On February 17, 2025, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) introduced a transformative initiative through Circular No. 04/2025-Customs, unveiling the ‘Ekal Anubandh’ project. This project introduces the Single Unified Multi-Purpose Electronic Bond (SEB), aiming to revolutionize India’s customs procedures by streamlining bond submissions and enhancing trade efficiency. Designed to simplify compliance for importers and exporters, SEB eliminates the need for multiple bonds by integrating various customs requirements into a single digital format. This initiative not only reduces paperwork and administrative burdens but also accelerates the clearance process, fostering a more seamless and transparent trade ecosystem.
Background and Rationale
Traditionally, importers and exporters in India were required to submit separate bonds for each transaction at various ports, depending on the nature of the import or export activity under various Customs rules & regulations, as under, which often leads to increased administrative burdens, higher compliance costs, and delays in the clearance process:
CBIC Guidelines regarding Provisional Assessment u/s 18 of the Customs Act
Export Promotion Schemes
Warehousing u/s 59 of the Customs Act
Manufacture and Other Operations in Warehouse (MOOWR) in bonded warehouse u/s 65 of the Customs Act
Manufacture and Other Operations in Warehouse (MOOWR) in special warehouse u/s 65 of the Customs Act
The ‘Ekal Anubandh’ project addresses these challenges by introducing the Single Unified Multi-Purpose Electronic Bond (SEB), which is a digital solution allowing importers and exporters to submit a single electronic bond, applicable across multiple transactions and locations, effectively replacing the need for multiple transaction-specific bonds. The SEB is designed to cover various obligations under customs regulations, including provisional assessments, export promotion schemes, warehousing, and manufacturing in bonded warehouses, among others.
Key Features of Single All-India Multipurpose electronic Bond (SEB)
Process of execution of bond electronically including the digital payment of stamp duty is elaborated in Annexure A and format of SEB is provided as Annexure B. Some of the key features of Single All-India Multipurpose electronic Bond (SEB) are as under:
Importer/ Exporter can choose the intended obligations intended in common bond format
Submit SEB electronically at any port of their choice at ICEGATE
Option to include additional obligations or additional amount at later stage
Electronic Payment of Stamp duty & electronic execution of bond
End-to-End online linkage for Issuance of Electronic Bank Guarantee
Verification of Bank Guarantee issued by issuing Bank
Steps Involved in Creation of e-Bond Request
Click on “Create E-Bond” to access the Form* on ICEGATE portal
Enter Entity details such as name, GSTIN, Entity type, registered office address, date of incorporation etc.
Enter e-Bond details along with necessary documents based on scenario & purpose for verification
Verify e-Bond signatory details using Aadhaar validation
Click on “Submit” to complete the request process
Note:
- Form is divided into 3 tabs as under:
- Entity Details- Displays details of the trade user who is creating the e-bond
- E-Bond Details- Information such as Customs Location, Bond Value, Stamp Duty Amount, Bond scenario, purpose for which Bond can be utilized, etc. will be entered
- E-Bond Signatory Details- Validation of Aadhaar details.
- Functionality to generate bonds pertaining to “Imports at a Concessional Rate of Duty” is not available in this module.
- Advisable to register with DigiLocker before-hand using their Aadhaar details to ensure successful validation at the e-bond signatory details stage.
- Details of such e-Bond request raised will be sent to the jurisdictional Customs officer.
- Once draft bond application is approved by the officer, an e-Sign link will appear on the dashboard of the user, which will redirect them to the NeSL page for the purpose of e-Signing and e-Stamping of the Bond.
Steps Involved in e-Stamping the Bond
Steps Involved in e-Signing the Bond
Benefits to Stakeholders
Introduction of the SEB under the ‘Ekal Anubandh’ project offers several advantages:
- Reduction in Administrative Burden: By consolidating multiple bonds into a single electronic bond, businesses can significantly reduce the time and resources spent on compliance and documentation.
- Enhanced Efficiency: The digital nature of the SEB accelerates the bond submission and approval process, leading to faster clearance of goods and improved supply chain dynamics.
- Cost Savings: Minimizing the need for physical documentation and in-person interactions lowers operational costs for both businesses and customs authorities.
- Improved Transparency and Security: Real-time tracking and electronic record-keeping enhance the transparency of transactions and reduce the potential for fraud or mismanagement.
Conclusion
The ‘Ekal Anubandh’ project signifies a pivotal shift towards the digitization and simplification of customs procedures in India. By implementing the Single Unified Multi-Purpose Electronic Bond, CBIC aims to foster a more business-friendly environment, reduce compliance complexities, and align with global best practices in trade facilitation. Stakeholders are encouraged to engage with the new system proactively and provide feedback to ensure its success and continuous improvement.
References
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. The content of this article is not intended to create and receipt of it does not constitute any relationship. Readers should not act upon this information without seeking professional legal counsel.
