ICEGATE E-Payment Platform Enables Voluntary Payment Electronically: Finance Ministry

As per the circular, the new functionality will replace the existing TR-6 payments which are currently being done manually at various Customs Stations.

The functionality will enable the users to generate a self-initiated challan for voluntary payments and then make payments through the ICEGATE e-payment platform without any further approval by officers of Customs.

The circular says “While using the voluntary payment Facility at ICEGATE, the users may be sensitized on the below-mentioned aspects:

1. The voluntary Payment module will be accessible as a post-login functionality. Users must be registered on ICEGATE to access this feature;
2. This facility is enabled with payments which are primarily meant for imports/exports cleared in the past. In other words, the facility is not a replacement for challans generated by ICES/ECCS/SEZ online/ACES applications. Therefore, it should not be used for payment of customs duties for clearance of any live consignments;
3. The various purposes, for which the payment can be made are provided in Annexure-A, wherein, it is advised to select the same carefully while making payment.
4. The proof of payment may be submitted to the concerned field formations for taking further action,
5. The officer may verify the payment details using http://foservices.icegate.gov.in/#/epayment/enquiry. Detailed advisory for verification will be made available by DG (Systems).”

Further, the circular directed that since the facility is aimed at replacing the current procedure of making Over-The-Counter (OTC) payment using TR-6 Challan, the officers under your jurisdiction may be sensitized not to accept any payments through manual TR-6 challan after 31^st December, 2024 unless the same is approved by the concerned Pr. Commissioner/Commissioner of Customs.