Introduction of common Business Identifier Number (BIN) based on Permanent Account Number (PAN) – Exchange and transmission of DGFT data. - DGFT - 82/2001

OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS, CUSTOM HOUSE, CHENNAI. F.No.S.Misc.61/2001-Sys.Unit 27.04.2001. P.N. No. 82/2001 Sub: Introduction of common Business Identifier Number (BIN) based on Permanent Account Number (PAN) Exchange and transmission of DGFT data Reg. The concept of common Business Identification Number (BIN) based on Permanent Account Number (PAN) issued by the Income-tax authorities has been implemented in Chennai Custom House with effect from 01.04.2001. In this regard, Public Notice 58/2001, dated 19.03.2001 was already issued calling upon all Importers and Exporters to apply for and get their PAN issued by the Income-tax Department and register the same with DGFT and that only the DGFT Directory of Importers and Exporters containing the PAN was to be used by the Customs EDI System. Apart from the fact that some of the Importers and Exporters are reported to have not even obtained their PAN or not got their I.E.Codes with PAN particulars registered with DGFT, there have been instances where it has been claimed that while the DGFT s website confirms communication of IEC/BIN Data to Customs, the same on enquiry on Chennai Custom House has not been found to exist. Under the EDI System, Chennai Custom House is committed to provide connectivity among different Customs Community partners. Customs and DGFT constitute two major participants in this exercise. No exchange of information regarding Licence, Shipping Bill, Bill of Entry can take place unless the data regarding identification of importers and exporters is common in the Systems of DGFT and Customs. Therefore, successful implementation of the IEC/BIN Directory with effect from 01.04.2001 is a prerequisite for any future exchange of information between the two departments. It has been observed that out of more than 1 lakh records received from DGFT, errors have been reported in a few hundreds of the cases. Customs, DGFT and NIC are in the process of reconciling these errors as and when these are reported. This is a difficult exercise but has to be gone through for any future exchange of EDI message with the community partners. As a measure of facilitation, if any errors are noticed at any stage, the same may be immediately brought to the notice of Shri Arun Sahu, Additional Colmmissioner (Systems) or Shri Jagdish Chander, Deputy Commissioner (Systems), New Delhi, at the following telephone numbers: 011-3753673, 011-3328533; FAX:011-3328517; email: arun_sahu@hotmail.com. Trade is also advised to check up the acceptance by Customs of their DATA at Chennai Customs website www.chennaicustoms.com. Trade may also use the Interactive Voice Response System (IVRS) facility at Air Cargo Complex, Delhi at phone numbers:011-565725, 011-5655726. For information through IVRS after connection is made, option for information by Importer/Exporter Code may be selected by dialing 8. After entering the I.E.Code, option for DGFT information may be selected by dialing 9. A similar IVRS facility is coming up at Chennai Custom House and the trade will be informed as and when it is commissioned. (JOSEPH DOMINIC) COMMISSIONER OF CUTOMS.