The CBIC has introduced ICEDASH to assist importers and exporters in comparing clearance times at different Customs Ports, offering valuable insights for logistics planning.
ICEDASH serves as the Ease of Doing Business monitoring dashboard for Indian Customs, allowing the public to observe daily Customs clearance times for both import and export activities at major Customs stations.
The primary goal is to enhance monitoring and expedite the Customs clearance process for imported goods.
This initiative enables businesses to assess clearance times across various Customs ports, including Seaports, Inland Container Depots (ICDs), Integrated Check Posts (ICPs), and Air Cargo Complexes (ACCs). By providing such information, ICEDASH supports the trade community in making informed decisions for effective logistics planning.
ICEDASH represents a significant stride towards promoting transparency and optimizing trade operations across all ports. It serves as a valuable tool for evaluating the effectiveness of various measures taken to fulfill India’s commitment to fully implement the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement by February 2022. The Trade Facilitation Agreement encourages Customs authorities to publicly disclose their average release times for goods.
The way in which customs and other border agencies handle cargo at borders has a substantial impact on a nation’s competitiveness. Complex border clearance procedures present greater obstacles to trade than tariffs, leading to increased transaction costs and extended clearance times for traded goods. The simplification of Customs procedures can play a pivotal role in addressing these challenges.