Chapter VII - Clearance of imported and export goods
Section 48
Section 48: Uncleared imported goods
Section 48 permits sale of imported goods that remain uncleared, unwarehoused or untranshipped beyond thirty days after unloading, unless the proper officer allows more time. Sale requires notice to the importer and the officer’s permission, subject to special treatment for specified goods.
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This article is for general information. Refer to the Customs Act, 1962 official text for the official provisions. If you need professional advice for your situation, contact Bizeneed.
Statutory text
Bare law
If any goods brought into India from a place outside India are not cleared for home consumption or warehoused or transhipped within thirty days from the date of the unloading thereof at a customs station or within such further time as the proper officer may allow or if the title to any imported goods is relinquished, such goods may, after notice to the importer and with the permission of the proper officer be sold by the person having the custody thereof: Provided that — (a) animals, perishable goods and hazardous goods, may, with the permission of the proper officer, be sold at any time; (b) arms and ammunition may be sold at such time and place and in such manner as the Central Government may direct. Explanation.— In this section, “arms” and “ammunition” have the meanings respectively assigned to them in the Arms Act, 1959 (54 of 1959).
Key takeaways
Thirty-day trigger
The period runs from unloading at the customs station; the proper officer may allow further time.
Sale safeguards
The custodian may sell after notice to the importer and permission from the proper officer; relinquishment of title also triggers this route.
Special goods
Animals, perishables and hazardous goods may be sold at any time with officer permission; arms and ammunition follow Central Government directions.
Thirty-day trigger
The period runs from unloading at the customs station; the proper officer may allow further time.
Sale safeguards
The custodian may sell after notice to the importer and permission from the proper officer; relinquishment of title also triggers this route.
Special goods
Animals, perishables and hazardous goods may be sold at any time with officer permission; arms and ammunition follow Central Government directions.
Practical checklist
Do
- Track unloading and clearance dates against the thirty-day trigger.
- If clearance is delayed, seek any further time from the proper officer and retain the response.
- Respond promptly to custodian or Customs notices about proposed sale.
Frequently asked questions
Are uncleared goods automatically sold on day thirty?
No. Section 48 permits sale after the statutory trigger, notice and officer permission; the officer can allow further time.
Need help applying this provision to your situation?
Contact BizeneedLast updated 10 October 2026