Aracannuts (supari) import not permissible - Customs - 081/95

Circular No. 81/95-Cus. dated 11/7/95 F. No. 478/15/95 LC Government of India Ministry of Finance Department of Revenue, New Delhi Subject : Arecanuts (Supari) import not permissible I am directed to say that the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, Ministry of Commerce has brought to the notice this Ministry that some of the customs authorities particularly at Calcutta, Madras and Imphal are permitting import of Arecanut assuming it to be falling under the category of dry fruits. 2. The Ministry of Agriculture have opined that Arecanut is actually supari and does not fall under the category of Dry-fruits. Since supari is a consumer goods, it is not to be allowed to be imported without a licence as per Exim Policy. Therefore, it is requested that necessary instructions may please be issued to all field formations to ensure that import of Arecanuts is not permitted to be imported without an import licence. 3. Attention is also invited to this Department s telex message of even number dated 30.5.95, wherever the Chief commissioners were asked to conduct a review of al the cases of the cases of import of Arecanuts cleared as Dry-fruits during the last one year. A Report on the review so conducted may please be sent to the Board at the earliest. Sd/- ( K. Chopra ) Under Secretary to the Govt. of India