Indian Customs has introduced Auto Goods Registration (AGR) and Auto Out of Charge (AOC) processes to speed up cargo clearance and reduce delays for importers, marking a major step toward greater automation and ease of doing business.
Under the new system, eligible import consignments will be automatically registered and granted out-of-charge clearance without manual intervention, significantly cutting processing time at ports, airports and inland container depots. The move is expected to improve predictability in cargo release and lower transaction costs for trade.
Officials said the initiative is part of Customs’ ongoing push to leverage technology and risk-based assessment to facilitate faster clearances while maintaining compliance controls. The automated processes will primarily benefit low-risk consignments that meet predefined criteria.
Trade bodies have welcomed the rollout, noting that reduced dwell time will help importers optimise inventory planning and improve supply-chain efficiency, especially for time-sensitive and high-volume cargo.
The new measures align with India’s broader logistics reform agenda, aimed at enhancing port efficiency, reducing paperwork and strengthening India’s competitiveness in global trade.