Customs to effect changes in faceless assessment Goods

The Central Board of Indirect taxes and Customs (CBIC) have announced a series of measures to address the grievances of the EXIM Trade like delays in assessment in the three year old scheme of faceless assessment. The measures include reorganization of National assessment centers and Faceless assessment groups which will come into effect from June 15th an official release issue by CBIC said

Central Board has recently reviewed the performance of Faceless Assessment and has deliberated upon certain aspects relating to the functioning and structure of the National Assessment Centers and Faceless Assessment Groups. The review was in the context fresh measures taken in relation to Faceless Assessment such as implementation of Anonymised Escalation Mechanism (AEM). The measures will address grievances in delays in assessments and implementation of Standard Examination Orders to enhance uniformity of examinations. Accordingly, it is proposed to effect changes in the scheme of Faceless Assessment.

The changes made to the structure of National Assessment Centers include the number of NACs has been reduced to 8, from the existing 11. This is being by merging chemicals I, II and III into Chemicals and by merging Automobiles and Instruments and Misc. products/project imports into Automobiles, Instruments, Misc. products and Project Imports.

Each of the 8 NACs would now be convened by one Principle.

In alignment with the changes to NAC, Faceless Assessment Groups (FAG) for different commodities listed in the Column (2) of the table in annexure to this circular has been identified based on the imported goods handled by these goods on basis of assessable value. This is done to further promote specialization.

Except for the changes in the NACs stipulated in paras above, the Conveners would be responsible for carrying out all the roles and responsibilities entrusted to Co conveners and outlined in Circular No.40/2020-Customs dated 04.09.2020.