New Delhi, Aug.7 (ANI): The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) on Tuesday announced that Customs clearance operations would henceforth operate round-the-clock seven days a week at all major sea ports and airports of the country to ensure timely despatch of cargo.

According to a PMO release, the four airports where this 24 X 7 facility would be available are Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, and Mumbai. The four ports where this facility would be available are Chennai, Kolkata, Kandla and JNPT, Mumbai.

The 24X7 operations would begin on a pilot basis with customs operations along with all other complementary services. Along with customs clearances, other government agencies such as the concerned port / airport authority, drug controller, FSSAI, quarantine, etc., and private players such as custodians, CHAs, banks, transporters, etc., shall also have to work 24x7 to synchronize with the extended work hours. This would be initially for four months after which efforts would be made to expand similar operations at other locations.

The 24 X 7 operations would be available for certain categories of imports and exports. For imports, the category No Assessment No Examination will be covered. This would account for 70% of imports. For exports, the 24X7 facility could be extended to those exports not claiming benefits.

For smooth operationalisation of 24 X 7, the Commissioner of Customs concerned at these locations shall hold meetings with all stakeholders. Such additional staff that is required to start these operations shall be redeployed from existing resources. Secretary, Commerce and the Director General, Foreign Trade shall also hold meetings with other support agencies to facilitate and ensure 24X7 operations. A notice in this regard shall issue by 10.8.2012, with 24X7 operations to commence after two weeks from that date on 25.8.2012.

The Department of Revenue shall assess the pilot and propose expansion of coverage if it is required, the PMO statement said. (ANI)