NEW DELHI: India has set the ball rolling for the smooth implementation of the World Trade Organization’s trade facilitation agreement by formulating a detailed action plan with timelines for the pact, sources said. TFA seeks to ease customs procedures, expediting movement, release and clearance of consignments. Implementation of the plan, which also includes suggestions of the private sector, has been divided into short term (0-6 months), medium term (6-18 months) and long term (18-36 months).
The short-term action plan includes augmentation of storage infrastructure for perishable goods and clearance of such goods within 12 hours of landing for import and 8 hours for export.
The plan for mid-term includes updation of all regulatory information available on the internet on a single window portal; to put in place adequate bio-security measures for livestock imports and publication of all fees on a single window website.
The Central Board of Excise and Customs and the commerce ministry would also work on streamlining policy for e-commerce which includes cutting documentation requirements and providing single submissions.
The agencies and ministries involved in the implementation process include CBEC, Directorate General of Foreign Trade and Animal & Plant Quarantine, textiles and environment ministries.