In terms of Section2(1) of the Essential services Maintenance Act, 1981 and in terms of extant Orders issued by the Government of India, ministry of Home Affairs. Further MHA in its recent Orders No. 40-3/2020 – DMI (A) dated 29/04/2021 has reiterated that there shall be no restrictions on inter-state and intra-state movement including transportation of essential goods. Customs is committed to ensure hassle free movement, release and clearance of goods under import, export or transit, and provide maximum possible comfort to trading community and other stakeholder, and the society at large.
Accordingly, the Government of Kerala in its notification G.O.No.404/2021/DMD dated 06/05/2021 and modification dated while imposing new restrictions during 08/05/2021 to 16/05/2021 had made an exception to “1. Customs services at ports/airports;” which enable Customs departments to provide 24X7 Customs clearance facility to the trade, industry and public. These also include essential medical oxygen concentrate, various medical equipment, consumables, relief materials to the hospitals, needy persons.
As Customs clearance happens 24X7, the Customs agents, Brokers/ Steamer agents have to travel from their residence in different parts of Ernakulam district to visit Customs office situated at Willington Island, Airport, Airport cargo Nedumbaseery, ICTT Vallarpadam and various Freight situations (CFS), Warehouses situated in and around Cochin for discharging their functions.
Therefore, it is requested to permit Customs brokers and their vehicles to travel from their house to various customs offices based on the identity card issued to them by the Customs department.
