The Union Cabinet of India has approved the signing and acceptance of the Agreement on Customs Cooperation and Mutual Administrative Assistance in Customs Matters between India and the UK.

According to an official release, this agreement will help in the availability of appropriate information for the prevention, and also the investigation of customs offenses. It is also expected to promote trade and ensure effective clearance of goods traded between both countries. The agreement will be signed on behalf of the Governments of both countries after the approval by the respective Governments. This agreement would enter into force from the first day of the month following signature by a duly authorized representative of both parties and would present a legal framework for sharing of information and intelligence between the customs authorities of both countries and also assist in the proper utilization of Customs laws, prevention, and investigation of customs offenses and the facilitation of lawful trade.

The draft text of the proposed agreement has been finalized with the concurrence of both of the Customs Administrations.  This agreement emphasizes Indian Customs' concerns and requirements, especially in the area of exchange of information on the correctness of the Customs value, tariff classification, and origin of the goods traded between both countries.