Customs House in JNPT Announces Dedicated Cell for Fast Clearance of ATA Carnet

Ø FICCI Intermediation and Guarantee Must, Customs itself can Clear Duty Free under Bond or Bank Guarantee or Duty Refund

[JNCH Public Notice No. 140/2026 dated 02.11.2026]

Overview
The Office of the Commissioner of Customs (NS-V), Jawaharlal Nehru Custom House (JNCH), Nhava Sheva, has issued Public Notice No. 140/2026 (dated November 2, 2026) to streamline and simplify customs procedures for the temporary import and re-export of goods under the ATA Carnet system. This notice supersedes Public Notice 101/2010 and Standing Order 59/2010, and partially modifies Public Notice 78/2017.

Key Highlights

· Establishment of a Centralized Carnet Cell (CCC): A dedicated CCC has been created within Assessment Group 5B, NS-V, JNCH to handle all ATA Carnet processing, record-keeping, case closures, and duty recovery. It will be headed by an AC/DC and staffed by one Appraiser and two Examiners.

· Duty-Free Temporary Admission: Goods imported for display, demonstration, or use in fairs and exhibitions remain eligible for duty-free admission, guaranteed in India by the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).

· Streamlined Import Procedure:

o No separate Bill of Entry is required.

o Upon receiving the Carnet and supporting documents (FICCI letter, event letter, Bill of Lading, etc.), the Appraiser (CCC) logs the details into a physical register, creates an E-office file, and enters cargo details via the MBE role to close the Sea Arrival Manifest (SAM).

o Docks officers physically examine the goods, endorse the White Voucher for Importation, and return the E-file to the CCC.

· Streamlined Re-Export Procedure:

o No separate Shipping Bill is required.

o Export Docks officers enter cargo details through the EMANDTR role and generate a 6-digit Thoka number to close the Sea Departure Manifest (SDM).

o After physical verification by the Shed Examiner and clearance, the Customs Broker must submit the final Master/House Bill of Lading to the CCC to close the file.

· Alternative Closures & Non-Compliance:

o Re-export via other ports: Proof of re-export and the Carnet must be submitted to the JNCH CCC within one month.

o Domestic Sale: If goods are legally sold in India, proof of duty and interest payment must be provided to the CCC within one month.

o Failure to Re-export: If goods are not re-exported within the stipulated timeframe, the CCC will initiate recovery of applicable customs duties and interest.

· Record-Keeping & Transition: The CCC will maintain a 26-column hard-copy Carnet Register for each financial year, subject to monthly and quarterly inspections by senior officials. All existing ATA Carnet records across JNCH and CFSs must be transferred to the new CCC within one week of the notice's issuance.