Importers and exporters have to use digital signatures to file documents from Jan 1: CBEC

New Delhi, Oct 26 (KNN) The government has made it mandatory for the importers and exporters to use digital signatures to file documents from January 1, 2016.
 
The Centrals Boards of Excise and Customs (CBEC) said, "With effect from 1.01.2016, all importers and exporters using the services of Customs Brokers for formalities under Customs Act, 1962, will be required to mandatorily file custom documents under the digital signature certificates," it said in a circular to field officials. Further, wherever the customs process documents are digitally signed, the customs will not insist on the user to physically sign the said documents.”
 
However, the above does not apply to importers or exporters desirous of filing Bill of Entry or shipping Bill individually. They may have the option of filing declarations or documents without using digital signature. (KNN Bureau)