Blue Dart introduces 'Duties and Taxes Paid' for MNCs & exporters

News Clip :Cargo Talk , All India

12th March, 2009.

The value-added service, DTP, allows an exporter from India to manage his shipping requirements in a seamless manner. In case of outbound shipments from India, DHL entity overseas would clear the shipment at customs by paying the requisite/applicable Customs duty as per the Customs laws in force in the destination country. The DTP amount will be recovered from the consigner/shipper in India in Indian rupees. The freight for all DTP outbound shipments will be payable by the consignor.

Asked about key features of DTP, Ketan Kulkarni, head of marketing, corporate communication & sustainability, Blue Dart Express Limited, Mumbai, told CARGO TALK that its key features include customised solution for Indian exporters; hassle free transaction for customers' business partners; smooth clearance; delivery on time web tracking; and dedicated customer support.

He added that DHL India has obtained necessary approvals required under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), complied with the terms and conditions of the Reserve Bank of India with respect to the DTP service along with other statutory and regulatory approvals to ensure proper implementation of the service within the framework of the applicable laws in force in India.

Speaking about the charges, Kulkarni said that the service comes at an additional flat fee of INR 900 per shipment. Calling the initiative as another effort to serve customers as an integrated logistics service provider, he added, "DHL and Blue Dart are two strong brands with premier offerings in the express, logistics and supply chain arena. This unique DTP service is an initiative through which we aim to leverage DHL's global strengths and Blue Dart's Indian expertise optimally for customer benefits. Blue Dart plans to launch 25 initiatives to service domestic and international market needs. We have strived to position ourselves as a trade facilitator within the country and as part of the group companies of DHL; Blue Dart is positioned to provide the _ customers with global edge."

Briefing on the company's annual results, Kulkarni said that Blue Dart posted a profit of Rs. 77.35 crore for the year ended December 31, 2008, up 10.62 per cent from the corresponding period of the previous year. Referring to Anil Khanna, managing director, Blue Dart, Kulkarni said, "Blue Dart is a customer-led company and continues to be driven by their needs. The year 2008 marked the completion of Blue Dart's 25 years of innovating and providing quality service to our customers."