The Finance Ministry has emphasized the need for significant enhancements in port infrastructure—particularly in gate systems, scanning technology, and engineering temperature-controlled storage—to improve efficiency in handling perishable export cargo across India’s ports.
The recommendation is part of the recently released National Time Release Study (NTRS) 2025, a key performance assessment tool that tracks the time taken for import and export cargo to clear customs and move through logistics channels. The study, now in its fifth edition, was launched by Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
The report covers 62,981 import Bills of Entry (BoEs) and 69,533 export Shipping Bills filed during the first week of January 2025 across 15 major customs formations, including seaports, air cargo complexes (ACCs), inland container depots (ICDs), and integrated check posts (ICPs).
Key Findings: Faster Import Clearance, Mixed Export Trends
The average release time (ART) for imports has improved across most gateways between 2023 and 2025:
Seaports: Faster by 6 hours
Air Cargo Complexes: Faster by 5 hours
ICPs: Faster by 18 hours
However, ICDs saw a delay, with ART increasing by 12 hours.
93.33% of import cargo at ICPs cleared within the 48-hour target.
ACCs: 55.03% within 24 hours
Seaports: 51.76% within target
ICDs: Lagging at 43.7%
Export Cargo: Delays in Post-Clearance Logistics
For exports, the study analyzed two phases: regulatory clearance (arrival to Let Export Order or LEO) and post-LEO logistics (till cargo departure).
Fastest Clearance:
Air Cargo Complexes: Under 4 hours for regulatory processing
ICPs: About 6 hours 10 minutes
Delays Noted:
Seaports: Regulatory clearance took 29.5 hours; post-LEO logistics stretched to 157 hours.
ICDs: Regulatory time stood at 30 hours; post-LEO logistics improved to 99.5 hours.
Recommendations: Smarter Infrastructure, Less Paperwork
The NTRS 2025 makes a strong case for:
Upgraded gate infrastructure with integrated IT systems
Advanced scanning capabilities
Temperature-controlled zones for perishables
Reduction in manual paperwork and streamlining duty payment processes
The report stressed that post-clearance logistics, particularly at ICDs, continue to be a bottleneck. Targeted procedural and operational fixes are necessary to unlock efficiency gains.
Data Integrity & Broader Scope
A key strength of the study lies in its use of accurate data sourced directly from the Customs Automated System, managed by CBIC’s Directorate General of Systems and Data Management.
Since its inception, the Time Release Study has expanded beyond gateway ports to include areas like transit cargo, courier shipments, and commodity-specific tracking—giving policymakers and stakeholders a comprehensive view of India’s trade facilitation landscape.
