New Delhi, Jan. 19 -- India needs a major reform of its import tariffs and customs administration to lower trade costs, enhance manufacturing competitiveness, and boost exports, according to a report by trade think tank Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI).

Case for Reform

Titled 'A Blueprint for Modernizing India's Import Tariffs and Customs Regime', the report calls for reforms across tariff policy, customs procedures, export incentives, and manpower deployment.

GTRI argues that these changes would transform customs from a control-oriented system into a growth-enabling institution aligned with India's manufacturing and supply-chain objectives, reported ANI.

With India's merchandise trade crossing USD 1.16 trillion and nearly 29 p...