India Post, United States Postal Service to e-exchange customs data
October 28, 2020: Department of Posts (India Post) and United States Postal Service (USPS) have entered into an agreement for the electronic exchange of customs data related to postal shipments exchanged between the two countries.
In 2019, around 20% of outbound EMS and 30% of letters " small packets transmitted by India Post were destined to the USA whereas 60% of the parcels received by India Post were originated from USA.
October 28, 2020: Department of Posts (India Post) and United States Postal Service (USPS) have entered into an agreement for the electronic exchange of customs data related to postal shipments exchanged between the two countries.
“The agreement will make it possible to transmit and receive electronic data of international postal items prior to their physical arrival at the destination and would enable customs clearance of postal items in advance in line with the evolving global postal framework. This will also improve the performance of postal services in terms of reliability, visibility and security,” says the release.
The United States is the top export destination for India (17 percent) which is also reflected in the exchange of goods through postal channel. In 2019, around 20 percent of outbound EMS and 30 percent of letters & small packets transmitted by India Post were destined to the USA whereas 60 percent of the parcels received by India Post was originated from the USA.
Exchange of Electronic Advance Data (EAD) as per the agreement will be a key driver towards promoting mutual trade with emphasis on the exports from different parts of India to USA through postal channel considering that USA is a major destination of MSME products, gems & jewellery, pharmaceuticals and other local products from India. This will fulfil a major demand of export industry to expedite customs clearances of export items.
The agreement was signed by Prannoy Sharma, deputy director-general (international relations & global business), Department of Posts and Robert H. Raines Jr., managing director, the global business of United States Postal Service.
The agreement between India Post and United States Postal Service will facilitate increase in mutual trade, faster customs clearance, improved security of network and will help in introducing new customer friendly products to promote exports.
— India Post (@IndiaPostOffice) October 27, 2020
Photo source: PTI https://t.co/0Ho9pjpVTb
