National Time Release Study (NTRS)

National Time Release Study (NTRS): Recently, Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, released the fifth edition of the National Time Release Study (NTRS) ,at the CBIC Conclave held in New Delhi.

• About NTRS : A quantitative performance assessment tool to measure the average time taken for cargo clearance from arrival to release.

o Uses real-time data from the Customs Automated System, managed by the Directorate General of Systems and Data Management.

o Aligned with India’s efforts under the National Trade Facilitation Action Plan (NTFAP) 3.0.

o Scope and Coverage (Since 2019): Conducted at 15 major trade locations, including: Seaports, Air Cargo Complexes (ACCs), Inland Container Depots (ICDs) and Integrated Check Posts (ICPs)

o New Locations in 2025 Edition: Kochi Seaport, Garhi Harsaru ICD and Jaigaon Land Customs Station (LCS)

• About NTFAP: Aims to implement the World Trade Organization (WTO)’s Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) in India.

o Objective: Enhance ease of doing business and make India’s trade system more transparent, predictable, and efficient.