In an attempt to boost trade, the finance ministry has initiated steps for faster clearance of export and import consignments and decided to increase the working hours at the customs cargo.
The steps were decided after a meeting between commerce and industry minister Murasoli Maran and finance minister Yashwant Sinha here yesterday.
To start with, there will be two shifts (8.00 am to 2.00 pm and 2.00 pm to 10.00 pm) at Delhi air cargo office on working days, beginning September 24 (Monday).
On holidays and Sundays, the timing would be 10.00 am to 5 pm. A public notice has been issued, sources said. The trade facilitation exercise which will benefit exporters/importers would be extended to air cargo in Chennai, Mumbai and Kolkata. "The measure will ensure simplified and faster processing of consignments," he added.