New import model for postal parcel customs clearance soon: Chief Customs Commissioner

Bellevision Media Network

Mangaluru, 29 Jan 2024: A revolutionary model for customs clearance of international postal parcels is set to be implemented nationwide in India soon, as announced by V. Usha, Chief Customs Commissioner for the Karnataka Zone, during the International Customs Day program in Mangaluru on Saturday, January 27.

 

During the event, Ms. Usha disclosed that the pilot model, developed by the Directorate of Systems and Data Management, has been successfully integrated by Bengaluru Customs in collaboration with India Post. The live test of this model is currently operational at Bengaluru, Delhi, and Kochi airports, with plans for a nationwide rollout in the near future. She applauded the proactive efforts of Bengaluru Customs for ensuring a seamless live test and noted the positive reception of the new model by traders.

 

 

Emphasizing the commitment to simplifying procedures and enhancing facilitation measures, Ms. Usha mentioned that the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs has formed a working group to recommend trade-friendly changes. While upholding the enforcement of laws, Customs officials continue to collaborate with stakeholders to promote legitimate trade.

 

Providing insights into the revenue collection for the current financial year, Ms. Usha revealed that Bengaluru Airport and Bengaluru Air Cargo Commissionerate have amassed approximately ?13,043 crore. Bengaluru City Customs contributed ?5,600 crore, and Mangaluru Customs collected ?3,782 crore.

 

Highlighting the success in anti-smuggling efforts in 2023, Ms. Usha reported the seizure of 66 kg of tobacco products worth ?10.9 lakh and electronic goods valued at ?3.19 crore. The Mangaluru Air Customs seized 26.2 kg of gold worth ?15.73 crore in 61 cases of attempted smuggling, along with diamonds worth ?1.63 crore and 240 e-cigarettes.

 

Ms. Usha also drew attention to wildlife smuggling, noting that Bengaluru Air Customs made significant seizures, including tortoises, kangaroos, snakes, and iguanas from South East Asian countries. Expressing concern, she mentioned the unfortunate aspect of wildlife smuggling, where innocent animals are transported in tightly packed containers as passenger baggage, and upon arrival, very few are found alive.

 

The event also featured Commissioner of Customs, Bengaluru City, Amitesh Bharat Singh, discussing the redesigned Bengaluru Customs page, launched on the same day. Deputy Inspector General Praveen Kumar Mishra, Commander of the Karnataka unit of the Indian Coast Guard, also addressed the gathering.