Customs directs field formations to clear life-saving drug, oxygen equipment imports on the highest priority
24 Apr 2021 13:42:14
New Delhi, April 24 : The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) directed all its field formations to clear consignments of COVID-19 related imported materials and equipment on the highest priority. The move is aimed at ensuring that all imported critical raw materials, life-saving drugs, and others reach the intended beneficiaries within the shortest possible time.
"CBIC has given directions to all its field formations to clear these consignments on the highest priority," the board said in a tweet.
The letter issued by the CBIC read, "Considering the scourge of COVID-19 and surge of cases in the country, it is imperative that import of critical raw materials, life-saving drugs, etc reach the intended users/beneficiaries on time." It directed that the function of the department must be sensitised of the urgency of this matter.
"Hence, it is requested that all customs formations may be sensitised of the urgency of this matter and may be directed to give high priority for customs clearance of import of goods relating to Covid-19 pandemic, including oxygen related equipment, etc," a communication by CBIC to its customs officers said.
Reacting to the customs decision, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal also said in a tweet that in another step towards fighting COVID-19, customs will expedite clearances for import consignments relating to the pandemic to ensure critical equipment and medicine can reach on time.
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