Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) issued clarifications to simplify Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance for individual importers and exporters. It stated that when the delivery address differs from the identity proof, courier companies can record the address at the time of delivery as sufficient proof. Additionally, CBIC highlighted major enforcement actions, including the seizure of 1.022 kg of cocaine worth ₹10 crore at Mumbai Airport and 56.26 kg of Hydroponic Cannabis valued at ₹56 crore from passengers arriving from Bangkok. A trade-based money laundering (TBML) case involving the overvaluation of low-quality garments was uncovered at Mundra Port, with inflated values reaching ₹38.17 crore, exposing illicit fund transfers abroad.
The Board also reflected on its first India-UNODA Capacity Building Programme held at NACIN, emphasizing India’s dedication to global non-proliferation. Personnel updates included the retirement of senior officers and the appointment of Shri Satendra Vikram Singh as Technical Member of CESTAT. The CBIC mourned the untimely demise of Shri Mahender Ranga, Principal Chief Commissioner, Jaipur Zone, lauding his contributions and offering condolences to his family. These updates underscore CBIC’s commitment to compliance, enforcement, and international collaboration.
Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Revenue
Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs
DO No. 09/News Letter/CH(IC)/2025 Dated: 03rd March, 2025
Dear Colleague,
The Board has taken note of representations highlighting that some Authorized Couriers are insisting on documents beyond those prescribed in the Board’s circulars for Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance particularly in the case of individual importers/ exporters. To ease compliance for individuals importing documents, gifts, samples, or low-value dutiable consignments (with CIF value up to 250,000), the Board has clarified that in cases where the delivery address differs from the proof of identity provided for KYC, recording the delivery address at the time of delivery by the courier companies would suffice as proof of address. All field formations have been advised to sensitise Authorized Couriers under their jurisdiction to strictly adhere to the KYC provisions as laid down in the relevant circulars to ensure smooth and hassle-free clearance for individuals.
Last week, a three-day India-UNODA Capacity Building Programme on UNSCR 1540 86 Strategic Trade Controls was held at NACIN, Palasamudram. This first-of-its-kind programme, jointly organised by the Ministry of External Affairs, the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), Geneva, and NACIN, saw participation from representatives of eight Asia-Pacific countries. The programme reaffirms India’s strong commitment to the international non-proliferation architecture and highlights the increasing role of NACIN in forging international partnerships and capacity building on critical global issues.
Mumbai Customs Zone III continues its relentless crackdown on drug trafficking with a significant seizure at CSMI Airport, Mumbai. Acting on intelligence, officers intercepted a passenger arriving from Entebbe, Uganda. Upon questioning, the suspect exhibited signs of nervousness and later admitted to ingesting drug-filled capsules. Under medical supervision, a total of 84 capsules containing 1.022 kg of cocaine—valued at approximately Rs. 10 crore—were recovered over three days. In another case, five passengers arriving from Bangkok were apprehended based on passenger profiling and intelligence inputs. During the operation, a total of 56.26 kg of Hydroponic Weed (Cannabis), having an estimated illicit market value of about Rs. 56 crore, was recovered, ingeniously concealed within the trolley bags carried by the passengers. Wonderful effort in countering the menace of drug smuggling!
The officers of DRI Gandhidham Regional Unit, unearthed a case of massive overvaluation and Trade Based Money Laundering (TBML) involving a consignment declared as “Readymade Garments Shawls” imported at Mundra Port from Thailand. Acting on specific intelligence, DRI officers intercepted the consignment filed under a warehousing Bill of Entry intended for re-export to a third country. Upon examination, the goods were found to be low-quality women’s stoles and scarves with an actual value of only Rs. 32.27 lakhs, drastically lower than the declared value of Rs. 38.17 crore. Subsequent searches revealed that the importing firm had no genuine business operations and was being used as a front to channel funds out of India. The modus operandi involved importing low-value goods at highly inflated prices in collusion with overseas suppliers, filing warehousing Bills of Entry to avoid duty payments, and subsequently re-exporting the goods with no actual receipt of foreign exchange. Excellent case!
Last month saw the superannuation of a few senior officers of CBIC at the (Pr.) Chief Commissioner/ Director General level — Ms. B.V. Sivanaga Kumari, Dr. Balbir Singh Khattra, Shri Manoj Kumar Srivastava and Shri M. Mathew Jolly. The Board deeply appreciates their invaluable contributions to the department and wishes them good health, happiness, and a fulfilling retired life. In addition, Shri Satendra Vikram Singh has opted for voluntary retirement and has been appointed as Technical Member of the Customs, Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT). The Board congratulates him on this well-deserved appointment and extends best wishes for a successful and enriching tenure in his new role.
It is with a heavy heart that I convey the untimely demise of Shri Mahender Ranga, Principal Chief Commissioner of Jaipur Zone. Shri Ranga was a bold, much-loved officer known for his frankness, warmth, and lively personality, leaving an indelible mark on all those who had the privilege of working with him. His sudden departure is an immense loss to the department and to the countless colleagues and friends whose lives he touched. In this difficult time, the department stands in solidarity with his family and friends, offering them strength and comfort. May his noble soul rest in eternal peace. Om Shanti.
Until next week!
Yours sincerely,
(Sanjay Kumar Kumar Agarwal)
All Officers and Staff of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs.
