Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Launches EDI at Land Customs Stations in North East Region

New Delhi: Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman, inaugurated the Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) at Land Customs Stations (LCS) in the North East Region (NER) through a virtual event held in New Delhi today. The implementation of EDI at remote LCS is expected to streamline the movement of goods, enhance customs clearances, and boost regional trade, thereby contributing to economic growth.

The virtual inauguration witnessed the presence of key officials, including Revenue Secretary Sanjay Malhotra, Chairman of Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) Shri Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, and other distinguished members of CBIC.

In line with this vision, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman applauded CBIC for converting non-EDI LCS, predominantly located in remote border areas of North and North-East India, into EDI-integrated LCS.

During her speech, Sitharaman emphasized the importance of EDI enablement in providing real-time data on the movement of goods. Acknowledging the challenges faced by exports, she called upon CBIC and Customs to address these issues while also highlighting the significance of vigilance in sensitive border areas.

Revenue Secretary Sanjay Malhotra commended the CBIC for aligning with the Prime Minister’s vision to make India a developed country by 2047 through the creation of modern digital infrastructure and the use of technology.

Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, Chairman of CBIC, expressed his satisfaction with the EDI launch, stating that it signifies a monumental step towards enhancing efficiency and promoting Ease of Doing Business in the remote locations of NER. The EDI enablement covers 44 LCSs in NER, fostering trade and transit with neighbouring countries.

The CBIC has completed the EDI enablement at various LCS in NER, overcoming challenges such as lack of Optical Fibre or Mobile Networks by installing VSAT at several locations. The successful implementation symbolizes not only the technical enhancement of Customs operations but also CBIC’s commitment to the nation’s progress.

The EDI launch is expected to play a pivotal role in advancing the government’s agenda of creating a digital, faceless, and automated tax system and customs procedures.