02/2024 : Encouraging Women Participation in International Trade

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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 25.10.2023 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