GST Update: CBEC's ‘Refund Fortnight' Initiative, Clarifications On Export-Related Refund Issues

Given the growing concerns in the industry due to the delay in processing of refund claims, the government has taken steps in the form of initiating a refund processing drive and issuance of circular to clarify various issues faced during the processing of refund claims.

'Refund fortnight' initiative by CBEC

The Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) has started a nationwide drive from 15 March 2018 to 29 March 2018 to expedite processing of refund claims of exporters. Key highlights of this drive are:

• Special refund cells with dedicated manpower and infrastructure shall be operated at all Customs formations during this time for speeding up the sanction of refunds.
• New facilities have been provided for sanction of IGST refunds which were held up due to:
  • Mismatch in the invoice related information provided in shipping bills, vis-à-vis GSTR-1/Table 6A - Special procedure has been put in place for removal of errors.