In India, customs duty is regulated and enforced by a combination of legislation, government departments, and administrative procedures. Here’s an overview of how customs duty is regulated and enforced in India: 1. Legal Framework: 1. Customs Act, 1962: The primary legislation governing customs duties in India is the Customs Act, 1962. It provides the legal framework for the imposition, assessment, and collection of customs duties. The Act outlines procedures for customs administration, inspection, seizure, and adjudication of customs-related matters. 2. Customs Tariff Act, 1975: This Act complements the Customs Act by detailing the rates of customs duties applicable on various goods imported into or exported from India. It provides a detailed tariff schedule that classifies goods and specifies the duty rates. 3. Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992: This Act governs foreign trade policy and procedures, including those related to imports and exports. It provides the basis for the regulation of trade and the issuance of licenses and permits. 4. Various Notifications and Circulars: The government issues notifications, circulars, and trade policies that can alter or update customs duties, exemptions, and procedural guidelines. These are published in the official Gazette and are binding. 2. Regulatory Bodies: 1. Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC): The CBIC, under the Department of Revenue in the Ministry of Finance, is the apex body responsible for formulating policies and overseeing the implementation of customs laws. It provides guidelines and directions for the administration of customs duties. 2. Directorate General of Goods and Services Tax Intelligence (DGGI): This body investigates and enforces compliance related to indirect taxes, including customs duties, and handles cases of evasion and fraud. 3. Directorate General of Revenue Intelligence (DGCI): This agency is responsible for intelligence gathering and investigation related to customs duties, including smuggling and other violations. 3. Customs Procedures: 1. Import and Export Declaration: Importers and exporters must file declarations with customs authorities regarding the goods they are bringing into or sending out of the country. This includes details about the nature, value, and quantity of the goods. 2. Assessment of Duties: Customs authorities assess the duty payable on imported or exported goods based on the classification and valuation of the goods as per the Customs Tariff Act. This includes determining the applicable duty rates and any exemptions or concessions. 3. Examination and Clearance: Customs officials may examine imported goods to verify their conformity with the declared details. Goods are cleared after payment of the assessed duties and fulfillment of any regulatory requirements. 4. Enforcement and Compliance: Customs officials enforce compliance with customs laws by conducting inspections, audits, and investigations. They have the authority to seize goods, impose penalties, and initiate legal action in cases of non-compliance or evasion. 4. Dispute Resolution: 1. Adjudication: If there is a dispute regarding the assessment or enforcement of customs duties, it can be adjudicated by customs authorities. The process involves hearings and determination of the dispute based on legal and factual considerations. 2. Appeals: Disputes or disagreements with customs decisions can be appealed to higher authorities within the customs department or to the Customs, Excise, and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT). 3. Legal Recourse: Parties dissatisfied with the adjudication or appellate decisions can seek judicial review by filing petitions in High Courts or the Supreme Court. 5. Compliance and Facilitation: 1. Automated Systems: The Indian customs system uses automated systems like the Customs Automated System (CAS) and the Indian Customs EDI System (ICES) to streamline and facilitate the processing of customs declarations and payments. 2. Trade Facilitation Measures: Customs authorities implement measures to facilitate trade, such as simplified procedures, reduced documentation requirements, and electronic filing systems to enhance efficiency and reduce delays. 3. Capacity Building and Training: The customs department conducts training and capacity-building programs for its officials and stakeholders to ensure effective enforcement and compliance with customs regulations. Conclusion: Customs duty in India is regulated through a comprehensive legal framework, overseen by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) and other regulatory bodies. The enforcement involves a structured process of assessment, examination, compliance monitoring, and dispute resolution. Automated systems and trade facilitation measures are used to streamline customs procedures and enhance efficiency.