World Trade Organization Organisation Mondiale du Commerce Organización Mundial del Comercio

Currently only one safeguard measure in respect of N1, 3 dimethyl butyl N'phenylenediamine (PX 13 also known as 6 PPD) is in place for a period of two years w.e.f. 30 8 2011.

Customs Procedures

Singapore 8:

In the WTO Secretariat report (WT/TPR/S/249, page 37, para 10) and India report (WT/TPR/G/249, page 23, para 79), we note that India has concluded 10 Free Trade Agreements. We understand that a preferential Certificate of Origin (that is usually issued by an authorised body from the exporting FTA partner country) needs to be presented at India customs offices together with the goods in order for the preferential tariff to be granted to the importer. As India has numerous customs offices, can India share with us details on how the various authorised specimen signatures received from various FTA partners are being disseminated to the various customs offices and whether are there steps in place to ensure that the various customs offices have the latest list of authorised specimen signatures.

Reply: The hard copies, as also the scanned copies of authorized specimen signatures received from the various FTA partners are promptly circulated to the customs field formations, where import and export of goods take place. As such, the various customs offices have the latest list of authorized specimen signatures.

Singapore 9:

The WTO Secretariat report (WT/TPR/S/249, page 39, para 17) states that the importer may appeal against the "assessment order" if the importer is not satisfied with the assessment by the customs officer. We would like to seek further details on the appeal procedures (other than for valuation appeal) e.g. circular or public website.

Reply: The procedure of appeals is dealt with under Chapter XV of the Customs Act, 1962. Section 128 of the said Act provides for filing an appeal with the Commissioner (Appeals) where the importer is not satisfied with the assessment order passed by an officer of customs lower in rank than the Commissioner (Appeals). The appeal is to be filed within a period of sixty days and extendable by a further period of thirty days on sufficient cause being shown.

Section 128A of the Customs Act, 1962 enjoins the Commissioner (Appeals) to give an opportunity to the appellant to be heard if he so desires. The section further provides that the Commissioner (Appeals) shall pass such order, as he thinks just and proper, confirming, modifying or annulling the decision or order appealed against. The order shall be in writing and shall state the points for determination, the decision thereon and the reasons for the decision. The appeals are required to be heard and decided within a period of six months from the date on which it is filed where it is possible to do so. The details may be viewed at www.cbec.gov.in.