Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), under the Ministry of Finance, issued its 100th newsletter on 30 June 2025, coinciding with the eighth anniversary of the Goods and Services Tax (GST). To mark the occasion, the GST Pakhwada was observed from 16–30 June across all CGST Zones with activities including taxpayer helpdesks, stakeholder meetings, awareness programs, and creative competitions. These efforts aimed to promote a more responsive and people-centric tax administration, aligned with the theme “GST: Simplifying Taxes; Empowering Citizens.” The newsletter also highlighted a new Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) signed with South Africa under the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) program, enhancing customs cooperation and trade facilitation. This brings the total number of India’s AEO-MRAs to 11, with recent agreements also signed with New Zealand and Singapore. Additionally, a local outreach effort by the Ramnad Division of Trichy Customs provided desks and benches to a government school in the fishing village of Vedalai, improving infrastructure under the Swachhta initiative. The newsletter concluded with a tribute to retiring officers and a personal note from CBIC Chairman Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, marking the milestone edition and reaffirming the department’s reform-oriented and community-driven approach.
Weekly newsletter from Chairman, CBIC dated 30th June, 2025
Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Revenue
Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs
DO No. 26/News Letter/CH(IC)/2025 dated 30th June, 2025
Dear Colleague
As we mark the eighth anniversary of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), the CBIC family came together in a spirit of service, outreach, and awareness through the GST Pakhwada observed from 16-30 June. This fortnight-long initiative was celebrated with great enthusiasm across all CGST Zones, capturing the essence of GST’s transformational journey. A host of activities were undertaken during the Pakhwada—setting up of taxpayer helpdesks, stakeholder conclaves, workshops, awareness drives and creative competitions—showcasing the CBIC’s commitment to a fair and friendly tax regime. I commend all formations for their enthusiastic participation, which sent out a clear and consistent message: that tax administration can be both responsive and people-centric. This spirit perfectly encapsulates the theme of this year’s GST Day—”GST: Simplifying Taxes; Empowering Citizens.” Notably, a recently published survey also indicates a steady rise in positive industry sentiment towards the GST journey, reinforcing our belief that we are headed the right way!
Last week, CBIC signed a Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) under the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) framework with South Africa. This crucial arrangement enables reciprocal recognition of compliant AEO-certified traders between the two countries, ensuring faster customs clearances, reduced inspections, and enhanced supply chain security and efficiency. It marks another milestone in India’s expanding AEO network—following the recent ones with New Zealand in March 2025 and with Singapore in May 2025—and underscores CBIC’s ongoing commitment to facilitating secure, seamless cross-border trade. With this, number of AEO-MRAs signed by India goes up to 11.
While enforcement often draws the spotlight in Customs, it is equally important to acknowledge and reflect upon the community-oriented initiatives of our Customs formations. In one such instance, the Ramnad Division under Trichy Customs (Preventive) Zone undertook efforts to reach out to the fishing community and implement a need-based project under the Swachhta initiative. This culminated in the identification of a government school in the fishing hamlet of Vedalai near Rameswaram, where desks and benches were provided for students who, until recently, were compelled to sit on the floor due to inadequate infrastructure. This thoughtful gesture has not only enhanced the learning environment but also deepened the Department’s bond with the local community.
Heartiest congratulations to Shri Samanjasa Das, Dr. Ram Niwas and Dr. Nirmal Kumar Soren on the successful completion of their distinguished service. As they embark on this new chapter, we extend our warmest wishes for a happy, healthy, and fulfilling post-retirement life. May the years ahead bring them continued joy, peace, and well-deserved relaxation.
Before I close, I would like to make a special mention of this edition of the Newsletter—it marks the 100th issued by me, and what a fitting occasion for it to coincide with the GST Day! On a personal level, I feel a deep sense of fulfilment in having had the opportunity to share my thoughts, highlight key developments, and celebrate the collective achievements of our department with all of you. I enjoy using this space to connect with each one of you as we continue our journey of reform.
Til next week!
Yours sincerely,
(Sanjay Kuma Agarwal)
All Officers and Staff of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes 86 Customs
