SECTION 47.

(1)  Where the proper officer is satisfied that any goods entered for home consumption are not prohibited goods and the importer has paid the import duty, if all y, assessed thereon and any charges payable under this Act in respect of the same, the proper officer may make an order permitting clearance of the goods for home consumption.

(2) Where the importer fails to pay the import duty under sub-section (1) within two days [OLD- five days] * excluding holidays from the date on which the bill of entry is returned to him for payment of duty, he shall pay interest at such rate, not below ten per cent * and not exceeding thirty six per cent per annum, as is for the time being fixed by the Central Government, by Notification in the Official Gazette, on such duty till the date of payment of the said duty:

(ABOVE CHANGES VIDE THE FINANCE BILL, 2013)

(* Words in bold substituted wef 01/03/2002 & it has replaced (i)"two days" & (ii)"eighteen per cent")
 

"Provided that the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, specify theclass or classes of importers who shall pay such duty electronically:

Provided further that [OLD - Provided that ] where the bill of entry is returned for payment of duty before the commencement of the Customs (Amendment) Act, 1991 and. the importer has not paid such duty before such commencement; the date of return of such bill of entry to him shall be deemed to be the date of such commencement for the purpose of this section.

Provided also that [OLD - Provided further that ] if the Board is satisfied that it is necessary in the public interest so to do, it may, by order for reasons to be recorded, waive the whole or part of any interest payable under this section.

(ABOVE CHANGES VIDE THE FINANCE BILL, 2012)

(Please refer Cus Cir No.68/2002 Date 24/10/2002 for Warehousing-Applicability of interest on warehoused goods under Section 61 of the Customs Act, 1962-Clarification thereto-reg.)

(Please refer Cus Ntf No.28/2002(NT),dt.13/05/2002)