CBIC allows contactless delivery of international courier shipments based on OTP validation as alternative proof of delivery
Circular No. 47/2020-Customs
F. No. 451/13/2020-Cus. V
Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Revenue
Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs
************
North Block, New Delhi
Dated 20th October 2020
To,
All Principal Chief Commissioners/Chief Commissioners of Customs
Principal Directors General/Directors General of Customs
Principal Commissioners/Commissioner of Customs
Subject: Contactless delivery of international courier consignments -reg.
Madam/Sir,
Representations have been received by the Board from the Express Courier Industry for allowing contactless delivery of international courier consignments in lines with the OTP based contactless delivery being adopted by the domestic courier companies. The said request is with a view to maintain the required social distancing considering the COVID-19 pandemic.
2. At present, the authorized courier, upon delivery of the import consignments obtains a “proof of delivery” from the consignees by taking their physical signature.
3. In light of the need for contactless delivery and also considering that the OTP based validation gives secure confirmation of delivery to the intended consignee through his registered mobile number, which also has the necessary KYC, Board, has decided to allow the delivery of international courier shipments, based on the OTP validation as follows:
(i) Consignee gets OTP on their mobile number which has been registered with the authorized courier. The authorized courier should exercise due diligence to ensure that the mobile number belongs to the consignee at the time of registering the phone number.
(ii) At the time of delivery, the authorised courier electronically validates the OTP from the consignee.