The Surat Regional Office of The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) hosted an Open House-Cum-Awareness Programme on E-Sanchit with Customs, Surat earlier this week.

The Dy. Commissioner of Customs, Surat Hira Bourse Dr. Prasad Varwantkar provided guidance on E-Sanchit to members and encouraged them to follow the process as mandated by the department. He further said that the department would work towards consistency in reducing the time taken by the process of clearing shipments. He stressed that companies should follow business best practices in foreign trade to avoid any problems in the process. 

Dr Varwantkar also shared details on new initiatives in process like removal of PCA - Concurrent Audit from SHB and simultaneous process of examination with payment of IGST to save time. He said these may take few more months to be implemented. He assured the trade that the department is positive and acting pro-actively to support legitimate businesses and partner them in growth as one of the stakeholders. He called upon the trade to support this by understanding the changing world scenario, trade practices and implementing new rules & regulations.

Dinesh Navadiya, Regional Chairman appreciated the support from the SHB team to resolve many practical issues including delinking of bank guarantee, approval of SNZ Surat, permission to start exports of silver jewellery, support to take up issues of imposition of duty on LG diamonds etc. On behalf of the trade he assured the Customs team of best possible support to implement the new process and increase exports.

Members and CHAs raised their concern regarding delays in exports. Team Customs tried to understand the root cause of the delay and assured the audience that they would soon work out the modalities to reduce time and increase exports. The Dy. Commissioner expressed readiness to increase staff to support exports if required, but said he would take suitable action after reviewing export data over the next few months.

Jilpa Sheth, Regional Director, GJEPC explained the role of PGA and beneficiaries in the context of E-Sanchit and outlined the process to be followed. Members were encouraged to complete their registration with E-Sanchit without any delay and enable PGA to complete the formalities online whereas applicable. She requested the Dy. Commissioner to conduct a meeting of all stakeholders at least once in a quarter to review the progress and discuss areas of improvement for all sides. This suggestion was accepted by the Customs.

Over 45 trade representatives and CHAs were present at the meeting.