Date:28/01/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/01/28/stories/2008012852620300.htm

Andhra Pradesh

Customs House registers impressive growth

Staff Reporter

Import and export of edible oils contribute 82 per cent of revenue

There is substantial increase in export of rice
It stands second in revenue collection

Kakinada: The Kakinada Customs House (KCH) registered an impressive growth after its inception in the year 1910.

It is one of the oldest customs houses in India, poised to post better performance, earning higher revenues from the slew of major industries foraying into this vast hinterland.

According to official sources, the KCH earned Rs. 824.57 crores in 2006-07 as against Rs. 679.83 crores in the previous year (2005-06). Import and export of edible oils contributed to 82 per cent (Rs. 676.4 crores) of the revenue in 2006-07, up from 74.53 per cent (Rs. 506.6 crores) in 2005-06. Revenue from other commodities fell to Rs. 150.38 crores in 2006-07 from Rs. 173.17 crores in 2005-06.

There has been a substantial increase in the export of rice from 12,89,235 tonnes between April and September of 2006-07 to 15,41,978 tonnes in the corresponding period this year. This is going to be a major revenue generator for the KCH in addition to other commodities. A total quantity of 4,22,582 tonnes of rice was exported between October 11, 2007, and January 23, 2008. Besides, the KCH collected import duty of Rs. 62.2 crores on iron ore between April and December of 2007.

Revenue collection

In revenue collection, the KCH stood second among minor ports of the country after its counterpart at Khandla in 2006-07.

The Cocanada Chamber of Commerce had been the main contributor to KCH facilitating export of iron ore and pellets, feldspar, rough granite, cement clinker, tobacco, groundnut, rice bran extract and other farm and non-farm produce.

The commodities imported included petrol, mineral oils, fertilizers, edible oils, liquid ammonia, rigs and drill ships oil exploration.

The KCH presented awards to the best traders during the International Customs Day celebrations organised for the first time in Kakinada. Hitherto, Customs Day was celebrated at the Customs House in Visakhapatnam.