other tobacco product (packaging and labeling) Rules, 2008” it has been decided
that a printed sticker carrying the specified pictorial health warning that tobacco causes cancer
and confirming to the requirement of the above said Rule shall be affixed on each retail
cigarette packet before its disposal . The actual cost of printing/ affixing stickers may be taken
up with IFU for sanction in due course. Where disposal of confiscated cigarettes of foreign
origin is made in bulk to NCCF etc. they shall be directed to affix the stickers before removal of
the cigarettes for sale.
It may also be ensured that the confiscated cigarettes before disposal are certified to
be fit for smoking by Port Health Officer or any other appropriate authority by visual
examination and, if need be, by tests. Cigarettes which are unfit for smoking maybe destroyed
in the presence of Deputy Commissioner in Charge of Disposal.
[F.No.711/07/2003-Cus(AS) dated 10.2.2010]
Precaution may also be taken to comply with the statutory provisions of the Cigarettes
and other Tobacco Products Act, 2003, Cigarettes and other Tobacco products (Prohibition of
Advertisement and Regulation of Trade &Commerce, Production Supply and Distribution) Act,
2003, the Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products (Packaging and Labelling) Amendment
Rules,2009 and Standard Weight& Measures Act.
16.16 Fertilizers
Seized /Confiscated fertilizers may be sold to any public undertaking authorized to import the
same by the Ministry of Fertilizers & Chemicals at the price fixed by the said Ministry currently
subject to such discount also fixed by the Ministry.
accordance to the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural gas instruction No.P-21027/29/2001 dated
21.12.2001 at Sr.No. (4) which stipulates that in the absence of any specific commercial
understanding, the price of the off spec product inclusive all duties and taxes payable by the
refinery would be the refinery gate price (RGP) of furnace oil (180 centi stokes) applicable at
the time of receipt of product at the refinery
i. M/s SRF Ltd., A-16, ArunaAsaf Ali Marg , Qutab Institutional Area, New Delhi
ii. M/s ChemplastSanmar Limited, 8, Cathedral Road, Chennai-600 086.
iii. M/s Gujarat Flurochemicals Limited, A-6, Connaught Place, New Delhi.
iv. M/s Navin Fluorine Industries Ltd., 7 th Floor, Mafatlal Centre, Nariman Point,
Mumbai-86.
v. M/s BOC India Ltd., T-25, MIDC Industrial Area Taloja-410208, Navi Mumbai.
vi. M/s Praxair India Pvt. Ltd., 8, Ulsoor Road Praxair House, Bangalore-560042.
vii. M/s Stallion Enterprises, No.4, Orbit Industrial Estate, Chincholi Bunder Road Extn.,
Off Maland Link Road, Malad (W) Mumbai – 400064.
viii. M/s Refex Refrigerants Limited, 20, Mooker Nallamuthu Street, Chennai- 600001.
Accordingly, seized or confiscated cylinders filled with refrigerant gases viz., CFC-11,
CFC-12, HCFC-22 and other ozone depleting substances as given in Schedule 1 of the Ozone
Depleting Substances (Control & Regulations) Rules, 2000, may be disposed of to one of the
above mentioned eight approved refrigerant filling plants, provided they are specifically
permitted in writing to decant such gases in approved cylinders by the Chief Controller of
Explosives. The intimation to this effect may be given to the Director (Ozone), Ministry of
Environment & Forest, who will ensure that the corresponding quantity is accordingly debited
from the prescribed quota of the concerned manufacturer.
[Circular No20/2009- Cus, Dated: June 19, 2009 vide F. No. 711/44/2007-Cus(AS)]
***********
118
CHAPTER 17
17.1 The Board monitors the disposal of goods by all 34 Chief Commissioner Zones on
monthly basis. All 34 Chief Commissioner zones are required to send their monthly disposal
figures in four prescribed profomas i.e. Annexure III, IIIA , IIIB and IIIC only of the their
Monthly Technical Report- Customs to Directorate of Logistics, Customs & Excise , New Delhi.
17.2 All Chief Commissioner zones must ensure that the requisite monthly disposal report
for the month, in prescribed formats should reach Directorate of logistics by 15 th day of the
following month. The prescribed 4 profomas i.e. Annexure III, IIIA , IIIB and IIIC are given as
Annexures to this chapter for the convenience of all concerned.
*************
119
ANNEXURE - III
Month: ……………………….
PENDENCY OF DISPOSAL OF SEIZED / CONFISCATED / RIPE FOR DISPOSAL OF GOODS (Value in Rs. Lakhs)
ZONE COMMODITIES OPENING Receipt DISPOSAL DURING THE MONTH CLOSING
BALANCE during the BY transfer to Actual disposal by sale Disposal by BALANCE
month confiscation / destruction/ return
ripe goods to party
Quantity Value Quantity Value Quantity Value Quantity Value Value Quantity Value Quantity Value
realised
ANNEXURE IIIA
COMPILATION WORK SHEET FOR DISPOSAL OF REVENUE YIELDING GOODS FOR THE MONTH OF ...........
'(Value Rs.in Crores.)
Sl. NAME OF COMMODITY SEIZED CONFISCATED RIPE FOR DISPOSAL Actual Actual Disposal
No THE CHIEF sale sale done
(NOT RIPE FOR DISPOSAL) (NOT RIPE FOR DISPOSAL) ( BOTH SEIZED/CONFISCATED)
. COMM'TE proceeds proceeds through
Opening Receipt Disposal Closing Opening Receipt Disposal Closing Opening Receipt Disposal Closing during upto the e-
Balance Balance Balance Balance Balance Balance the month auction
month out of
total
disposal
shown in
Col.13
ANNEXURE IIIB
COMPILATION WORK SHEET IN RESPECT OF DISPOSAL OF NON-REVENUE YIELDING GOODS FOR THE MONTH OF ..............
1. Canabis (Ganja,
Hashish etc.) in
kgs.
2. Heroin & other
opiates In kgs.
3. Cocaine in kgs.
Zone
4. Psychoropic
sub. Mandrax etc.
in kgs.
TOTAL
5. Other Goods
e.g. Fake
Currency (Cases)
122
ANNEXURE IIIC
PENDENCY OF UNCLEARED / UNCLAIMED GOODS
Name of the Zone:
MONTH : ...............
(Value Rs. in Crores)
Sl.No Commodity Groups Opening Receipt Disposal Destruction/ Closing Balance Actual value Revenue/ duty realised
Balance return to party realised in disposal
No. of Value No. of Value No. of Value No. of Value No. of Value Through Total Out of Out of
Pkg Pkg Pkg Pkg Pkg E-Auction disposal disposal
value at value at
13(a) 13(b)
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12) 13 (a) 13 (b) 14(a) 14(b)
1 Food & Processed Food
Chemicals, Fertilizers &
2
Pharmaceuticals
3 Rubber and Plastic
Wood Timber and Forest
4
Products
5 Yarn and Textiles
6 Precious Stones / Metals
7 Base Metals
8 Waste and Scrap
9 Machinery
Electronic /
10
Communication goods
Computers and
11
Peripherals
12 Vehicles and vessels
13 Baggage
14 Others
TOTAL
123