National Time Release Study (NTRS)

GS3 – Indian Economy

 

Context

• The Union Finance Minister released the 5th edition of the National Time Release Study (NTRS), a key trade facilitation performance report.

What is NTRS?

• NTRS is a quantitative tool used to measure the average time taken for cargo clearance, providing insights into the efficiency of border procedures.
• It is conducted by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC).
• Launched in 2019, it covers 15 major trading locations:
  • Seaports
  • Air Cargo Complexes (ACCs)
  • Inland Container Depots (ICDs)
  • Integrated Check Posts (ICPs)
• Based on World Customs Organization (WCO) recommendations for coordinated border management.

Significance of NTRS

• Helps monitor trade efficiency, track policy impact, and guide targeted reforms.
• Acts as a key performance tool for the National Trade Facilitation Action Plan (NTFAP).

Key Findings – 5th Edition

Import Segment

• Average Release Time (ART) trends (2023–2025):
  • Seaports: ↓ by ~6 hours
  • Air Cargo Complexes (ACCs): ↓ by ~5 hours
  • Integrated Check Posts (ICPs): ↓ by ~18 hours
  • Inland Container Depots (ICDs): ↑ by ~12 hours
• NTFAP 3.0 Compliance (Cargo released within target time):
  • ICPs: 93.33%
  • ACCs: 55.03%
  • Seaports: 51.76%
  • ICDs: 43.70%
• ‘Path to Promptness’ Framework (key enablers):
  • Advance Filing of Documents
  • Risk Management System (RMS)-based Facilitation
  • Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Accreditation
  • Direct Port Delivery (DPD)
• NTFAP 3.0 Targets:
  • Cargo clearance in <48 hours for Seaports, ICDs, ICPs
  • <24 hours for ACCs

Export Segment

• Regulatory Clearance Times:
  • Fastest at ACCs: Under 4 hours
  • ICPs: 6.1 hours
  • Slower at:
    • Seaports: 29.6 hours
    • ICDs: 30 hours