Kashmir exporters seek customs support, push for Inland Container Depot

Srinagar, Jan 15: The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCC&I) on Thursday organised an interactive session with senior Customs Department officials to address critical challenges facing exporters from Jammu and Kashmir and explore solutions for smoother export operations.

The meeting at the Chamber office was attended by Sanjay Gupta, Chief Commissioner, Customs Preventive Zone, Delhi; Alok Srivastava, Commissioner, Customs Preventive Commissionerate, Amritsar; Buddhi Prakash, Additional Commissioner; Puneet Gunawat, Joint Commissioner; and Purushottam Gupta, Assistant Commissioner, Customs Preventive Division, Jammu.

KCC&I President Javid Ahmad Tenga welcomed the officials and appreciated their willingness to engage directly with industry stakeholders. The session drew members of the Executive Committee, past Chamber presidents, and numerous exporters.

Tenga highlighted major concerns, including drawback-related issues, procedural challenges, and infrastructure deficits at Srinagar International Airport, particularly cargo handling facilities and operational constraints during adverse weather.

Outlining the Chamber’s vision, Tenga emphasised the need to substantially increase regional exports and said KCC&I aims to double export volumes through improved infrastructure, facilitative Customs procedures, and supportive policies. He called for urgent infrastructure upgrades and reiterated the long-standing demand for establishing an Inland Container Depot (ICD) in the region.

Jammu and Kashmir Bank representatives, including Vishal Sharma, Chief Manager (Forex), and Shabir Ahmad Reshi, shared the banking sector’s perspective on exporter challenges, particularly regarding Electronic Bank Realisation Certificates (e-BRCs), timelines, and export bill extensions.

During a dedicated question-and-answer session, exporters raised operational concerns regarding drawback processing, documentation requirements, cargo movement, and airport logistics.

Sanjay Gupta assured that genuine concerns would be examined at appropriate levels, while Alok Srivastava reiterated the Customs Department’s commitment to trade facilitation and stakeholder engagement while ensuring regulatory compliance.

Past President Rauf Ahmad Punjabi presented the vote of thanks and requested an awareness workshop for exporters. Gupta welcomed the suggestion and assured that a workshop would be organised in Srinagar in April.