FUNCTIONING OF ELECTRONIC DATA INTERCHANGE (EDI) SYSTEM

Indian Customs EDI System (ICES) commenced operations at Air Cargo Commissionerate, Sahar from 22nd October 1997 for Exports and from 9th November 1998 for Imports. All Duty Free, Drawback, DEEC and DEPB Shipping Bills are being handled by ICES (Exports). In case of Imports all groups have been brought into the ambit of ICES (Imports).  About 86% of export documents and 98% of import documents are processed under EDI.

In case of Exports, all Shipping Bills except those pertaining to perishable cargo and re-export are being processed through EDI and the new software (ICES Version 2) based on DGFT’s codes for multiple schemes has been successfully implemented here. Similarly, in case of Imports, coverage of EDI has been extended to Groups I to VII. EDI coverage has also been extended to Baggage clearances and all EDI modules in import including Gate module have been implemented at Air Cargo Complex.

The new “State of the Art” Perishable cargo export shed is under operation and all perishable cargo exports will also be brought under EDI for which the Service Centre will be open on round the clock basis.  Thus all exports (except cases under Section 74) are being brought under EDI.

Thus all the import and export modules released by the Directorate of system have been implemented at Air Cargo Complex. The perishable exports shall also be brought under EDI coverage as soon as the bottlenecks are removed viz. module for export cess has been provided by Systems Directorate etc.

The EDI system provides for:-

• Faster Clearance and Greater efficiency.

• Greater Transparency and Accountability.

• Powerful tool to monitor Customs processing generates MIS reports.

• Reliable platform for facilities like Touch Screen, Website, Tracking of Import / Export Documents through website and SMS.

• Using Gateway, Bills of Entry / Shipping Bills can be filed remotely through the internet.