Introduction: Circular No. 2/2024-Customs issued by the Government of India’s Ministry of Finance, Department of Revenue, emphasizes the importance of women’s participation in international trade. It urges customs authorities to ensure representation and support for women across various aspects of trade.
Detailed Analysis: The circular underscores the necessity of gender diversity and inclusion in international trade. It builds upon previous directives, such as Circular No. 42/2013-Customs dated 25.10.2013 and Circular No. 13/2015-Customs dated 13.04.2015, which established mechanisms for facilitating trade and receiving feedback from stakeholders.
Recognizing the significant role of women in the logistics sector, the circular outlines specific measures to encourage their participation. This includes ensuring representation of women in trade committees like the Permanent Trade Facilitation Committee (PTFC) and Customs Clearance Facility Committee (CCFC). Moreover, customs authorities are urged to incorporate agenda points that reflect women’s perspectives and concerns.
To further support women in trade, the circular encourages the establishment of dedicated help desks and processing mechanisms for women traders and logistics service providers. Additionally, customs authorities are tasked with providing relevant training and upskilling opportunities for women in the logistics industry, including freight forwarders and customs brokers.
Conclusion: Circular No. 2/2024-Customs serves as a progressive initiative aimed at fostering gender equality and empowerment in international trade. By prioritizing women’s representation and support across various facets of trade, customs authorities can contribute to creating a more inclusive and equitable trading environment. The implementation of these measures not only benefits women in the logistics sector but also enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of international trade operations. As customs authorities and trade bodies embrace these directives, they play a pivotal role in driving positive change and promoting gender diversity in the global marketplace.
Circular No. 2/2024-Customs
F. No. 450/199/2013-Cus IV(Pt.)
Government of India
Ministry of Finance, Department of Revenue
(Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs)
*****
Room No. 229A, North Block,
New Delhi, dated 08th March, 2024.
To,
All Principal Chief Commissioners/ Chief Commissioners of Customs/ Customs
(Preventive) / Customs & Central Tax
All Principal Commissioners/ Commissioners of Customs/ Customs (Preventive)
Subject: Encouraging Women participation in International Trade – reg.
Madam/Sir,
Attention is invited to Board’s Circular No. 42/2013-Customs dated 25.10.2013 regarding setting up of ‘Customs Clearance Facilitation Committee’ (CCFC) and Circular No. 13/2015-Customs dated 13.04.2015 pertaining to Permanent Trade Facilitation Committee’ (PTFC) instituting a structured mechanism for receiving feedback from the trade and removing bottlenecks in procedure.
2. To make the most of trade as a catalyst for equality, women must be represented at all levels. Women also must be represented across different job roles and functions of trade – be it as traders, customs house agents, freight forwarders, or customs brokers. Keeping in view the growing participation of women in the logistics sector, a conscious effort is required by all participants including Partner Government Agencies (PGAs) and trade bodies in this regard.
3. In view of the above, it has been decided that the Chief Commissioners/ Commissioners should henceforth: –
i. Ensure Representation of women in the Permanent Trade Facilitation Committee (PTFC) and Customs Clearance Facility Committee (CCFC) meetings, preferably through women associations.
ii. Ensure inclusion of at least one agenda point from women perspective.
iii. Encourage the Trade bodies/ custodians to establish dedicated help desks and processing mechanisms for women traders and women logistics service providers.
iv. Support in upskilling women logistics service providers, freight forwarders and custom brokers by offering relevant trainings for women.
4. This Circular may be given wide publicity by issue of suitable Trade Notice/ Public Notice. Difficulties, if any, in the implementation of the above Circular may be brought to the notice of the Board.
5. Hindi version follows.
Yours faithfully,
(SANJEET KUMAR)
Under Secretary to the Government of India
Tel: 011-2309 5557
email: uscus4.dor@gov.in
