FFFAI’s 4th EC focused on undue practices in Customs affecting trade

The Federation of Freight Forwarders’ Associations in India (FFFAI) held its fourth Executive Committee (EC) Meeting in Mumbai to sensitize the FFFAI members regarding undue practices of authorities concerned as regards to Customs Brokers’ plights of being penalized for a matter without any involvement and responsibilities for the same. The session titled ‘Who will police the police’ was conducted by Sujay Kantawala, who is an eminent lawyer. Welcoming the Special Guest Speaker Sujay Kantawala, Dushyant Mulani, Chairman, FFFAI pondered on the importance of the subject of this session. He pointed out that the CB community often faces undue penalties imposed on them, Show Cause Notices are being issued, harassment and treated on par with exporters or importers for any mistakes done by their customers (importers or exporters).
Kantawala, focused on Customs related issues and especially on misinterpretations of the CBLR/Customs Act by many Customs Officers. He raised the serious concern of accountability of Customs Officers. According to him, Citizen Charters displayed in Customs Offices do not make any sense in view of the ground reality. For example, after five years a CB is not required to maintain any records. However, he still receives Show Cause Notices (SCN) for the same. He also underscored many instances of serving SCNs to CBs for which he was not even remotely involved. He also stated that responsibilities on issues/disputes arising out of self-assessment are equal concerning involvement of a shipper and proper officer who is the final verifying authority on this matter. In his opinion, many times Customs Officers fail to adhere to the Guidelines issued by the CBIC. CBs should not be penalized for any error in this regard. Similarly, concerned Officers should be punished for any incorrect SCN, penalty or revocation of CB license. Mulani concluded the session and informed that FFFAI would make a representation to CBIC to do away with any injustice to the CB community. Attended by more than 100 EC Members across 31 locations in the country, the EC meeting was also addressed by Sagar Kadu, Director Logistics, DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India. The 4th EC meeting also discussed several issues and recommendations regarding Customs, Sea Port, Airport, ICDs etc. At this meeting FFFAI released a LIVE shipment through FIATA e-BL. This marks a significant step in the history of FFFAI in supporting the Government initiatives of Digitization. The FIATA paperless Bill of Lading allows freight forwarders to easily issue a secured e-FBL through a seamless one-click process, thereby removing double data entry.