CUSTOMS TODAY REPORT
BANGALORE: Bengaluru International Airport has introduced two new initiatives, which will increase the efficiency of the customs process. Now, rather than spending large amounts of time and effort on registering goods at the airport, individuals can process their high-value goods through internet.
This first initiative allows commuters to obtain an export certificate by logging onto the Bangalore Customs website—www.bangalorecustoms.gov.in—and fill in the format available there, carry a hard copy and get it endorsed from customs officers manning the designated counter at the departure level of the airport. The passengers will have to download the format on the website and mail the duly filled-in form to [email protected] as an attachment 24 hours before their flight. Export certificates are issued to passengers possessing high-value goods on their departure from India. The certificate is a proof that the item brought back is not a newly imported item and, therefore, no duty needs to be paid in this respect.
In another initiative, the Bangalore customs have created a link to access real-time information regarding customs issues. Bangalore custom’s website will enable consignees or importers to input their airway bill no. and obtain information regarding queries, if any, raised by customs. This will help them in providing appropriate clarifications to customs, through their courier company, without visiting the airport. Commenting on these initiatives, Bangalore commissioner of customs, Sandeep Prakash, said: “These two initiatives are being attempted for the first time at an Indian airport. We are delighted to have made a time-consuming process more simple and transparent. We hope this will considerably reduce the time spent at the airport for the passengers and enable the courier consignments to be cleared faster. This will also add to the efficiency merits of the Bengaluru International Airport.”
