CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: The Express Industry Council of India (EICI), the apex industry association representing leading international and domestic express companies in India, has released an insightful White Paper in association with the Bureau of Research on Industry and Economic Fundamentals (BRIEF), a research-based policy think tank. The White Paper, titled ‘The Future of Express Cargo Clearance in India – ECCS in the New Customs Integrated System’, underscores the need to ensure the smooth integration of processes and preserve the strengths of the existing Express Cargo Clearance System (ECCS) as it is proposed to be integrated into the forthcoming Customs Integrated System (CIS).
The White Paper aims to apprise the regulatory authorities, especially the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), about the critical features of the currently operational ECCS and the express industry’s expectations from the new CIS. It was formally submitted to the CBIC at a consultation held in New Delhi, which was also attended by Shri Yogendra Garg, Member (IT & Taxpayer Services), CBIC, officials from DG Systems, and senior representatives from the express and logistics industry.
Based on the on-ground realities of the express industry, the paper recommends measures to streamline operations, reduce redundancies, and strengthen India’s trade facilitation architecture. The express cargo industry is recognized as a vital part of the logistics ecosystem, powering e-commerce and supporting India’s ease-of-doing-business and global trade integration goals. It is critical to MSMEs, providing solutions for their integration into global value chains. The Express Delivery Services (EDS) industry is estimated to be over INR 700 billion in 2024 and has witnessed a 15%-18% CAGR growth over the past 7 years, employing over 30 lakh people. India’s Courier, Express, and Parcel (CEP) market is projected to grow from $8.62 billion in 2025 to approximately $15 billion by 2030, highlighting the urgent need for efficient logistics systems.
The White Paper outlines key recommendations for system-related reforms necessary to enhance ECCS as part of its integration into CIS. Given the time-sensitive nature of express shipments, it is critical that the new system retains the distinctive features and operational agility of ECCS.
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