In a significant development in Indo-Nepal trade relations, the Electronic Cargo Tracking System (ECTS), which is an electronic seal that, unless tampered with, ensures free movement of containers through the international border, at Kolkata Port has now done away with Indian Customs’ check of Nepal’s third-country imports, says a report.
Now, the containerised rail cargo carrying third-country imports of Nepal through the ports of Kolkata and Vizag will no longer require clearance by Customs authorities as both ports have introduced the ECTS.
The ECTS had already been introduced at Vizag Port in line with a project undertaken by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and was introduced by Kolkata Port a few months ago.
It may be recalled that Nepal had for long been resisting checks by Indian Customs of its third-country imports, while the Customs authorities had defended the move citing the prospect of diversion of cargo.
As the next step, Kolkata Port authorities are planning to introduce ECTS for road movement of containers, in phases. While Vizag doesn’t have any road cargo for Nepal, a large section of the third-country container imports through Kolkata take the road, said the report.Kolkata port
