The 18th All India Customs Consultative Group (CCG) meeting was held in Pune in a hybrid format, chaired by the Member (Customs), CBIC. The CCG, established in 2009, serves as a platform for addressing customs-related issues raised by trade associations to improve the Ease of Doing Business for importers, exporters, and stakeholders. This year, 134 unique agenda points were raised by 19 trade associations, highlighting increased participation. Senior officers from CBIC, RBI, FSSAI, Shipping, DGFT, and Port Trust attended the meeting. The theme for International Customs Day 2024, “Customs Engaging Traditional and New Partners with Purpose,” was also emphasized. Additionally, the Ministry of Finance recognized Vigilance Awareness Week, aligning with the theme “Culture of Integrity for Nation’s Prosperity,” underscoring the importance of honesty in public service. In a separate incident, a successful operation by the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) at Delhi IGI Airport led to the apprehension of individuals involved in smuggling 1,406 grams of gold, highlighting vigilance efforts by CBIC officers.
Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Revenue
Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs
DO No. 46/News Letter/CH(IC)/2024 Dated: 11th November, 2024
Dear Colleague,
Stakeholder consultation is the cornerstone of effective governance, embodying the principle that the collective voice enriches decision-making and fortifies trust in public institutions. Where policies and systems have far-reaching impacts, engaging with stakeholders ensures that diverse perspectives are not only heard but valued, creating a bridge between policy framers and those it affects. As the eminent philosopher John Stuart Mill once said, “He who knows only his own side of the case knows little of that”, recognizing the merit of multiple viewpoints, is crucial to inclusive, informed, and balanced administration.
In this spirit, the 18th All India Customs Consultative Group (CCG) Meeting was held in Pune, in hybrid mode, under the chairmanship of Member (Customs), CBIC. The CCG was constituted in December 2009 as a trade facilitation measure to address Customs related issues, flagged by various trade associations, which are impacting the Ease of Doing Business for importers, exporters and other supply chain stakeholders. While in 17th CCG meeting, 65 unique agenda points had been sponsored by 10 trade associations, in the 18th CCG Meeting a total of 134 unique agenda points were sponsored by 19 Trade Associations. In addition to senior officers of CBIC, this CCG Meeting was also attended by officers from RBI, FSSAI, Shipping, DGFT and Port Trust. The theme for International Customs Day (ICD) in 2024 is “Customs Engaging Traditional and New Partners with Purpose”, and active participation of stakeholders in this CCG meeting befits this theme.
Every year, the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) observes Vigilance Awareness Week in the week of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s birth anniversary, honouring his legacy of integrity and public service. This year, Vigilance Awareness Week was held with the theme ……….‘ or ‘Culture of
Integrity for Nation’s Prosperity’. The theme resonates with the idea that a steadfast commitment to honesty is foundational to the nation’s growth and well-being. These efforts are aimed at strengthening the integrity framework across government functions, and without a doubt, CBIC is fully alive to the CVC’s call to uphold and promote a culture of vigilance and integrity.
Acting on intelligence gathered by the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU), Delhi IGI Airport and a thorough analysis of CCTV footage, the officers discreetly monitored the movement of a buggy operator. The efforts bore fruit when the operator was observed attempting to transfer 1,406 grams of gold in paste form, hidden in his bag, to another individual. Swift action led to the apprehension of the buggy operator, the recipient, and the passenger involved. Excellent work in surveillance!
Until next week!
Yours sincerely,
(Sanjay Kumar Agarwal)
All Officers and Staff of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs.
