CRCL Module to Forward Test Memos for Testing of Samples to CRCL and other Revenue Laboratories Mandatory from 1 July 2021 Onwards

[CBIC Instruction No. 14/2021-Customs dated 21 June 2021]

Subject: - CRCL Module - Forwarding of samples using electronic Test Memo to CRCL and other Revenue Laboratories - reg.

Kind attention is invited to Board’s to Circular No. 46/2020-Customs dated 15.10.2020, regarding the testing of samples by Central Revenues Control Laboratory (CRCL) and other Revenue Laboratories.

2. As detailed in the said circular, CRCL and other Revenue Laboratories have been upgraded with several new, state of the art equipment, thereby enabling the testing of a wider variety of commodities in lesser time, with greater accuracy. For details, the CRCL brochure available at www.crcl.gov.in may be perused. Eight of these Laboratories, namely, CRCL, New Delhi; CH Laboratory, Kandla; Customs & CX Laboratory, Vadodara; NCH Laboratory, Mumbai; JNCH Laboratory, Nhava Sheva; CH Laboratory, Kochi; CH Laboratory, Chennai; and the CH Laboratory, Vizag, have been accredited by the NABL, as per ISO/IEC 17025:2017 for defined scope of tests. CRCL, New Delhi and Customs & CX Laboratory, Vadodara have also been, recently, recognised as FSSAI labs and are, now, mapped with the FSSAI portal. In locations where FSSAI officers are not posted and customs officers are drawing samples as per FSSAI requirements, they can also use these two facilities for testing of food samples.

3. In order to further ease the testing process, DG Systems has enabled a ‘CRCL module’ in ICES with the objective of automating all paperwork related to sampling, forwarding of test memos to CRCL and other Revenue Laboratories, and electronic receipt of test reports, instantly by the Customs Officers. The officials of CRCL and other Revenue Laboratories have been provided access for both import and export functionalities in the CRCL module. The CRCL module is also seamlessly integrated with current modules of ICES. The salient features of the CRCL module are as follows:

i. Customs Officers will be able to select the CRCL/other Revenue Laboratory using the ‘Lab Code’ on the basis of directories incorporated therein and generate a Test Memo for sending a sample to the said laboratory.

ii. The option of recording the drawal of samples by the Shed Examiner is also provided.

iii. Post physical receipt of sample by the laboratory concerned, it would be accepted under acknowledgment to the Customs officer and verified to assess whether the sample is adequate for testing. If the sample is not considered adequate for testing, a return memo would be sent back to the Customs officer along with reason for non-acceptance. The grounds for return/rejection of a test sample could be on account of improper packing, missing/ tampering with seals, insufficient quantity, non-receipt of requisite technical documents or non- observance of other test parameters etc.

iv. If the sample is in order and is considered adequate for testing, it is allocated to any one of the Chemical Examiners in the said laboratory.

v. The date of receipt of the sample at the laboratory is provided in the system. There is also a provision of a ‘suspend queue’ to indicate reasons for delay or suspension of testing, for any reason.

vi. Post testing of the sample, the module provides the facility to enter the respective Import/Export Test Report in the system.

vii. The Customs Officer at the site would be able to view the Test Report electronically in ICES and take further action.

viii. Specific MIS reports would enable the monitoring of the pendency and time taken for sending of the Test Report by the laboratory.

4. As stated above, the use of the CRCL module is aimed at leveraging technology for bringing efficiency, transparency and reduction in the cost of compliance for the trade in regard to the sampling process, which impacts the clearance of import/export goods. The said module would also help in better monitoring of the sampling process for faster processing at all the levels.

5. Accordingly, all field formations are hereby advised to mandatorily make use of the CRCL module to forward Test Memos for testing of samples to CRCL and other Revenue Laboratories from 01.07.2021 onwards. CRCL and other Revenue Laboratories shall not accept samples unless the Test Memo has been transmitted electronically on the CRCL module. In other words, the laboratories will not accept samples based on paper Test Memos from this date onwards. DG Systems will be separately issuing a detailed advisory on the use of CRCL module.

6. While the use of the CRCL module is being made mandatory with effect from 01.07.2021, in case of any unforeseen systems issue/glitch that prevents the use of the said module, the sample can be accepted based on paper Test Memo, provided this is sent with the due approval of the Additional/ Joint Commissioner of Customs of the concerned field formation. This relaxation is being made so as not to hold up any clearance of import/export goods, in the event of a rare circumstance.

7. Difficulties, if any, in implementation of this instruction may be brought to the notice of the Board.

F. No. 401/243/2016-Cus III