Question : Simplification of Export Procedures

(a) whether the Government has adequately simplified the export related procedures and if so, the details thereof along with the measures taken by the Government in this regard;
(b) whether the benefits of the simplification of export procedures have not accrued to the people and if so, the reaction of the Government thereto along with the corrective steps taken in this regard;
(c) whether any study has been conducted to find out the unnecessary delay in export procedures being caused by the employees; and
(d) if so, the details and the results thereof along with the action taken by the Government on the basis of the results of the study along with the extent to which exports have increased thereafter?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)
(SMT. NIRMALA SITHARAMAN)

(a) Government has introduced a number of measures to simplify export procedures. Important measures introduced are:
i. The number of mandatory documents reduced to 3 each for export and import. Earlier 7 documents were required for exports and 10 for imports.
ii. Most of the Shipping Bills for exports are processed on the electronic platform of Customs.
iii. Customs ‘Single Window Interface for Facilitating Trade’ (SWIFT) project enables importers/exporters to file a common online electronic ‘Integrated Declaration’. This declaration consolidatesthe information requirements of Customs, FSSAI, Plant Quarantine, Animal Quarantine, Drug Controller, Wild Life Control Bureau and Textile Committee. This saves time as traders do not have to approach multiple agencies.
iv. The Integrated Risk Management facility does away with the routine examination and testing of consignments. It ensures that the consignments are selected for examination and testing on the basis of the principle of risk management.
v. 24x7 Customs Clearance facility for exports and imports covers 18 sea ports and 17 air cargo complexes for specified cargo.

(b) Simplified export procedures benefitexporters. For example, reduction in number of documents reduces the associated time and cost. Facility of online submission reduces physical interface.

(c) , (d) Study/evaluation of operational aspects of government policy is an on-going process in government to guide reform and improvement.

*******