Welcome to the Express Cargo Clearance System (ECSS)! Say goodbye to the frustration of customs clearance with our user-friendly and efficient system. Developed by the Express Industry Council of India, ECSS streamlines the import and export procedures for couriers. No more paperwork hassles – our automated system assigns one regulation number for all your operations. Whether you’re an Authorized Courier or Importer, ECSS is the ideal solution for a seamless and hassle-free cargo journey. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at the ECCS process and its benefits.
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Express Cargo Clearance System (ECCS)
The Express Cargo Clearance System (ECCS) is a remarkable undertaking, developed in collaboration by the Express Industry Council of India (EICI) and Indian Customs. This innovative project, implemented at the Courier Terminal, strives to enhance the clearance process for containers in the shipping industry. Since its inception in 2010, ECCS has emerged as the leading automated solution, effectively replacing the antiquated method of manual paperwork with digital declarations. As per the Courier Imports and Exports (Electronic Declaration and Processing) Regulations, this transition has brought about remarkable efficiency and transformation to customs clearance procedures.
Features of Express Cargo Clearance System
- The Express Cargo Clearance System (ECCS) is an automated program created by the Express Industry Council of India (EICI) in collaboration with Indian Customs
- Its primary objective is to streamline the import and export clearance process for courier shipments.
- ECCS handles electronic declaration, screening, examination, and assessment of goods.
- This system aims to replace manual procedures like issuing mate receipts for containerized cargo.
- This advanced system significantly speeds up clearance process for international shipments, ensuring fast and accurate processing.
- It is a collaborative initiative between EICI and Indian Customs to modernize and automate express cargo clearance process.
Key Activities of Express Cargo Clearance System
In the Express Cargo Clearance System, the Access Control Module serves as a crucial element – much like a task manager. It assigns specific responsibility to users within system. Acting with authority, the Port Moderator not only has the ability to establish and assign roles, but also delegates duties to users based on their designated roles – such as authorized couriers, customs agents, importers, and custodians.
Furthermore, the ECCS allows for seamless collaboration within user groups, as they are able to enlist additional members to their team under the supervision of a Group Admin, appointed by the port administrator. This process ensures that users are only granted access to menus that are pertinent to their assigned tasks.
Clearance of Imported goods Under ECSS
Pre-Arrival Declaration
To facilitate pre-arrival clearance of imported goods, the designated Authorized Courier must electronically submit the Express Cargo Manifest Import (ECM-I) form, also known as Form A, to the designated officer.
Handling and Inspection
All courier parcels containing imported items must comply with the regulations established by the Commissioner of Customs. Any deviation from these instructions is strictly prohibited. It is also prohibited to open any package containing imported goods without permission from the appropriate officer.
Electronic Declaration
Using a Courier Bill, the Authorised Courier or the agent who has passed the relevant test must enter the imported products into an electronic declaration.
Presentation of Imported Goods
The imported goods brought by the agent must be presented in a manner set by the private officer or as per instructions from the Board or Commissioner of Customs for inspection, screening, examination, and assessment.
Timely Clearance
In order to ensure a timely clearance process, it is important for the imported goods to be cleared within 30 days of their arrival. If this is not achieved, the person in charge may, with the consent of the responsible officer, auction or dispose of the items. The Authorised Courier and the proclaimed importer, if any, must be notified of this action.
Implementation of Express Cargo Clearance System
The Express Industry Council of India (EICI) has recently launched a revolutionary software, called Air Express Cargo, at the Courier Terminal. This cutting-edge program is designed to streamline the custom clearance process and will be introduced in a phased manner.
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Registration Procedure under ECSS
- In order to register for the Express Cargo Clearance System (ECCS), approved users must submit forms such as CBE/ECM/CSB on the ECCS program from their headquarters.
- Regardless of which customs stations an Authorized Courier operates in, a centralized regulation number will be assigned to them.
- Registration for ECCS is based on PAN applications, and the relevant PAN-based information is stored in the ECCS central registry upon acquisition.
- The directory upgrade process is overseen by the Auxiliary and Joint Commissioner of Customs for the specified jurisdiction.
- At the Custodian’s Help Desk/Service center, customers can independently upload ECM/CSB/CBE forms using computer terminals.
- To successfully submit Courier Bills of Entry, Authorized Courier/Importers must personally visit the Customer Support Center and provide physical copies of all necessary documentation.
- The Service Center/Help Desk employees will then input these documents into the highly secure ECCS database.
- All documents, including Bills of Entry, responses, and detention memoranda, will be digitally signed to ensure maximum security.
- As an added layer of protection, papers submitted through the Service center will be digitally signed by the staff, while importers and couriers may need to physically sign and seal their hard copies to maintain legal integrity.
- The proposed system also recommends the use of barcode scanners to conveniently display and modify the consignment status, thus improving overall efficiency in regulating shipments.
Conclusion
The Express Cargo Clearance System (ECSS) not only changes the game, it delivers a worry-free cargo experience. Say goodbye to tedious manual processes and hello to a seamless, automated operation. Whether you are an Authorized Courier, an Importer, or part of the customs team, ECSS efficiently handles all tasks through a central regulation number and PAN-based registration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Introducing the innovative Express Cargo Clearance System (ECCS), designed to streamline express clearances in adherence to the Courier Imports and Exports (Electronic Declaration and Processing) Regulations of 2010.
For assistance with the Express Cargo Clearance System, you can reach out to customer care at eccs.tradehelpdesk@icegate.gov.in or make a call at 1800-2666-882.