The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) celebrated International Customs Day at Nhava Sheva, Mumbai, with the theme “Customs Delivering on its Commitment to Efficiency, Security, and Prosperity.” The event saw the presence of Hon’ble Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, Hon’ble Minister of State for Finance, Shri Pankaj Chaudhary, the Finance and Revenue Secretary, the Chairperson of CBIC, and various industry stakeholders.
Finance Minister Emphasizes Customs’ Role in Economic Growth
In her address, Hon’ble Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman underscored the vital role of Indian Customs in securing economic stability and fostering national growth. She praised the Customs Department for its remarkable service during the COVID-19 pandemic and expressed confidence in maintaining these high standards. She further urged CBIC to take a leadership position in the global Customs community within the World Customs Organization (WCO) and align its vision with Viksit Bharat 2047.
Hon’ble Minister of State for Finance, Shri Pankaj Chaudhary, acknowledged the crucial role of Customs in ensuring economic security and promoting manufacturing and exports. He highlighted various digital initiatives aimed at enhancing Customs processes, improving trade facilitation, and supporting India’s economic growth.
The Finance and Revenue Secretary highlighted significant advancements in technology, which have resulted in reduced dwell time for cargo at Indian ports and airports. He emphasized that the ministry has taken proactive steps to eliminate trade bottlenecks and enhance the competitiveness of Indian industries.
The Chairman of CBIC, in his address, showcased various digitization initiatives undertaken by Indian Customs. He reiterated CBIC’s commitment to launching more trade-friendly initiatives to facilitate ease of doing business.
Launch of Digital Initiatives for Trade Facilitation
As part of the International Customs Day celebrations, Hon’ble Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurated several key digital initiatives aimed at improving efficiency and facilitating trade:
- ‘Ekal Anubandh’ – A Digital Bond & E-Bank Guarantee System: This electronic platform replaces multiple manual bonds and bank guarantees with a single, streamlined digital bond. This initiative simplifies procedures and significantly reduces paperwork for taxpayers.
- Online Customs Refund Facility: The newly launched system ensures fully digitized refunds with direct transfers to taxpayers’ accounts, expediting the refund process and enhancing efficiency.
- VEGA (Vision for Expeditious Goods Release on Arrival): Designed to accelerate import clearance, this initiative enables Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) entities to move import cargo directly to their premises, where customs examination will be conducted. This reform is expected to reduce clearance delays and enhance trade efficiency.
Honoring Excellence in Customs Services
Recognizing outstanding contributions to Customs operations, the World Customs Organization (WCO) Certificates of Merit were awarded to 20 officers. These officers were honored for their dedication in safeguarding India’s borders against illicit trade, including the smuggling of drugs, gold, red sanders, and counterfeit goods. Their contributions to tax policy, process modernization, export promotion, and international cooperation were also acknowledged.
The event reaffirmed CBIC’s commitment to leveraging technology, streamlining customs operations, and strengthening India’s position in the global trade ecosystem. The digital initiatives launched today are expected to play a crucial role in driving India’s vision of economic growth and trade facilitation.
