Customs brokers seek withdrawal of Chennai Commissioner’s public notice

The Customs House Brokers Association has submitted a notice to the Customs Commissioner, Chennai, demanding the immediate withdrawal of a public notice that advises customs house agents, also known as customs brokers, to refrain from demanding money from importers and exporters in the name of Customs officials for the clearance of consignments.

The association has alleged that the public notice falsely defames customs brokers by suggesting that they are involved in improper practices. It has maintained that the notice casts unjustified mockery on the community of customs house agents and harms their professional reputation.

The Federation of Customs House Brokers Associations has also sought the withdrawal of the notice and has issued representations to the Union Revenue Secretary, the Chairman of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and the offices of Chief Commissioners of Customs across the country.

According to the federation, the public notice issued by the Chennai Commissioner is based on “unnecessary observations” and makes baseless allegations that customs brokers demand money from importers and exporters in the name of Customs officials to clear consignments. The federation has argued that such allegations amount to defamation under the Indian Penal Code.

The notice further alleges that the public announcement is an attempt to suppress and intimidate customs brokers under the guise of ensuring efficient and transparent administration, thereby bringing them under undue governmental control. 

The federation has demanded that the commissioner disclose details of any complaints received against customs brokers and explain how such complaints were addressed.

Furthermore, the customs brokers have also demanded an apology from the Chennai Customs Commissioner for the alleged damage caused to their reputation.