In order to further reduce transaction cost of theimporters and as a trade facilitation measure, it has been decided to make e-payment mandatory for importers registered under Accredited Clients Programme and importers paying the duty of Rs one lakh or more per Bill of Entry with effect from Monday (September 17, 2012). 

Central Board of Excise & Customs ( CBEC) has advised Chief Commissioners of Customs to provide all assistance to enable importers, trade and industry to adopt the new procedure. 

E-payment facility at Customs locations was introduced in 2007 and is available through more than one authorized bank at all major Customs locations having ICES facility. Though voluntary, the facility has been used by numerous importers. Besides expediting the process of payment of Customs duty and clearance of imported goods, the facility of e-payment has resulted in reduction of transaction co. (Economic Times)