The fifth edition of National Time Release Study launched by Finance Minister in New Delhi

Current Context: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman launched the fifth edition of the National Time Release Study (NTRS) on June 20, 2025, during the CBIC Conclave in New Delhi.

Key Highlights:

• Import clearance times improved between 2023–2025:
• Seaports: faster by ~6 hours
• Air Cargo Complexes (ACCs): faster by ~5 hours
• Integrated Check Posts (ICPs): faster by ~18 hours
• Inland Container Depots (ICDs): saw a delay of ~12 hours
• Export clearance was fastest at ACCs (under 4 hours), followed by ICPs (6:10 hours).
• 93.33% of ICP cargo met the 48-hour clearance target under NTFAP 3.0, outperforming ACCs (55.03%) and seaports (51.76%).
• The study expanded to three new ports: Kochi Seaport, Garhi Harsaru ICD, and Jaigaon LCS.
• Introduced stage-wise and process-specific evaluations using real-time data from CBIC’s automated systems.
• Improvements credited to the “Path to Promptness” framework: advance filing, RMS-based facilitation, AEO accreditation, and Direct Port Delivery.
• MoS Finance Pankaj Chaudhary launched the ICETAB device for real-time, paperless export inspections

Question:

Q.1 Which category showed the fastest export clearance time as per National Time Release Study (NTRS) 2025?
a) Seaports
b) Air Cargo Complexes (ACCs)
c) Inland Container Depots (ICDs)
d) Integrated Check Posts (ICPs)

Answer: b) Export clearance was fastest at Air Cargo Complexes (ACCs) with a processing time of under 4 hours, followed by ICPs at 6 hours and 10 minutes.