A self-appraisal system has been introduced to facilitate clearance of cargo. In this, system assessment of Bill of Entry is done by the system itself. The assessed Bill of Entry is generated immediately after data is entered in the system. This facility is presently extended to defense cargo and imports by Research Institutes, Universities, Etc., as well as for imports of books, gold and aircraft parts. It is proposed to extend this system to cover other importers. At present about 10% of imports are covered under self-appraisal  system.

A separate Customs Laboratory had been being set up at Air Cargo. This would help expedite result of tests and reduce delays, which occurred earlier since samples were being sent to Mumbai Custom House. Importers and Exporters are also free to have goods tested at other (private) approved laboratories if they feel it would expedite the test.

To expedite movement of cargo and to enable next day clearances:-

1. Break bulk operating have been allowed round the clock with effect from October 2000.

2. After off-loading, cargo is moved directly from aircraft to the import shed instead of via airlines warehouse.

3. Delivery timing for Import cargo have been increased to 10.00 P.M.. from the existing 8.00 P.M.
   

To ensure faster clearances for larger number of importers:-

1. With effect from October 2000, number of importers in the Green Channel has been increased from 59 to 69. A system has been established to increase the list further.

2. A self-appraisal scheme is under consideration for select importers (Out of top 30) to eliminate delays in assessment.

3. System appraisal is being extended to more commodities where the goods are exempt, rates of duty are low, or the assessment is fairly simple and imports of recurring nature.

4. With effect from October 2000, EDI center has been made operational round the clock. This will ensure greater system stability thus cutting down delays on account of system failures; timely submission of IGM’s and report generation at night thus leaving the system resources free during the daytime (reducing response time for assessment and clearance).

5. Assessing officers attend to assessment work exclusively.

6. Every Assessing Officer clears all Bills of Entry in his queue the same day.
   

AAI have, on request, agreed to increase the existing area being used for examination of export cargo. This would go a long way to reduce the congestion in the export shed, thereby reducing the time taken in off-loading, movement and disposal.

In Unaccompanied Baggage section, all the concerned agencies have been brought under one roof to facilitate clearance. The place is being air-conditioned. This has reduced the number of steps required for baggage clearance by 75% and the time taken by 50%.