India to offer 24/7 customs clearance at select ports and airports

India has agreed to offer customs clearances at identified sea-ports and airports 24x7 in order to facilitate trade services, according to the latest British International Forwarders’ Association newsletter. The four airports where this 24x7 facility will be available are Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai and Mumbai. The four ports where this facility will be available are Chennai, Kolkata, Kandla and JNPT, Mumbai. The 24x7 operations will begin on a pilot basis with customs operations as well as all other complementary services. Along with customs clearances, other government agencies such as the concerned port/airport authority, drug controller, FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India), quarantine, etc, and private players such as custodians, CHAs (Customs House Agents), banks, transporters, etc, will also have to work 24x7 to synchronise with the extended work hours. This will initially be for four months after which efforts will be made to expand to other locations. The pilot is due to begin early next month.