IGST refunds are hold-up due to invoice mismatch (SB005)-Circular 05/2021-Customs

Source : CBIC

A Circular no. 05/2021-Customs is published by CBIC dated 17.02.2021.

Vide this circular a facility is given to exporters to resolve invoice mis-match error (SB005) as because of this error the refund on exports with payment of IGST gets on hold. Previously, a circular was issued to provide facility to trade to correct this error with the help of department officer who is assigned with this task.

Now, the facility is being made available on permanent basis whereby the exporter who commits mistakes in data entry which leads to mismatch can correct it by approaching the office and by paying a fees of Rs.1000/-.

This is a great relief to the exporters.

The extract of the Circular 05/2021 is given below:

Circular No. 05 /2021-Customs

F. No.450/119/2017-Cus IV

Government of India

Ministry of Finance

Department of Revenue

(Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs)

Room No.244A, North Block, New Delhi.

New Delhi, dated 17th February, 2021

To

All Principal Chief Commissioners/ Chief Commissioners of Customs/ Customs (Preventive),

All Principal Chief Commissioners/ Chief Commissioners of Customs & Central tax, All Principal Commissioners/ Commissioners of Customs/ Customs (Preventive),

All Principal Commissioners/ Commissioners of Customs & Central tax,

Madam/Sir,

Subject: IGST refunds on exports-extension in SB005 alternate mechanism -reg

Kind reference is invited to Board`s Circulars 5/2018-Cus. dated 23.02.201808/2018 Cus. dt 23.03.2018, 15/2018 Cus. dt 06.06.2018, 22/2018 Cus dt 16.07.2018, 40/2018 Cus. dt 24.10.2018, 26/2019 Cus. dt 27.08.2019 and 22/2020-Cus. dated 21.04.2020 on the above subject of SB005 error resolution.

2. The above-mentioned Board Circulars provide the facility for resolving invoice mis-match errors with officer interface as an alternative measure for the specified period which was further extended, several times, based on representations received from Trade regarding continuance of such error. Last such extension has been granted for the Shipping Bills filed upto 31.12.2019 vide above referred Circular No. 22/2020-Customs dated 21.04.2020.

3. There have been several representations from the Trade to extend the Officer Interface to resolve the genuine error committed during data entry. The issue has been examined. It is noticed that, the quantum of Shipping Bills pending on account of such errors being committed by the Trade have come down significantly, but still it is occurring in some cases resulting in hold- up of IGST refunds.

4. Keeping in view the above factual position, it has been decided as a measure of trade facilitation to keep the Officer Interface available on permanent basis to resolve such errors on payment of specified fee by the exporter. The exporter may avail the facility of correction of Invoice mis-match errors (error code SB-005) in respect of all past shipping bills, irrespective of its date of filling, by following the procedure as provided in the above Circulars, subject to payment of Rs. 1,000/- as fee towards such rendering of service by Customs Officers for correlation and verification of the claim. Necessary amendments have been made in the Levy of Fee (Customs Documents) Regulations, 1970 vide Notification No.17/2021 dated 17th February, 2021.

5. Suitable Trade Notice/ Standing order may please be issued to guide the trade and industry. Difficulty, if any, faced in implementation may be brought to the notice of Board immediately.

Yours faithfully

(Vineeta Sinha)

Joint Commissioner (Customs)