Every year on February 24th, India observes Central Excise Day, a significant occasion marking the establishment of the Central Excise and Salt Act of 1944. This day recognizes the critical role played by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) in shaping the nation's economic landscape through the administration of indirect taxes.
MoDe India, which is a Gujarat based NGO mentions: “Central Excise Day is commemorated every year all across the India on 24th of February to encourage the employees of excise department to carry out the central excise duty all over the India in better way in order to prevent the corruption in goods manufacturing business as well as implement other rules to carry out best possible excise services.”
What is the History of Central Excise Day?
In 1944 when the Central Excise and Salt Act was enacted on February 24th. This Act consolidated eleven existing excise duty acts into one, creating a unified framework for administering central excise duties. This marked a significant milestone in streamlining the tax system and paving the way for efficient revenue collection.
Since then, the Central Excise and Salt Act has undergone several name changes and modifications to adapt to changing economic realities.
What is the Significance of Central Excise Day?
Central Excise Day, celebrated annually on February 24th, holds multiple layers of significance for India's economic and social landscape.
- Marks the enactment of the Central Excise and Salt Act of 1944, a landmark legislation that unified the country's fragmented excise duty system, promoting efficiency and transparency.
- Appreciates the dedicated work of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) in administering indirect taxes like excise duties, customs duties.
- Highlights the CBIC's role in mobilising revenue, fostering economic growth, and ensuring fairness in the tax system.
- Educates the public about the importance of indirect taxes in funding public services, infrastructure development, and social welfare programmes.
- Encourages tax compliance and responsible citizenship by emphasising the benefits of a robust tax system.
What are the Core Values and Standards of CBIC?
The (CBIC) upholds a set of core values and standards that guide their operations and interactions with the public. These values serve as the foundation for their commitment to fair, transparent, and efficient tax administration.
Core Values:
- Integrity and Judiciousness: The CBIC emphasises honesty, ethical conduct, and responsible decision-making in all their activities.
- Impartiality and Fairness: They strive to treat all taxpayers and stakeholders with equal respect and provide consistent and unbiased treatment.
- Courtesy and Understanding: The CBIC prioritises providing courteous and professional service to all, fostering a trusting relationship with taxpayers and stakeholders.
- Objectivity and Transparency: They base their actions on factual evidence and objective assessments, adhering to the highest ethical standards.
- Uprightness and Conscientiousness: This value emphasises honesty, integrity, and ethical conduct in all aspects of the CBIC's operations.
- Promptness and Efficiency: This value focuses on delivering results quickly and effectively, utilising resources responsibly, and minimising delays.
Core Standards:
| S.No. | Key Services | Timelines |
| 1 | i. Acknowledgement of all written communication including declarations, intimations, applications and returns | 3 days |
| ii. Acknowledgement of communication received through electronic media | Immediate
| |
| 2 | Convey decision on matters including declarations or assessments | 15 days |
| 3 | i. Disposal of refund claim of Customs Duty ii. Disposal of refund claims of GST | 90 days from receipt of complete application 60 days from the receipt of complete application |
| 4 | i. Sanction of Drawback | |
| (a) In Case of electronic processing of drawback claims | 7 days after filing of export general manifest | |
| (b) In Case of manual processing of drawback claims | 15 days of filling of manual return | |
| ii. Fixation of Brand rate of Duty Drawback | 30 days from date of complete application | |
| 5 | Cargo Release Time | |
| (a) In case of exports i. For Sea Cargo ii. Air Cargo, Inland Container Deport & Land Customs Stations | i. 48 hours ii. 24 hours | |
| (b) In case of imports i. For Sea Cargo ii. Air Cargo, Inland Container Deport iii. Land Customs Stations | i. 72 hours ii. 48 hours iii. 24 hours | |
| 6 | GST Registration | 3 days after receipt of complete application form |
| 7 | Amendment in registration, if found eligible | 15 days |
| 8 | Cancellation of GST Registration | 30 days from the date of application |
| 9 | Advance intimation before undertaking audit | Minimum 15 days |
| 10 | Conclusion of Audit, if being conducted at the premises of the auditee
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| 11 | Intimation of findings of audit | 30 days after conclusion of audit |
| 12 | Release of seized documents and things, if not required by the Department | 30 days after issue of Show Cause Notice |
| 13 | Complete examination and clearance of export consignment at factory/warehouse premises | 24 hours from receipt of application by proper officer
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| 14 | Permission for self-sealing for export consignment | 10 days from receipt of application by proper officer |
| 15 | Issue of Orders-in-Original/Orders-in-Appeal | 30 days from the date of conclusion of personal hearing where all the requisite information is available |
| 16 | Finalization of provisional assessment | 30 days from the date of conclusion of inquiry or submission of requisite documents |
| 17. | Return of Bond and BG in Export Promotion Schemes | |
| (a) When not selected by customs for verification | 10 days from receipt of complete application including EODC | |
| (b) Other cases not under investigation | 30 days from receipt of complete application including EODC | |
Source: CBIC
Central Excise Day remains a significant occasion, not only to commemorate the historical significance of the Central Excise and Salt Act but also to recognize the ongoing contributions of the CBIC. It celebrates the dedication of its workforce in ensuring a fair, transparent, and efficient tax system, crucial for India's economic growth and development.
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