Integrated Declaration Form for imports to go live from April 1

Importers will have to file just one ‘Integrated Declaration’ electronically from April 1, compared to nine forms currently for clearances of consignments from different government agencies, a move aimed at improving the ease of doing business.

The CBEC has developed the ‘Integrated Declaration’ under which all information required for import clearance by the government agencies has been incorporated into the electronic format of the Bill of Entry.

Customs broker or importer will submit the ‘Integrated Declaration’ electronically to a single entry point -- the Customs Gateway (ICEGATE), the Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC0 said. Integrated Declaration is being tested on the ICEGATE facility and “will go live with effect from April 1,” the apex body responsible for collection of indirect taxes said. The Integrated Declaration replaces nine separate forms that an importer or his broker files with various agencies. These include Customs Bill of Entry, Customs valuation declaration, application for import of livestock products, application for import of pet animals/aquatic/other animals, birds and poultry (chicks), application for quarantine inspection and form for NOC from FSSAI to import food items.