Use of digital signature for submission of documents
Guidelines for use of digital signature certificates for submission through remote EDI filing of customs process documents viz. Bill of Entry, Shipping Bill , Import General Manifest (IGM), Export General Manifest (EGM) by importers, exporters, Customs brokers, airlines and their agents, with effect from 01.04.2015.
As per Circular No 10/2015?Customs, dated 31.03.2015, importers registered under Accredited Client Programme (ACP) are mandatorily required to file Bills of Entry with digital signature with effect from 01.05.2015.Wherever the customs process documents are digitally signed, the Customs will not insist on the user to physically sign the said documents.
In order to increase coverage of digitally signed documents and subsequent phasing out of physical /manual submission of documents, Board has decided that all importers, exporters using services of Customs Brokers for formalities under Customs Act, 1962, shipping lines and air lines shall file customs documents under digital signature certificates mandatorily with effect from 01.01.2016. The importers/ exporters desirous of filing Bill of Entry or Shipping Bill individually may however have the option of filing declarations/ documents without using digital signature. Further, wherever the customs process documents are digitally signed, the Customs will not insist on the user to physically sign the said documents.
Circular No. 26/ 2015- Customs Dated 23.10.2015 is given below in pdf format:
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