"Drawback Arrear Clearance Month" had been observed last year at various Customs locations to clear old pending drawback claims as directed in Board’s Circular Nos. 25/99-Cus., dated 21.5.99 and 43/99-Cus. Dated 9.7.99.

2.        Representations have been received from various exporter’s organisations that "Drawback Arrear Clearance Month" should be observed at all Customs locations this year also.

3.        The matter was brought to the notice of Chairman, CBEC who has directed that the period from 15^th May, 2000 to 14^th June, 2000, shall be observed as "Drawback Arrear Clearance Month" at all Customs Locations throughout India.

4.        Accordingly, it is directed that all drawback claims and related issues which have been pending with the Department must be finalised expenditiously well before the statutory dead-line for payment of interest is attracted.

5.        All cases where processing/disbursement of drawback is pending for want of re-construction of old files must also be taken up and disposed of within the said month. A specific report should be sent to the Board latest by 23^rd June, 2000, indicating the number of such claims disposed of during the said period, amount of drawback disbursed and the claims pending at the end of the "Drawback Arrear Clearance Month".