Report by the Secretariat: III. Trade policies and practices by measure: (2) Measures directly affecting imports: (i) Customs procedures: (a) Registration and documentation: Para. 11:
Could India explain the functioning of the EDI [electronic data interchange] system? For example, can importing companies other than shippers/customs brokers register and use this system? [If not, why not?] Do foreign invested importers have access to use the EDI on the same terms as Indian importers? [If not, why not?]
Reply: Indian Customs launched the Indian Customs EDI system (ICES) in 1995, as an automated work flow system for clearance of import and export consignments. The key drivers for this were the need for handling larger volumes of international trade, lowering transaction costs, quicker turnaround times for cargo and efficient information sharing with Customs Community partners Document filing was initially facilitated through use of service centers. A remote EDI system (RES) was also provided to enable remote filing of import and export documents from business premises of users. The architecture of the ICES application has recently been modified and the new ICES 1.5 now runs on an upgraded centralized platform, with strengthened security features.
Any company can use the EDI system as long as they register and obtain the Import Export Code (IEC) from the Ministry of Commerce (DGFT). The foreign invested importers have access to use the EDI on the same terms as Indian importers as long as they have the IEC.
