The Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC) recently held its 19th Customs Consultative Group (CCG) meeting in Bengaluru, fostering discussions on customs clearance and trade facilitation with various stakeholders. CBIC is encouraging wider adoption of its Universal E-seal Reader API, a digital solution for real-time scanning of RFID-enabled export container seals, currently operational at Nhava Sheva port. This aims to streamline logistics and reduce dwell times. Additionally, CBIC notes the underutilization of the Enforcement Case Module on the GSTN Back Office, a tool for digitizing enforcement workflows. A sensitization initiative is proposed to increase its usage across field formations, emphasizing the benefits of digital processing for improved data visibility and enforcement capabilities. Finally, the newsletter acknowledges the prompt response of staff at NACIN, Palasamudram, who averted a potential medical emergency for a trainee officer on June 28th through timely coordination and first aid.
CBIC Chairman Newsletter dated 07th July, 2025
Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Revenue
Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs
DO No. 27/News Letter/CH(IC)/2025 Dated: 07th July, 2025
Dear Colleague,
The 19th meeting of the Customs Consultative Group (CCG) was held in Bengaluru on 02–03 July under the chairmanship of Member (Customs), CBIC. The CCG, which serves as a key institutional mechanism for structured stakeholder engagement, brought together representatives from trade and industry, logistics service providers, and various Government departments to deliberate on issues related to customs clearance and trade facilitation. The meeting witnessed meaningful dialogue on a wide range of policy and operational matters, and several key decisions reflecting CBIC’s commitment to responsive governance. Several progressive ideas emerged from the discussions, aimed at simplifying procedures, enhancing transparency, and improving the ease of doing business. The CCG continues to serve as a vital platform for aligning customs processes with the evolving needs of trade.
As you are aware, the Directorate General of Systems has developed a Universal E-seal Reader API. This digital solution enables real-time reading of RFID-enabled electronic seals affixed to export containers at the factory, eliminating the need for multiple scanning devices and different E-seal vendor based customization. Currently operational at Nhava Sheva port, the hardware component of the solution has been mounted at the entry gates of the Centralized Parking Plaza (CPP) by the local vendor, enabling automatic scanning of e-Seals and ensuring the smooth movement of trucks carrying export goods. The APIs developed can be integrated at other Port Parking Plazas as well provided such hardware installation is done locally. Therefore, field formations are encouraged to proactively adopt this technological solution to further facilitate trade and reduce dwell times.
It has come to notice that the Enforcement Case Module on the GSTN Back Office (BO) remains underutilized across field formations of CBIC, despite its potential to streamline and digitize enforcement workflows. A recent analysis by GSTN has revealed significant disparities in the usage of the Enforcement Case Module across DGGI Zonal Units and CGST Commissionerates—with one formation having utilized it over 10,000 times in creation and processing of cases, while others have recorded none. To address this imbalance and promote uniform adoption, a structured outreach and sensitization initiative is proposed by GSTN. This would aim to familiarize officers with the key features and operational benefits of the module, and demonstrate the efficiencies that digital processing can offer. I would urge DG NACIN to collaborate with GSTN to develop a hands-on training calendar, and in parallel, encourage all field formations to proactively enhance their involvement with the Enforcement Module—thereby improving data visibility, strengthening enforcement capabilities, and advancing the overall goal of digital integration.
In the dead of the night on June 28th, a medical emergency at NACIN, Palasamudram, which could have taken a tragic turn, was averted by the swift response of Shri Amritashva Kamal, Joint Director. Upon receiving the information from a trainee officer of the Orientation Training Batch reporting her colleague’s acute chest pain, Shri Amritashva Kamal sprang into action and coordinated immediate transportation to the nearest hospital and then to the more advanced Sri Sathya Sai General Hospital in Puttaparthi. The timely coordination by Shri N. Jayaram, AD as well as the first aid administered by Lt. Col. (Retd.) Ansamma, in-house nurse on contract and Dr. Chandru, Officer Trainee have also proved to be crucial in saving the precious life of the trainee officer. Today, the officer is safely recovering due to the presence of mind of those on campus who attended to the medical emergency. Their timely intervention is a shining example of how a humane response, even in the face of crisis, can make all the difference!
Till next week!
Yours sincerely,
(Sanjay Kumar Agarwal)
All Officers and Staff of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs.
