Cabinet approves accession to Kyoto convention
The Cabinet today approved Accession to Protocol of Amendment to the International Convention on the Simplification and Harmonization of Customs Procedures (Amended Kyoto Convention) adopted by World Customs Organization (WCO) in 1999.
The convention aims to
• Eliminate the divergence between the Customs procedures and practices of Contracting Parties that can hamper international trade and other international exchanges;
• Meet the needs of international trade and the Customs for facilitation, simplification and harmonization of Customs procedures and practices;
• ensure appropriate standards of Customs control;
• enable the Customs to respond to major changes in business and administrative methods and techniques,
It was visualized that the amended convention
• must provide that the core principles for such simplification and harmonization are made obligatory on Contracting Parties to the amended Convention;
• must provide the Customs with efficient procedures supported by appropriate and effective control methods; and
• will enable the achievement of a high degree of simplification and harmonization of Customs procedures and practices which is an essential aim of the Council, and thus make a major contribution to facilitation of international trade,
It is hoped that this would reflect better India’s resolve to facilitate international trade and would give positive mileage at international fora. It will eventually facilitate international trade and enhance global economy, without compromising on the revenue, control and security functions of the Customs.
Accession formalities will be completed in 2005. The standards and transitional standards of General Annex will be implemented within 3 years and 5 years respectively, after the Amended Kyoto Convention comes into force.
For the amended convention, click here.