National Time Release Study (NTRS) 2023 [UPSC Notes]

The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) conducted the National Time Release Study (NTRS) 2023. The study focused on average customs clearance times for seaports, air cargo complexes (ACCs), inland container depots (ICDs), and integrated check posts (ICPs). The findings show a significant reduction in import release times across different locations. In this article, you can read about the National Time Release Study in detail and its findings for 2023. This topic is relevant for the IAS exam GS paper III.

National Time Release Study (NTRS)

• The NTRS measures the duration from cargo arrival at Customs stations to its out-of-charge for domestic clearance for imports.
• The study measures cargo arrival at the Customs station to the eventual departure of the carrier in the case of exports.
• The sample period for the study was from January 1 to 7, 2023, comparing it to corresponding periods in 2021 and 2022.

Reduction in Customs Clearance Time:

• The average time taken for customs clearance of imports has decreased.
• The CBIC study reveals an 11% reduction at air cargo complexes (ACCs) and a 9% reduction across seaports.
• This improvement contributes to enhancing trade efficiency and cargo clearance.

Import Release Time Comparison:

• The study compares import release times for seaports, ICDs, ACCs, and ICPs.
• Seaports: The import release time is now 85 hours and 42 minutes, reflecting a 9% reduction.
• ICDs: The import release time has decreased by 20% to 71 hours and 46 minutes.
• ACCs: Customs clearance time at air cargo complexes has seen an 11% reduction, with a release time of 44 hours and 16 minutes.
• ICPs: Integrated check posts show the shortest import release time at 31 hours and 47 minutes.

Factors Contributing to Promptness:

• The findings reaffirm the “path to promptness,” consisting of three factors.
  • Advance Filing: Import documents are filed in advance, enabling pre-arrival processing.
  • Risk-based Facilitation: Cargo processing is facilitated based on risk assessment.
  • Trusted Client Programme: Benefits are provided to Authorized Economic Operators.
• These measures encourage trade facilitation, expedite cargo clearance, and promote collaboration among various stakeholders.

Collaborative Efforts:

• The improved release time is a result of the collaborative efforts of multiple stakeholders.
• Customs authorities, port authorities, customs brokers, and participating government agencies have implemented trade facilitation measures.
• Continued collaboration among these stakeholders is crucial for further expediting cargo clearance and enhancing trade efficiency.

Conclusion:

• The CBIC’s NTRS 2023 demonstrates a reduction in customs clearance times for imports.
• Air cargo complexes and seaports have seen significant improvements.
• The findings highlight the importance of trade facilitation measures and collaboration among stakeholders to enhance trade efficiency.

National Time Release Study (NTRS) 2023:- Download PDF Here