TIR to improve trade India-Central Asia trade: Official (SME Times , Sep 24, 2020)

Commissioner of Customs, Nhava Sheva, Mumbai, Sunil K Mall, said that total indicator reading (TIR) will help improve trade between India, Central Asia & CIS countries.

"TIR will facilitate intermodal transport and act as enabling document to cross multiple international borders without any additional checks," he said.

Address a webinar Mall added that TIR will further help to improve trade between India, Central Asia & CIS countries.

Raphael Hirt, IRU, Geneva said, "The International Road Transport Union was very pleased to acknowledge the interest shown by Indian exporting industry towards the TIR procedure, especially the efforts made by CBIC, FICCI and FFFAI to promote this trade facilitation tool," he said.

"IRU will continue to support all stakeholders involved in the implementation of TIR and its electronic version ? eTIR in India. This will enable trade actors and Customs to benefit fully from the immense advantages provided by the TIR Convention which includes simplification of border crossing procedures, reduction of time and cost for the international movements of goods," he added.

While sharing his experience as the first TIR holder in India Mr Shankar Shinde, President-Elect, FFFAI said, "Customs procedures in India should be further simplified under TIR to benefit large traders and exporters in India."

The webinar was also attended by freight forwarding and shipping companies, exporters from various sectors, fair and exhibition organizers. The experts discussed issues involved with respect to temporary imports of goods.

TIR aims to facilitate the international transport of goods under customs seal with a maximum coverage.

The system provides a guarantee covering the customs taxes and duties at risk which is required to pass transit countries and provides a balance between the responsibilities of the customs authorities and the international business community.

It prevents delays in border crossing operations- by minimizing the formalities decreases the transportation costs, as a result, encourages the development of international trade.