India's Import Framework Remains Complex: WTO

NEW DELHI: India is streamlining its customs procedures and implementing trade facilitation, but the country's import structure still remains complex, the World Trade Organization (WTO) has said.

India, it said, took to self-assessment for customs procedures in 2011 to facilitate trade, and around 97.6 per cent of imports were processed through the risk management system.

"Despite the implementation of these measures, India's import regime remains complex, especially its licensing and permit system, and its tariff structure, which has multiple exemptions, with rates varying according to product, user or specific export promotion programme," the Geneva-based multi-lateral organisation said.

According to the sixth Trade Policy Review of India, prepared by WTO, the country has taken several initiatives to modernise its intellectual property regime (IPR) administration and continues its efforts to enforce IP

Acknowledging India's support for the multilateral trading system, it said the country has historically been party to a few regional trade pacts.

Read More: The Back Story Of 7 Indian Business Tycoons