Customs clearance goes paperless, contactless to speed up essentials import

In order to expedite imports of essential items amid the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic, the government has decided to introduce paperless Customs clearance and online submission of documents starting Wednesday.

Among a slew of measures aimed at cutting time and cost of compliance, the Customs department will clear imports on the basis of an undertaking (not bond) and acceptance of electronic country of origin certificate.

Expedited clearance of raw materials will facilitate the production of essential items like pharmaceuticals in the country.

“In order to mitigate the unprecedented situation due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes