The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) is focusing on taxpayer facilitation through “GST Pakhwada” from June 16th to 30th, 2025, leading up to GST Day on July 1st. During this period, CGST Zones will establish helpdesks to engage with taxpayers, address concerns, and increase awareness of GST compliance and new policies. This initiative aims to improve trust and service delivery. Additionally, CBIC has clarified that communications generated via the GST common portal, such as Show Cause Notices and Orders-in-Original, which already have a system-generated Reference Number (RFN), do not require a separate Document Identification Number (DIN). This streamlines communication and avoids redundant unique identifiers. In an unrelated event, Amritsar Customs (Preventive) officers seized 1,68,200 sticks of foreign cigarettes, valued at Rs. 28.59 lakh, from three passengers at SGRDJI Airport. The seizure was a result of APIS profiling and the detection by Customs K9 ‘Tiger’.
Weekly newsletter from Chairman, CBIC dated 16th June, 2025
Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Revenue
Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs
DO No. 24/News Letter/CH(IC)/2025 Dated: 16th June, 2025
Dear Colleaghe,
As part of this year’s GST Day celebrations, CBIC is placing a renewed emphasis on taxpayer facilitation. In line with this focus, all CGST Zones have been directed to observe GST Pakhwada from 16th to 30th June 2025, culminating in a commemorative function on 01St July 2025. During the fortnight, helpdesks will be set up across formations to proactively engage with taxpayers, address their concerns, and enhance awareness about GST compliance and recent policy initiatives. This outreach aims to deepen trust, enhance service delivery, and underscore our commitment to a taxpayer-friendly administration as we mark eight years of GST implementation.
As you are aware, the system of Document Identification Number (DIN) was introduced in 2019 to enhance transparency and accountability in the CBIC’s interactions with taxpayers. Circulars issued in this regard mandated the generation and quoting of DIN on all communications, including emails, issued by CBIC officers. In a circular issued last week, the Board has now clarified that communications generated through the GST common portal, such as Show Cause Notices and Orders-in-Original, which already bear a system-generated and verifiable Reference Number (RFN), do not require a separate DIN. This avoids duplication of unique identifiers and streamlines the communication process. Accordingly, such RFN-bearing communications issued via the common portal, in compliance with Section 169 of the CGST Act, 2017, shall be treated as valid and DIN need not be quoted.
In a commendable display of vigilance, officers of Amritsar Customs (Preventive) intercepted three passengers at SGRDJI Airport, Amritsar, leading to the seizure of a total of 1,68,200 sticks of foreign-origin cigarettes valued at Rs. 28.59 lakh. The detection was made possible through effective APIS profiling and, notably, the keen indication by Customs K9 Tiger’, a trained Labrador skilled in detecting narcotics and tobacco. Upon conducting X-ray screening and detailed examination of the baggage of passengers, the concealed contraband was recovered. Well done!
Till next week!
Yours sincerely,
(Sanjay Kumar Agarwal)
All Officers and Staff of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes 85 Customs.
