Industry stakeholders and exporters gathered in Guwahati for an awareness workshop designed to familiarise local businesses with international trade facilitation frameworks. Organised jointly by FICCI and FIEO, the event drew over 100 attendees from the exporting community to discuss tools aimed at streamlining cross-border movement and simplifying international procedures.
Unlocking Potential for Regional and Traditional Industries
Opening the session, Ghanshyam Das Dhanuka, Chair of the FICCI Assam State Council, encouraged local enterprises to utilise the ATA Carnet and UN TIR systems to expand their international reach. He noted that these mechanisms hold significant potential for boosting exports, driving regional economic growth, and enhancing overall market competitiveness.
Navin Kumar De, Deputy Commissioner of Customs for the Guwahati Zone, shared insights on how these frameworks simplify customs procedures to ensure smoother cargo movement. Additionally, Himanshu Dhar Pandey, Deputy Director General of Foreign Trade in Guwahati, detailed the central government's Export Promotion Mission and its role in strengthening the national export ecosystem.
Manju Rani Talukdar, Joint Director at the Commissionerate of Industries & Commerce in Guwahati, highlighted the benefits these tools offer to Assam's traditional sectors, including the eri and muga silk industries, as well as handlooms and handicrafts. She urged entrepreneurs to explore broader market opportunities by leveraging these systems.
Understanding ATA Carnet and UN TIR Mechanisms
P. S. Pruthi, Senior Consultant at FICCI and Former Member of CESTAT, broke down the core features of both systems, describing them as prime examples of public-private partnership in global trade. Joydeep Gupta, Co-Chair of the FICCI Assam State Council, concluded the event by delivering the vote of thanks to the speakers and participants.
The ATA Carnet functions as an international customs document allowing professional equipment, exhibition goods, and commercial samples to enter participating countries temporarily without import duties. Often referred to as a passport for goods, it typically remains valid for up to one year.
Meanwhile, the UN TIR system facilitates international road transport under customs seals, minimizing border delays and transit costs through established guarantee mechanisms. FICCI serves as the designated National Issuing & Guaranteeing Association for operating both the ATA Carnet and UN TIR systems within India.
