In the latest CBIC newsletter dated 05.08.2024, Chairman Sanjay Kumar Agarwal highlights his visit to the Integrated Check Post at Petrapole, emphasizing improvements in passenger facilitation and trade logistics. The newsletter reports on capacity-building workshops for India-Bhutan trade and a new MoU with Vietnam for customs training. A national-level exercise to clear pending authorizations has led to significant recoveries. The newsletter also celebrates a major success by DRI Bengaluru in seizing a large shipment of illegal dried seahorses and another operation by DRI Aizawl uncovering a major heroin bust. Additionally, the Department bids farewell to three retiring members.
Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Revenue
Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs
DO No. 32/News Letter/CH(IC)/2024 Dated: 05th August, 2024
Dear Colleague
I visited Integrated Check Post at Petrapole last week to understand and take an overview of the measures undertaken by Customs for passenger facilitation, Ease of Doing Business and reduction of dwell time. While interacting with the officials of Customs, Land Ports Authority of India, BSF and other PGAs, I also got a sense of the effective inter-agency coordination at work. The Integrated Check Posts are crucial from Customs point of view, especially due to their potential in reducing logistics cost in bilateral trade and facilitating cross-border movement of passengers.
Last week, capacity building workshops for India-Bhutan trade commenced in Bhutan for which the lead was taken by CBIC. The workshops with the underlying theme – Advancing India-Bhutan Trade & Economic Partnership – aim at sharing information on customs, regulatory requirements 86 procedures with business community in Bhutan to facilitate trade. This initiative is expected to help the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and producers in Bhutan to understand relevant regulations and procedures for export of Bhutanese agricultural products to India. Along similar lines, an MoU for cooperation in Customs Capacity building was signed with the General Department of Vietnam Customs for extending training facilities to Vietnamese officials.
Drawback division undertook a National-level exercise with DGFT for reconciliation of Export Obligation Discharge Certificate (EODC) status to handhold Customs formations in liquidating the sizeable pendency of AA and EPCG authorisations beyond their Export Obligation periods. Consequently, of 1,04,584 authorizations (AA & EPCG Combined) reported pending by Customs field formations – 44,514 actionable cases were identified and circulated – for closure or recovery action. As per reports received so far (upto July, 2024), action for closure or recovery has been taken in 27,278 authorisations which has resulted in recovery of about Rs 23 crore towards outstanding dues. Customs formations are advised to periodically undertake this exercise at their level.
With the issuance of the recent transfer/posting orders in the ranks of (Pr.) Commissioner and AC/DC, the exercise of Annual General Transfers 2024 is complete. As you embark on your new assignments, I extend my best wishes to all of you. Each new posting brings fresh opportunities to contribute meaningfully to the organizations. I trust that you will approach your roles with dedication and enthusiasm, striving to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness at your respective workplaces.
A wonderful effort by DRI Bengaluru resulted in the unearthing of a smuggling network involved in the illegal trade of dried seahorses from India to Southeast Asian countries. During the examination of the checked in baggage of the passengers linked to the syndicate, the officers discovered 6,626 seahorses. The key figure involved in the smuggling operation has also been apprehended. All species of seahorses found in India are protected under Part-E of Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which makes their sale, purchase, or any form of utilization illegal and punishable. Additionally, the export of wild animals and marine species, including their parts and products, is prohibited under the Export Policy. Kudos to the officers for standing strong against wildlife trafficking!
In another swift action against contraband drugs, officers from DRI Aizawl intercepted a suspect vehicle on the Aizawl-Champhai Road and rummaging of the intercepted vehicle resulted in the recovery of 112 soap cases containing powdery substance suspected to be heroin which were deeply concealed in the cavity of the skirtings of the car. The contraband drug having a value of about Rs. 10 crores in the grey international drug market have been seized and two persons arrested. The investigating team deserves praise for their outstanding effort!
The Department bids farewell to three highly distinguished members of our fraternity on their superannuation: Sh. Roopam Kapoor, Sh. Srinivas Murty Tata and Sh. Deep Shekhar. Over the years, they significantly contributed to the growth and success of CBIC. As they transition into this new chapter of their lives, we wish them good health, happiness, and fulfilment in their retired life. May they enjoy this time with their loved ones, pursue their passions, and reflect on their remarkable careers with pride.
Until next week!
Yours sincerely,
(Sanjay Kumar Agarwal)
All Officers and Staff of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes 86 Customs.
