The BRICS Heads of Customs meeting in Moscow led to the signing of the BRICS AEO Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA), a significant step towards enhanced global customs cooperation. Discussions also focused on modernizing customs processes through digitization and stronger law enforcement. Locally, the CBIC has made strides with the X-MAS (eXport Promotion Monitoring and Analysis System), which identified multiple non-compliance cases under export licenses, realizing over Rs. 430 crores since January 2024. The Thane CGST Commissionerate uncovered a fraudulent Input Tax Credit (ITC) racket involving 19 fictitious entities, leading to Rs. 75.4 crores in fraud being detected and arrests made. Additionally, CGST and Customs officers in Guntur and Vijayawada rescued nearly 200 people from flood-affected areas, delivering essential supplies to 2,000 others. Finally, Shri Yogesh Kathuniya, a Tax Assistant in the CGST Delhi Zone, won a silver medal in the Men’s Para Discus Throw at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, bringing pride to the CBIC.
Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Revenue
Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Custom
DO No. 37/News Letter/CH(IC)/2024 Dated: 09th September, 2024
Dear Colleague,
In a significant step towards enhancing international customs cooperation, the BRICS Heads of Customs meeting held in Moscow culminated in the signing of the Joint Action Plan for the BRICS AEO – Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA). Discussions also focused on advancing the intellectualization and digitization of customs processes, undertaking robust capacity-building measures, and strengthening law enforcement cooperation. These deliberations highlight India’s commitment to integrating global best practices and ensuring security across borders.
In a local initiative, advanced data analysis leveraged through the in-house developed software application X-MAS (eXport Promotion Monitoring and Analysis System), whereby the EPSMMC section of JNCH has successfully identified multiple cases of non-compliance related to Export Obligation under EPCG and DEEC/AA licenses. Since its launch in January 2024, X-MAS has proven instrumental in the realization of over Rs. 430 crores from defaulting Authorisation Holders. What started as a trade facilitation measure under the Nhava Sheva Export Encouragement Vision (NEEV) to provide a paperless and contactless transaction environment, has also led to efficient monitoring of licenses.
The Thane CGST Commissionerate, during the ongoing fake registration drive, conducted a successful operation resulting in the exposure of a large-scale fake registration racket. The operation uncovered 19 fictitious entities that collectively availed fraudulent Input Tax Credit (ITC) of approximately Rs. 40.66 crores and passed on fraudulent ITC of Rs. 34.74 crores. Follow-up searches uncovered incriminating documents, including fake invoices, cheque books, laptops, and pen drives, linked to the network of fraudulent firms. A mastermind and two accomplices were arrested for their involvement in this scheme. Kudos to the officers for decisive action!
“The highest form of service is the service of the nation”. The officers of CGST Guntur Commissionerate and Kakinada Customs successfully rescued nearly 200 individuals, including pregnant women, divyangjans, children, and the elderly, from flash flood-affected areas in Vijayawada and Guntur. Additionally, essential supplies such as food, water, and medicine were delivered to about 2,000 people in remote, waterlogged regions. The selfless dedication demonstrated by the officers is truly praiseworthy and serves as an inspiring example of the commitment of our officers in times of crisis.
The entire CBIC family rejoices in the extraordinary feat of Shri Yogesh Kathuniya, a Tax Assistant in CGST Delhi Zone, who has etched his name in Paralympic history! Yogesh shone brightly at the Paris 2024 Paralympics by clinching the silver medal in the Men’s Para Discus Throw F56 category, delivering an impressive season-best throw of 42.22 meters. His indomitable spirit fills us with immense pride and inspiration, and we extend our heartfelt congratulations to this exceptional athlete.
Till next week!
Yours sincerely,
(Sanjay Kumar Agarwal)
All Officers and Staff of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs
