Implementation of Electronic Cash Ledger for payment of Import duties for goods imported through Courier Mode from w.ef. 1st March 2024

The Electronic Cash Ledger (ECL) shall be the mode of payment of Import duties for goods imported through International Courier terminals from 01st March 2024.

With the launch of ECL, the Express Industry can now pay through several banks at their convenience, including Internet banking and NEFT/RTGS from their existing bank.

Previously, the Electronic Cash Ledger was introduced for payment of Import Duties for cargo processed through EDI at seaports, airports, ICDs, and LCSs beginning April 1, 2023.

For implementing the new payment system by use of ECL, handholding of the trade was done by means of registration mela and webinars conducted by DG Systems, CBIC, from October to December 2023 to familiarise different stakeholders before the launch of ECL for Express Cargo Industry.

The pilot phase began on January 15, 2024, and was gradually expanded to include Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and all other International Courier Terminal locations. The pilot has been running successfully in all sites since February 12, 2024, with no system issues.

The new ECL mode of payment is now available for all EXIM and it would facilitate ease of doing business to the trade.