Cabinet approves India-Qatar pact on cooperation and assistance in Customs

NEW DELHI: The Cabinet today gave its approval to signing and ratifying of an agreement between India and Qatar on cooperation and mutual assistance in Customs matters.

"The agreement aims to entering into a bilateral agreement on cooperation in Customs matters between India and Qatar," an official statement said.

It will help in the availability of relevant information for the prevention and investigation of Customs offences.

The pact is also expected to facilitate trade and ensure efficient clearance of goods traded between the countries.

The release further said Qatar is an important trading partner of India and bilateral commerce has been expanding over the years.

"In view of the steady growth in bilateral trade, it was felt imperative to provide a legal framework for sharing of information and intelligence between the Customs authorities of the two countries to help in proper application of Customs laws, prevention and investigation of Customs offences and to facilitate legitimate trade," the release said.

A draft text of the Agreement has been finalised after mutual discussions, it said.

It takes care of Indian Customs' concerns and requirements, particularly in the area of exchange of information on correctness of the Customs value declared, the authenticity of certificates of origin of goods and the description of the goods traded.