Industry
FICCI holds workshop on ATA Carnet for J&K importers, exporters
BK News
Srinagar, Sept 26: The apex trade and industry body of the country Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) here on Monday organised an awareness workshop on ATA Carnet and its operational aspects for exporters and importers of J&K.
The workshop was held in collaboration with the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI).
ATA Carnet ‘facilitates green channel route for doing business in India and abroad’. Also known as ‘Passport for Goods’, it is an international customs document that permits the tax-free and duty-free temporary export and import of nonperishable goods for up to one year.
The event provided an opportunity for exporters, importers and business experts to share their mutually beneficial knowledge and experiences. They discussed issues involved in the temporary import of goods and drew benefits from the deliberations of the session. The experts and guests interacted with the workshop participants on ATA Carnet and responded to several queries while clarifying doubts about the operational aspects of ATA Carnet.
Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Pandurang K Pole, in his address, said the ATA Carnet should be promoted with the ‘One District One Product initiative’ of the Government of India to reap its benefits for exporting local produce.
Deputy Commissioner of Customs, Srinagar, Danish Inder Singh Gill said, “It is right to call ATA Carnet as FICCI Green Channel Route to make it more popular with the business community in India”.
Director, Handicrafts & Handloom, Kashmir, Mehmood Ahmad Shah, talked about the initiatives, issues & challenges of the Handicrafts & Handloom sector of Kashmir.
President, KCCI, Sheikh Ashiq Ahmad, also spoke at the occasion. Senior Consultant, FICCI & Former Member Customs Excise & Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT), PS Pruthi; Deputy Secretary General, FICCI, Nirankar Saxena; and Co-Chair, FICCI Jammu & Kashmir, Rajesh Sharma interacted with the participants of the workshop and responded to several queries to clarify doubts on the operational aspects of ATA Carnet.
Carnets are like passports for goods replacing normal customs documentation enabling fast trouble-free importation into member countries without having to pay duty or tax. The system gives a number of advantages to businessmen seeking new opportunities on foreign markets. It can benefit business travellers, sales executives, fair exhibitors, film and tv crews, artists, engineers, educationalists, entertainers, sports teams and many more during their overseas trips.
The key benefit is that it can be used for multiple trips throughout its one-year validity. It reduces delays and standardises procedures that are vital in today’s economic world. In addition, it significantly simplifies customs paperwork.
FICCI has been functioning as the National Issuing & Guaranteeing Association (NIGA) for the operation of the ATA Carnet system in India.
