The recent developments within the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC), under the aegis of the Government of India’s Ministry of Finance, showcase significant achievements in customs administration. From international recognitions to impactful operations, these milestones underscore India’s commitment to global trade facilitation and enforcement of regulations.
Detailed Analysis
India’s participation in the 25th Asia Pacific Regional Heads of Customs Administration (RHCA) Conference in Sydney marked a pivotal moment. The country secured key positions within the World Customs Organization (WCO), emphasizing its influence in shaping global customs policies. Additionally, the proposal for NACIN Palasamudram as a Customs Training Centre received widespread support, reflecting India’s dedication to capacity building within the customs domain.
Furthermore, the signing of the AEO Mutual Recognition Arrangement with the Australian Border Force highlights India’s efforts to enhance trade facilitation. This arrangement is a significant step forward in streamlining import and export procedures, benefitting Indian businesses engaged in international trade.
Domestically, the initiation of pan-India thematic audits, spearheaded by the All India Coordination Committee, demonstrates a collaborative approach between the Centre and the States in implementing the Goods and Services Tax (GST). The release of a ‘Common Minimum Audit Plan for the banking sector’ aims to ensure efficient and transparent audits, showcasing the synergies achieved in GST implementation.
The commendable performance of CBIC officers in the National Critical Information Infrastructure Security Exercise (CII SECEX : 2024) further underscores India’s commitment to cybersecurity and data protection. Their second-place finish among 35 teams reflects the professionalism and competence within the organization.
A notable operational success by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) in intercepting wildlife traffickers showcases the dedication of enforcement officers. The apprehension of traffickers and recovery of protected wildlife species exemplify the tireless efforts to combat illegal activities and protect biodiversity.
Conclusion
The recent achievements and operations within the CBIC and its associated departments highlight India’s significant strides in customs administration, both domestically and internationally. From securing leadership positions in global organizations to executing impactful operations on the ground, India reaffirms its commitment to customs engagement and enforcement. These milestones not only elevate India’s standing in the international trade community but also demonstrate its dedication to fostering partnerships and ensuring compliance with regulations.
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Weekly Newsletter from CBIC Chairman dated 22nd April 2024
Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Revenue
Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs
22 April 2024
DO. No. 17/News Letter/CH(IC) /2024
Dear Colleague,
I attended the 25th Asia Pacific Regional Heads of Customs Administration (RHCA) Conference held in Sydney last week, where India was unanimously affirmed of its position, both for Policy Commission and Finance Committee of the World Customs Organization (WCO) for the duration 2024-26. Further, India’s proposal of NACIN Palasamudram as a Customs Training Centre was recognized and supported at the forum. On the sidelines of the Conference, Indian Customs and Australian Border Force signed the AEO Mutual Recognition Arrangement – a major trade facilitation measure for Indian importers and exporters. The positive culmination of India’s efforts in these areas not only enhances India’s standing within the International trade community but also reaffirms India’s resolve to WCO’s theme – Customs Engaging Traditional and New Partners with Purpose.
It is heartening to note that the pan-India thematic Audit as envisaged by the All India Coordination Committee, has commenced. In this regard, a sub-Committee headed by Sh. Hardeep Batra, Commissioner CGST Audit Ludhiana and comprising officers from State GST have developed a ‘Common Minimum Audit Plan for the banking sector’. This audit plan, released this month, provides guidelines to aid audit officers, both from the Centre and the States, to carry out Thematic Audit in an efficient, focussed, transparent and coordinated manner. This will be another stellar example of the synergies of the Centre and the States in the implementation of GST.
Three officers team from DG Systems led by Sh. Neeraj Kansal, Pr. ADG participated in the National Critical Information Infrastructure Security Exercise (CII SECEX : 2024) organised by the National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC). Amongst nearly 500 participants, CBIC was part of the team which stood 2nd out of a total of 35 teams. Sh. Jitendra Barisal, Assistant Director and designated Dy. CISO, received the prize from Pr. Scientific Advisor to GOI on behalf of CBIC. Undoubtedly, the professional competence of CBIC exudes confidence!
In an interesting and dramatic case booked by DRI Mumbai, a gang of wildlife traffickers was intercepted in Nashik district while seeking prospective buyers for body parts of Bengal Monitor Lizard and soft corals. The DRI officers kept on close heels of the traffickers, who kept on changing locations for a few hours, finally deciding to exchange at a tribal hamlet with an extremely harsh terrain consisting of thorny scrubland with no scope for movement of four-wheelers. At the time of exchange, when the DRI team confronted the gang members, they were immediately surrounded by a mob of locals. Braving the mob, the officers finally apprehended the traffickers after a chase on foot. The officers managed to recover 781 Hatha Jodis and 19.6 kg of soft corals which are listed under Schedule-I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Excellent execution by the officers!
Until next week!
Yours sincerely,
(Sanjay Kumar Agarwal)
All Officers and Staff of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs.
