Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) shared updates in its latest newsletter, dated March 17, 2025. It highlights the signing of the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) with New Zealand Customs. This agreement enhances trade facilitation, reducing compliance costs and streamlining customs clearances for AEO-enrolled traders. The newsletter also discusses the All India ADG Conference of NACIN, which focused on capacity-building initiatives like transitioning to role-based taxpayer services, strengthening training modules, and improving infrastructure at Zonal Training Institutes (ZTIs) under the Viksit Bharat vision. Additionally, CBIC officers in Coimbatore uncovered a significant tax evasion case involving unaccounted gold and silver supplies worth Rs. 6.53 crores. Investigations revealed dual software usage for GST-compliant and non-compliant transactions, leading to an arrest. The CBIC reaffirms its commitment to efficiency, security, and prosperity through these efforts.
Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Revenue
Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs
DO No. 11/News Letter/CH(IC)/2025 Dated: 17th March 2025
Dear Colleague,
Holi, the festival of colours, was celebrated with joy and enthusiasm last week. Holi is a celebration that represents the triumph of good over evil, the onset of spring, and the opportunity for fresh starts. Let us carry forward the spirit of this festival into our work, contributing to a stronger and more efficient organization. I hope all of you enjoyed the long weekend of Holi with your families. Wishing everyone happiness, prosperity, and success in the year ahead!
CBIC has taken another significant step towards its commitment to Efficiency, Security and Prosperity. The Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) was signed with New Zealand Customs today. This agreement will provide significant benefits to importers and exporters of both countries who are enrolled in the AEO program, ensuring smoother customs clearances, reduced compliance costs, and greater trade facilitation. Notably, this MRA has been concluded in less than a year of signing the Joint Action Plan, reflecting the strong ties, cooperation, and dedicated efforts of both sides. Strengthening such international partnerships underscores CBIC’s resolve to enhance global trade efficiency while maintaining high standards of security and compliance.
The All India ADG Conference of NACIN was held last week to deliberate on the contours of capacity-building within CBIC and with a focus on strategies to equip officers with the necessary skills to transition from rule-based to role-based taxpayer services, in alignment with the Viksit Bharat vision. Discussions covered key areas such as strengthening NACIN’s core competencies, expanding the reach of iGoT courses, standardizing training materials, implementing a Training Management System, and enhancing the infrastructure of Zonal Training Institutes (ZTIs) to ensure a more effective and proactive approach to governance and tax administration.
The officers of the Coimbatore CGST Commissionerate uncovered a large-scale case of clandestine gold and jewellery supply without the issuance of invoices. Acting on intelligence, multiple searches were conducted at wholesale and retail jewellery firms in Pollachi and Coimbatore. The investigation revealed the use of dual software—one for GST-invoiced transactions and another for unaccounted supplies—pointing to deliberate tax evasion. A significant shortage of 31 kg of gold and 409 kg of silver was detected, and further inquiry indicated that over 305 kg of gold had been supplied without GST, resulting in an estimated tax evasion of Rs. 6.53 crores. Following these findings, a partner of one of the firms, was arrested. The swift and decisive action taken by the officers of the Coimbatore CGST Commissionerate is commendable!
Until next week!
Yours sincerely,
(Sanjay Kumar Agarwal)
All Officers and Staff of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs.
