On the seventh anniversary of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) rollout in India, the Ministry of Finance celebrates the collective efforts that have made GST a success. Significant contributions from taxpayers, policymakers, tax professionals, and administrators have resulted in milestones and trade-friendly measures. Commendation Certificates were awarded virtually to 28 CBIC officers for their exemplary work in various areas such as trade facilitation, automation, enforcement, and policy-making. Additionally, the CBIC’s recent activities include signing agreements with Madagascar and Belarus to enhance customs cooperation and mutual recognition arrangements, along with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) recognizing a new WCO Customs Training Centre in India.
From June 12-26, Customs field formations and directorates organized activities to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and illicit trafficking, demonstrating CBIC’s commitment to combating these issues. Notably, Chennai Air Intelligence Unit officers successfully intercepted a gold smuggling syndicate operating at Chennai International Airport. The communication concludes on a lighter note, celebrating Team India’s victory in the T20 World Cup, highlighting the dedication and success of the Indian cricket team.
Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Revenue
Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs
DO No. 27/News Letter/CH(IC)/2024 Dated: 01 July, 2024
Dear Colleague,
Seven years ago, on this very day, GST was rolled out ushering in a simplified indirect tax regime across India. During this momentous journey, we have witnessed impressive milestones and initiated several trade-friendly measures – an outcome of effective coordination between the Centre and State Governments, extensive consultations with industry stakeholders, and a shared vision of a more efficient tax regime. As we celebrate the seventh anniversary today, let us acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of every stakeholder who has contributed to making GST a success story – from the taxpayers who have embraced GST with open arms to the policymakers who have steered its course, from the tax professionals who have helped in the smooth implementation to the tax administrators who have diligently set the laws and regulations in motion.
Every year Commendation Certificates are conferred to the CBIC officers on the GST Day. Today, Certificates were distributed in a virtual ceremony to 28 deserving officers in recognition of their significant contribution in diverse areas such as trade facilitation, automation, enforcement, audit, infrastructure development, policy-making, etc. My heartfelt congratulations to all of you!
Last week, I attended the WCO Council Meeting in Brussels. During the event, I had the opportunity to interact with the WCO Secretary General and the heads of Customs administrations from various countries. Several significant outcomes emerged from the sidelines of the meeting. The CBIC signed an Agreement on Cooperation and Mutual Administrative Assistance (CMAA) in Customs matters with Madagascar Customs, aimed at enhancing the bilateral customs relationship between our countries. Additionally, with the SCC Belarus, we signed both the CMAA and the Joint Action Plan for the Authorized Economic Operator Mutual Recognition Arrangement (AEO-MRA). A similar Joint Action Plan for the AEO-MRA was also signed with New Zealand Customs. Furthermore, an MoU was signed with the WCO, recognizing NACIN Palasamudram as the third WCO Customs recognized Training Centre of RTC India.
In accordance with the Board’s instructions, the Customs field formations and various Directorates dedicated 12-26 June to the cause of spreading awareness about the detrimental effects of drug abuse and illicit trafficking and highlighting the efforts in combating this global challenge. I am happy to note that the formations participated enthusiastically by organizing a diverse array of activities such as seminars, talks, Nukkad Natak, rallies, drug disposal, etc. An impactful social media campaign also successfully conveyed the commitment of CBIC to a drug-free society.
In an interesting case, the officers of Chennai Air Intelligence Unit, intercepted a sales executive of the Airhub shop located in the transit/departure area of Chennai International Airport. During the personal search, three bundles containing gold in paste form were found as body concealed which had been received from the transit passenger. Further enquiry revealed that smugglers based outside the country had rented the shop in International Departure of the Airport through an intermediate. The smuggling syndicate operated through a few recruits by receiving gold in paste form at the shop or in the toilets located in the departure area from transit passengers and the recruits would then conceal the gold in their person and smuggle it out of the airport. Excellent case cracked by the officers!
To all the cricket fans in CBIC, I end this week by dedicating a few lines from my side to the splendid victory of Team India in T20 World Cup:
The Indian Cricket team, with skill and grace,
Carved their path to a historic place,
A nation proud, a victory grand,
On the pinnacle of T20, the Men in Blue stand!
Until next week!
Yours sincerely,
(Sanjay Kumar Agarwal)
All Officers and Staff of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs.
