Cabinet approves accession to global customs convention

The government today gave its nod for accession to the 'Customs Convention on International Transport of Goods' which will help in faster movement of export goods.
The decision was taken by the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi here.
The convention will help Indian traders to have access to fast, easy, reliable and hassle-free international system for movement of goods by road or multi-modal means across the territories of other contracting parties.
The Cabinet gave "its approval for India's accession to the Customs Convention on International Transport of Goods under cover of TIR Carnets (TIR Convention) and for completion of necessary procedures for ratification, for its entry into force," an official statement said.

By joining the convention, the need for inspection of goods at intermediate borders as well as physical escorts en route shall be obviated due to reciprocal recognition of customs controls, it said.
It added that customs clearance can take place at internal customs locations, which will avoid clearances at border crossing points and ports that may often be congested.
It also said that compliance with the convention shall ensure enhanced security in the supply chain as only approved transporters and vehicles are allowed to operate in terms of the convention.
The Customs Convention on International Transport of Goods under cover of TIR Carnets, 1975, is an international transit system under the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe to facilitate the movement of goods within and amongst the parties to the convention. At present there are 70 members to the convention.