GS3 – Indian Economy
Conte
xt
- 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