The Department of Posts and United States Postal Service on 27 October 2020 signed an agreement for electronic exchange of customs data related to postal shipments between the two countries. In 2019, around 20 % of outbound EMS (Express Mail Service) and 30 per cent of letters and small packets transmitted by India Post were destined to the USA whereas 60 % of the parcels received by India Post originated from the USA.

Important Points

• The agreement will make it possible to transmit and receive electronic data of international postal items prior to their physical arrival at the destination.
• It will enable customs clearance of postal items in advance in line with the evolving global postal framework.
• This will also improve the performance of postal services in terms of reliability, visibility and security.

Aims & objectives

• To facilitate ‘ease of exports’ for small and large exporters through postal channels from different parts of the country.
• It will contribute towards making India an export hub for the world, it added.

Do you know?

• As per the agreement Exchange of Electronic Advance Data (EAD) will be a key driver towards promoting mutual trade with emphasis on the exports from different parts of India to the US through the postal channel.
• The USA is a major importer of MSME products, gems and jewellery, pharmaceuticals and other local products from India, with around 17 per cent share, which is also reflected in exchange of goods through postal channels.

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