A first of its kind Export-Import Cell has been started in the Department of Trades and Taxes, under Delhi government. This separate cell will speed up the process of payment of VAT refunds to the exporters.

Describing exports as backbone of the economy, Minister of Finance Dr. A.K Walia, during the inauguration of cell, said that through this the government has provided Single Window facility to exporters of Delhi instead of approaching to 105 different wards for their work. He added, "This will facilitate the exporters and smoothen their interface with the Department."

As export are free from any tax liability, exporters become entitled for refund of VAT paid on all such purchases, which are made by them after paying VAT on various materials/inputs to manufacture/trade (including packing) before export out of India.

But this new cell will facilitate disposal of refunds in a time-bound manner as these cases will be dealt in one ward instead of earlier 105 wards. This will help them in making their products more price competitive due to timely reimbursement. As of now, dealers having 100% export activity with minimum turnover of rupees one core will be dealt by this newly created EXIM CELL in the Vyapar Bhawan.

The cell would also deal with imports. Dr. Walia said that there is a need for exercising utmost scrutiny of these imports from the viewpoint of realization of VAT on their sale in Delhi, and for the economic activity they generate.