Simpler norms for export oriented units

The Central Board of Excise and Customs has introduced several simplified procedures for export oriented units (EOUs), including allowing import of goods without payment of duty on the basis of pre-authenticated procurement certificates to units with physical export turnover of Rs 15 crore and above in the preceding financial year and a clean track record.

Earlier, such procurement certificates issued by the jurisdictional office of Customs and Central Excise were required.

To redress problems regarding delays in declaring a warehousing station, a time-bound requirement has also been put in place.

Under the new procedure, a site verification report has to be given within seven days by the jurisdictional superintendent to his superiors and the entire procedure of verification completed in less than 30 days.

EOUs have also been permitted to obtain duty-free export promotion materials like brochures, literature and pamphlets for a value up to 1.5 per cent of their export turnover during the previous year.

Besides, they can now remove capital goods from their unit for test, repair etc. within the country without Customs and Central Excise Officers' prior permission.

EOUs have also been permitted to effect inter-unit transfer of manufactured goods without prior permission. They only need to give prior intimation to the development commissioner and to the Customs and Central Excise authorities.

Gems and jewellery export units are now allowed to export cut and polished, precious and semi-precious stones for treatment abroad. They can re-import such stones upon payment of duty on the fair cost of treatment and cost of materials used in such treatment.