Regulations for the prompt release and disposal of perishable commodities were introduced.
August 20, 2021.
The government has implemented the Perishable Goods Speedy Release and Disposal Regulations 2021 through a notification dated August 8, 2021 (Gazette published August 11, 2021).
According to the laws, assuming everything is in order, the customs clearance process for perishable goods should take no longer than 48 hours. This deadline can be extended with the permission of the concerned commissioner. Any importer, exporter, or their agent may submit a bill of entry to any system within 24 hours if they like.
According to the regulations, each Commissioner in each customs house must organize a special committee of no more than five members to manage perishable commodities in an efficient manner. If an importer fails to release the items within the specified time frame, the special committee will dispose of them at auction or, if that is not practicable, by destruction.
The regulation lists 63 different types of perishable commodities, and the Joint Commissioner or another senior customs official has the authority to label any of them as perishable.
The list includes ivestock, birds and animals, ducks, chicken and poultry, frozen fish, fish fry, yeast, plants and seedlings, mushrooms, fresh flowers, fresh fruits, fresh capsicum, pickles, dried fruits, tea leaves, coffee, betel nut, coconut, ghee, butter oil, molasses, nuts, fertilizers, rawhides, beets, raw rubber, sugar, black salt, common salt, testing salt, milk and dairy products, frozen and processed meats, poultry eggs, chocolate, biscuits, vermicelli, chips,