The 22nd RTC Heads Meeting for the Asia-Pacific region of the World Customs Organization (WCO) was recently hosted by India for the first time at the National Academy of Customs, Indirect Taxes, and Narcotics (NACIN) in Palasamudram. Senior officials from nine Regional Training Centers gathered to share successful customs training strategies and partnerships, focusing on collaborations with universities, private sectors, and international organizations. The event aligned with WCO’s theme for 2024, emphasizing partnerships to address customs challenges. Additionally, a bilateral meeting between India’s Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC) and Japan Customs aimed at strengthening Indo-Japan customs relations. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) and Customs Preventive Unit officers made notable seizures, including 54,610 e-cigarettes worth ₹14.06 crore and 27,400 more from the same importer in Kolkata. CCP Kochi intercepted 12 lakh smuggled ESSE brand cigarettes worth ₹1.40 crore. These operations led to several arrests and exposed new smuggling techniques. On a positive note, the Ministry also highlighted the achievements of two CGST Tax Assistants, Yogesh Kathuniya and Sandeep Chaudhary, who were felicitated for their exceptional performances in the Paris 2024 Paralympics and World Para-Athletics Championship, respectively. Both athletes credited the support of the CGST Delhi Zone in helping them achieve success.
Weekly newsletter from Chairman, CBIC dated 30.09.2024
Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Revenue
Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs
DO No. 40/News Letter/CH(IC)/2024 Dated: 30th September, 2024
Dear Colleague,
Last week, the 22nd RTC Heads Meeting for the Asia-Pacific region of the World Customs Organization (WCO) was held at NACIN, Palasamudram, marking the first time India hosted this event. Senior Customs officials from nine Regional Training Centers, including Cambodia and Hong Kong, convened to share successful partnerships and effective training strategies. In line with the WCO’s 2024 theme, “Customs Engaging Traditional and New Partners with Purpose,” the discussions focused on collaboration with universities, private sector organizations, government agencies, and international bodies to address evolving challenges and promote innovative training methodologies. The meeting facilitated an exchange of best practices, identified regional priorities, and reinforced a commitment to ongoing cooperation to strengthen customs modernization and regional partnerships.
The Director General, Japan Customs’ led delegation visited New Delhi and held a bilateral meeting with CBIC. The meeting focused on enhancing Indo-Japan customs cooperation, furthering mutual interests, and reinforcing trade relations between the two nations.
There were some fine cases booked against the smuggling of prohibited cigarettes/ e-cigarettes. Officers of DRI Kolkata and CCP Kochi made notable seizures in two separate cases.
In the first case, based on intelligence developed, a total of 54,610 e-cigarettes valued at Rs 14.06 Crore were seized from two containers at Kolkata Port. The import was traced to a specific importer, resulting in the arrest of two Directors and a key middleman. Further, through data analytics and custodial interrogation, two more containers from the same importer were intercepted and examined, leading to the recovery of an additional 27,400 e-cigarettes concealed behind cover cargo with a value of Rs. 8.06 Crore.
In another case, CCP Kochi successfully intercepted 12 lakh smuggled ESSE brand cigarettes valued at Rs. 1.40 Crore based on a specific input. The cigarettes were seized from a warehouse on the outskirts of Kochi after a meticulous investigation involving surveillance at multiple locations. The operation resulted in the arrest of the mastermind and exposed a new modus operandi of using a prominent logistics company for the transportation of smuggled goods. Appreciable work done by the officers in both cases!
I had previously mentioned about the extraordinary feat of Shri Yogesh Kathuniya, a Tax Assistant in CGST Delhi Zone, for clinching the silver medal at the Paris 2024 Paralympics in the Men’s Para Discus Throw F56 category. Sh. Sandeep Chaudhary is another star performer posted in CGST Delhi Zone as a Tax Assistant. He secured fourth position in Javelin Throw in the Paris Paralympics and won a Bronze at the World Para-Athletics Championship held in Kobe, Japan in May this year. In this context, the Board felicitated Sh. Yogesh Kathuniya and Sh. Sandeep Chaudhary for their achievements. During the interaction, the athletes shared their journey within the Department and expressly acknowledged the motivation and support of the senior officers of the Delhi CGST Zone which helped them in pursuing their goals in a focused manner. Indeed, just as the quality of fruits depends on the tree they grow on, the qualities and success of individuals are influenced by the environment they are in!
Until next week!
Yours sincerely,
(Sanjay Kumar Agarwal)
All Officers and Staff of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs.
