The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval for signing and ratifying of an Agreement between India and Qatar on Co-operation and Mutual Assistance in Customs Matters.

The Agreement aims to entering into a bilateral Agreement on co-operation Customs matters between India and Qatar.

The Agreement will help in the availability of relevant information for the prevention and investigation of Customs offences. The Agreement is also expected to facilitate trade and ensure efficient clearance of goods traded between the countries.

Background:

Qatar is an important trading partner of India. Trade between the two countries has been expanding over the years. In view of the steady growth in bilateral trade, it was felt imperative to provide a legal framework for sharing of information and intelligence between the Customs authorities of the two countries to help in proper application of Customs laws, prevention and investigation of Customs offences and to facilitate legitimate trade. A draft text of the Agreement has been finalized after mutual discussions. It takes care of Indian Customs' concerns and requirements, particularly in the area of exchange of information on correctness of the Customs value declared, the authenticity of certificates of origin of goods and the description of the goods traded between the two countries.

Customs cooperation: bilateral agreement enables information sharing to prevent and investigate customs offences and facilitate trade. Approval was given to sign and ratify a bilateral agreement on Co operation and Mutual Assistance in Customs Matters establishing a legal framework for exchange of information and intelligence to assist in the application of customs laws, prevent and investigate customs offences, and verify declared customs value, certificates of origin, and goods descriptions to facilitate legitimate trade and efficient clearance.