Wintrack Halts Imports, Pai Calls for Customs Reforms Amid Harassment Reports
Wintrack Inc, a prominent logistics firm based in Tamil Nadu, has announced its decision to temporarily halt import-export operations from October 1. The company cited 'relentless harassment' by Chennai Customs as the reason behind this move. Meanwhile, Aarin Capital chairman Mohandas Pai has called upon Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to introduce blanket exemptions and self-declaration norms for returning Indians to prevent harassment and bribes by Customs officials.
Pai suggested that returning citizens should be allowed to bring all household goods without duty, provided they are more than six months old. This proposal aims to prevent extortion and harassment at the hands of Customs officials. Social media has been abuzz with stories of such incidents. Rishabh Mukherjee shared his experience of paying approximately Rs 15,000 as duty on a 5-year-old digital photo frame, despite its original cost being around Rs 3000. Amit Goel reported paying a staggering 39% duty on his household goods, along with an additional 'goodwill' amount to facilitate clearance. It is worth noting that the last reforms made by the Indian government to customs practices remain unclear from available search results.
Wintrack Inc's decision to halt operations highlights the pressing need for reforms in customs practices. Pai's suggestions, if implemented, could significantly ease the burden on returning Indians. However, the lack of clarity on recent reforms underscores the urgency for updated information and concrete action in this regard.
