Customs operations to work 24x7 at 8 seaports, airports

NEW DELHI: India is set to achieve significant milestone in trade facilitation with 24 X 7 customs clearances of export and imports.

The facility will be available at identified sea-ports and airports at Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, and Mumbai. The four ports where this facility would be available are Chennai, Kolkata, Kandla and JNPT, Mumbai, a statement from Prime Minister’s Office said.

Non- availability of customs clearance and other facilities at airports and seaports round the clock has been cited as one of the major constraints for international trade in the country pushing up transaction costs.

Delayed customs clearances also lead pile up of cargo at airports and ports thereby further causing hindrance in cargo movement.

The 24X7 operations would begin on a pilot basis with customs operations along with all other complementary services. This would be initially for four months after which efforts

would be made to expand similar operations at other locations, it said.

For exports the facility would be available to all those exports that do not claim tax benefits while most of the imports thar do not require any assessment or examination of goods will be covered.