Warangal: Customs now a proactive trade facilitator: Additional Commissioner
Warangal, Aug 25 (TNT) Customs has transformed from a traditional duty collection agency into a proactive facilitator of international trade, Hyderabad Customs Additional Commissioner P Satish said on Tuesday.
Addressing an export awareness workshop organised by FICCI in association with the Warangal Chamber of Commerce and Industry here, Satish urged exporters to leverage technology-driven and transparent customs procedures to expand their presence in global markets.
He said nearly 90 per cent of import consignments were now being facilitated without physical interference, reflecting the department’s efforts to create a seamless trade environment.
Digital measures such as e-sealing and the e-way bill system for container movement had improved transparency and enabled real-time monitoring, helping prevent tampering and speed up clearances, Satish said.
He invited exporters from Warangal to approach the Hyderabad Customs office, which operates round-the-clock, to address logistical issues and explore the region’s untapped export potential.
The workshop focused on the ATA Carnet and UN TIR systems, which facilitate the temporary movement and transit of goods across international borders.
FICCI Senior Consultant and former CESTAT Member P S Pruthi explained that the ATA Carnet functions as a “passport for goods”, allowing eligible goods to be temporarily imported duty-free for exhibitions and professional purposes across participating countries.
FICCI Director S Vijayalakshmi said FICCI was India’s national issuing and guaranteeing association for the ATA Carnet and TIR systems. The expansion of authorised customs ports and the proposed transition to an e-Carnet system would further streamline procedures and reduce administrative burdens for exporters, she said.
Warangal Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Bommineni Ravinder Reddy highlighted the potential for increasing agro-based exports from the region, particularly chillies and mangoes to Southeast Asian markets.
He said local exporters could benefit from FICCI membership through access to international trade guidelines, government incentives and trade facilitation mechanisms, besides using the ATA Carnet for eligible goods displayed at international exhibitions.
During the interactive session, exporters sought clarification on re-importation of goods under the ATA Carnet and the treatment of perishable and consumable items such as red chilli products.
The panellists clarified that the ATA Carnet allows eligible non-perishable goods to move temporarily across participating countries without payment of customs duties for up to one year. Goods not re-imported could attract applicable duties and taxes in the country of import.
Warangal Chamber of Commerce and Industry Secretary M Veda Prakash and other members of the organisation participated in the workshop.
TNT TS
