In its bid to speed up the customs clearance of import and export of narcotic drugs, psychotropic and controlled substances, the Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN) under Union finance ministry has directed the exporters and importers to register on the ICEGATE portal. This is asked to avail the benefits of e-Sanchit services of the customs department.

Going forward, CBN will upload the export and import certificates onto e-Sanchit and physical couriering of such permits would be discontinued. Hence, all companies are requested to immediately register on ICEGATE and share the beneficiary code with CBN via email to the following e-mail ids: narcommr@cbn.nic.in; supdt-tech@cbn.nic.in; supdt-precursor@cbn.nic.in; suptd-narco@cbn.nic.in.

e-Sanchit (e-Storage and Computerized Handling of Indirect Tax documents) launched by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC) provides an electronic interface between taxpayers and customs officers to submit their import and export related supporting documents hassle-free and without any human intervention.

A notice issued by Narcotics Commissioner, CBN said, “Once exporters and importers of narcotic, psychotropic and controlled substances get registered with the ICEGATE portal, they are requested to share the beneficiary code with CBN via email. So that the export authorizations, import certificates and no objection certificates (NOCs) for export and import of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and controlled substances can be uploaded on e-Sanchit portal for faster processing at customs." The CBN issued digitization notification following several representations by Indian Drug Manufacturers’ Association (IDMA).

But, application for export and import authorisations would continue as per January 13, 2022 public notice and complete digitalisation would only be achieved, after amendment of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Rules and Regulation of Controlled Substances (RCS) Order. We are pursuing this separately, said IDMA secretary general Daara B Patel.