Reply: Apart from the introduction of EDI and Risk Management System, the following initiatives reduced the customs clearance time.
Accredited Clients Program (ACP): this program was introduced along with the RMS. The objective is to identify the importers of clean compliance track record and facilitate their consignments upfront. Their consignments are not subjected for any Customs control measures. There are nearly 280 ACP importers covering 13% of the total imports.
Direct delivery of containers at the port: in some of the Customs Houses the containers belonging to ACP importers are delivered at the port itself rather than clearing them after being brought to the container freight stations (CFS). This greatly reduces the clearance time.
E Payment: the e payment facility has been launched. This has made the process of customs clearance convenient by reducing transaction time.
A provision of "self assessment", both for imported goods and export goods, has been introduced, by amending the Customs Act 1962. This has provided a basis for progressive reduction in the levels of Customs intervention in clearance of import/export cargo leading to significant enhancement in facilitation for compliant trade.
