Import shipments are getting stuck at terminals and ports all over the country due to issues with customs duty payment in the newly launched automated portal. The Brihanmumbai Custom Brokers Association sought the government’s help. It released a report highlighting the challenges faced as challans are not visible on ICEGATE.
The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) acknowledged the issues and tweeted twice, saying, “CBIC has noted difficulties being faced by trade members in making duty payments over the customs automated system. It may be noted that an upgraded and modern payment system has been live since 1/4/ 2023. Our technical teams are working overtime to fix some teething issues, and the temporarily noticed problems will be resolved at the earliest.”
The challenges seem to pile on as the perishable items, including food and medicines with a shorter shelf-life, get spoiled as agents struggle to take delivery of their consignments.
The new portal creates an online payment account in ICEGATE that serves as a payment mode for customs duties besides supporting internet banking, RTGS, and NEFT. In the past, the government faced significant challenges with the GST Network and the latest income tax portals. The government had approached Infosys management to fix the issues.
