Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Revenue
Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs
North Block, New Delhi-110 001
Tel. : +91-11-23092849, Fax : +91-11-23092890
E-mail : vivekjohri.irs@gov.in
Chairman
DO No. 13/CH(IC)/2021
28th February, 2022
I write, erase, rewrite
Erase again, and then;
A poppy blooms.
This timeless Haiku by Katsushika Hokusai beautifully brings together the spirit of spring and of persistence bearing fruit. As we step into the last month of the financial year, the hard work you have put in through the year comes together in the form of tangible results. The Board got a glimpse into the results achieved in some important areas of work during a VC with Zonal Chief Commissioners last week, helping us to plot the way forward.
Last week, saw us attain an important landmark. The WTO’s Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) contains provisions for expediting the movement, release and clearance of goods across international borders thereby reducing release time and cost. These objectives are in consonance with the thrust on Ease of Doing Business. The agreement prescribes various categories of commitments. We had already implemented our Category A commitments when the Agreement came into force in February, 2017. This week, we fulfilled all our commitments under Category B, which included processes such as National Single Window, Border Agency Cooperation, Expedited shipments etc.
As part of its humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan, India donated 2000 MT of wheat, last week. The shipment moved through the Wagah Border and Amritsar Customs was the nodal agency co-ordinating the smooth movement of the shipment. Kudos to the officers for ensuring that the shipment was exported smoothly and expeditiously.
Continuing our campaign against drugs and hazardous substances, Mumbai Customs Zone III destroyed 296 kg of Heroin, 6 kg of Cocaine, about 300 kg. of Ketamine, 50 kg. of Mephedrone and over 1 Crore Cigarette sticks. Last week, also saw the destruction of over 400 kgs. of contraband, including heroin, by way of incineration by officers of Delhi Customs Preventive Zone. Congratulations to the officers for closing the loop on an important area of work.
On the Anti-Evasion front, the Sea Patrolling Team of Mumbai Customs Preventive Commissionerate intercepted a fishing boat which was found to be carrying over 35,000 litres of smuggled diesel in the high seas off the coast of Mumbai, last week. Cases such as these, which involve both assiduous intelligence collection as well as constant patrolling, profile the ever vigilant work of our sea patrol teams and underscore the role of Customs in maintaining coastal security.
Moving ahead, I am happy to note that Delhi Custom Zone conducted an exam for issuance of Customs G-Cards for existing and valid ‘H’ cardholders licensed/registered in the Delhi Zone under the Customs Brokers Licensing Regulations, 2018. Over a thousand candidates appeared. This is an important area of work which contributes to enhancing the quality of the Customs Ecosystem. Other Zones may also like to suitably examine the matter.
I sign off noting a very interesting and unique project undertaken by the Department under the Swachhtaa Action Plan. The Export Commissionerate at ICD Tughlakabad of the Delhi Customs Zone has conceptualized an initiative called, “Abhyasika -Towards Billion Dreams”. It is an innovative, self-sustaining initiative to help youth from underprivileged sections of the society. Abhaysika aims at setting up a unique library-cum-study space for youth to sit and study. The space would be provided by partner locality/NGOs/community while the Commissionerate would provide desks, chairs, guide /text books and study materials. The Abhaysikas will be linked to serving/retired officers as mentors who will virtually interact and guide the youth. It’s a highly commendable beginning for which I extend my best wishes.
Till next week!
Yours Sincerely,
(Vivek Johri)
All Officers and Staff of Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs
