Maldives and India have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to exchange pre-arrival data of cargo transported between the two countries.
The agreement to exchange pre-arrival cargo data was signed between Maldives Customs Service and the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) of India. Commissioner General of Customs Abdulla Shareef signed the agreement on behalf of the Maldives, while Chairman of CBIC M. Ajit Kumar signed the agreement on behalf of India.
Maldives Customs Service stated the agreement would facilitate faster clearance of goods, and further strengthen Customs control. Customs also stated the initiative would add value in facilitating trade and exercising effective control through risk management.
India is one of the top contributors to imported goods in the Maldives. Import from India has been further boosted last year with the commencement of direct cargo ferry service between India and the Maldives.