Customs begins trial of daily cargo clearance .

Customs officials at the Chennai seaport will clear the cargo on all seven days of the week. The new system has been introduced on a trial basis from Thursday.

The authorities said the new system was introduced to help trade and to reduce transaction cost. In the first phase, services will be provided for delivery of export cargo.

The second phase will cover delivery of imported goods and in the third phase the authorities would provide facilities of assessment and examination of import and export cargo.

The duration of each phase would be 15 days. After the trial period, depending upon the feedback from the trade and industry and success of the programme, the authorities would decide on regularising it.

Staff for the new system has already been posted and they will come in three shifts in a day. Trade and industry representatives wishing to avail themselves of the new facility or requiring any guidance/assistance can contact the officers on duty on the following phone numbers: 044-25254452/25254453.

Source : The Hindu