All Chief Commissioners’ Conference on Customs Matters Facilitates Key Discussions

Bhopal:  The Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST), Central Excise, and Customs, Bhopal Zone, organized a two-day All Chief Commissioners’ Conference on Customs matters in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, from February 15-16, 2024. The conference, presided over by Shri Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, Chairman, Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), provided a significant platform for discussions and analyses related to Customs functioning and future requirements.

The conference was attended by distinguished personalities including Shri Surjit Bhujabal, Member (Customs); Smt Aruna Narayan Gupta, Member (IT & Taxpayer Services); Pr. DG, DRI, Shri Mohan Kumar Singh; Pr. Chief/Chief Commissioners of Customs Zones, Pr. DG/DGs of Directorates of CBIC, officers from CBIC, and representatives from various departments including Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), Food Safety Standard Authority of India (FSSAI), Central Drugs Control Organisation (CDSCO), Wildlife Control Crime Bureau (WCCB), GST Network (GSTN), and Plant Quarantine.

During the conference, key issues were discussed, including business process simplification, automation, and infrastructure requirements aligned with India’s vision for 2047. The Indian Customs plays a crucial role in collecting approximately Rs. 2.13 lakh crore in FY 2022-23, in addition to its role in border control functions and the seizure of contraband goods valued at more than Rs. 6,000 crore.

In his keynote address, CBIC Chairman emphasized the need for standardizing processes and adopting the principles of ‘Reform, Perform, Transform’ to enhance efficiency across all activities.

The conference featured discussions on enhancing customs efficiency, involving sessions on performance improvement, customs clearance processes, smart infrastructure requirements, and human resources-related issues. The second day focused on the ‘Ease of Compliance’ in Customs functions, covering sessions on technology, Customs engagement with different government departments, and process simplification for trade.

Discussions also addressed the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and other technologies in customs functioning, process standardization, improved grievance redressal, and logistics improvements for trade facilitation.

CBIC Chairman appreciated the work done by the Indian Customs and suggested the need for upgrading infrastructure. The conference concluded with the acknowledgment of the Bhopal Zone’s efforts in organizing the event and a call for innovative approaches and leveraging technology for enhanced trade facilitation.

CBIC Chairman thanked all participants for their valuable contributions, while Member Customs emphasized the seamless linkage between processes and technology for enhanced trade facilitation. Shri C.P. Goyal, Chief Commissioner, Bhopal, extended gratitude to all participants for making the conference a success.