A STUDY ON CHALLENGES FACED BY CUSTOMS HOUSE AGENT

This study looks at the various difficulties that Customs House Agents (CHAs) in India confront, with a particular emphasis on operational inefficiencies, complicated regulations, and structural problems that make import-export procedures less effective. Technological issues, insufficient infrastructure, and bureaucratic hold-ups are the main challenges noted. In a survey of 150 CHAs at Chennai Port Trust, for example, it was found that 92% of them had problems with insufficient package sizes, and 90.67% had concerns with merchandise overvaluation during customs clearance. High service fees and Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) malfunctions were also major issues. These difficulties are made worse by corruption in customs operations. According to reports from the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT), importers have suffered significant financial losses as a result of widespread bribery and extortion by customs agents. Such immoral actions compromise the integrity of the trading system in addition to delaying shipment clearance. The report emphasizes the necessity of extensive reforms, such as tough anti-corruption measures, the deployment of transparent digital systems, and the renovation of infrastructure. By tackling these issues, India's customs processes may become much more dependable and efficient, which will create a more favorable atmosphere for global trade.