New system may cut export customs clearance to few hours: FM

Finance Minister P Chidambaram today expressed hope that the time taken for customs clearance of export cargo will come down to a few hours after implementing a risk management system.

"I sincerely hope that with the introduction of RMS in exports, the dwell time which now ranges from 1.6 days to 3.68 days will be brought down to a few hours," Chidambaram said after launching the all-India Risk Management System (RMS) for exports.

India started using the RMS for imports in December 2005 and it has helped to bring in additional revenue of Rs 2,211 crore, Chidambaram added. It has also reduced the dwell time, or the duration for which cargo remains in transit storage while awaiting clearance, for incoming shipments.

"The revenue department claims that the dwell time for imports has come down drastically after launch of RMS in imports. Likewise, RMS in exports is intended to bring down the dwell time so that the cargo meant for exports moves up quickly, leaves the shores of India towards its ultimate destination," Chidambaram said.

The time currently taken for customs clearance of export cargo in Mumbai is 1.6 days, while at the Inland Container Depot in Delhi it is 3.68 days.

Chidambaram said the RMS is based on trust and is part of international co-operation efforts on trade-related issues. The facility will enable low-risk consignments to be cleared based on self-assessment declarations by exporters.

By expediting the clearance of compliant export cargo, the system will contribute to lower dwell time, besides reducing transaction costs and making businesses internationally competitive.