CBIC Chairman highlights customs' role in supporting semiconductor, pharma and energy sectors
Mumbai, June 17
Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs Chairman Vivek Chaturvedi on Wednesday said customs plays a key role in supporting India's economic objectives by facilitating semiconductor imports, pharmaceutical exports and energy supply chains amid changing global trade dynamics.
Addressing the BCBA Logistics Conclave 2026 in Mumbai, Chaturvedi said the evolving global trade environment requires customs authorities to move beyond traditional enforcement functions and act as facilitators of business, supporting India's integration into global supply chains.
He said the Union Budget recognises customs as an enabler of economic growth rather than merely a revenue-collection mechanism, reflecting the government's broader approach towards trade facilitation.
Highlighting the transformation underway in the department, Chaturvedi said Indian Customs has shifted its focus from strict enforcement to a system built on trust, efficiency and technology-driven processes.
"A customs that is feared is a customs that is faced. A customs that is trusted, efficient and predictable is what India ultimately needs," he said.
According to the CBIC Chairman, Indian Customs is now guided by the principles of faceless assessment, risk-based selection and trusted trade. He noted that digitisation initiatives and collaboration with the Brihanmumbai Custom Brokers Association (BCBA) have contributed to faster cargo clearances.
Citing findings from time-release studies, Chaturvedi said a large share of import consignments are now being cleared in less than 22 hours, helping reduce delays and transaction costs for businesses.
Speaking on the future direction of customs reforms, he said the next phase would focus on the adoption of advanced technologies and sustainability-orientated measures.
"The future holds AI-driven risk management, blockchain-based trade documentation and green customs aligned with India's climate goals," Chaturvedi said.
He also called on customs brokers to adapt to changing trade requirements, stating that their role increasingly extends beyond regulatory compliance to include trade strategy and technology adoption.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As someone working in pharma logistics, I can confirm the improvements. Our API shipments used to get stuck for 3-4 days. Now it's much smoother. But AI-driven risk management sounds fancy - hope they don't use it to unnecessarily target genuine shipments like they did with Chinese imports last year.
"A customs that is feared is a customs that is faced" - that's a powerful line! 👏🏻 We need this kind of mindset shift across all government departments. But blockchain-based trade documentation sounds ambitious given the digital literacy levels at many ports. Focus on basics first!
Good to see customs evolving. The semiconductor push is critical for India's electronics manufacturing ambitions. But the real test will be during the next global supply chain disruption - will customs keep its word and not revert to red tape? Actions speak louder than speeches at conclaves.
GST and customs reforms are the unsung heroes of Ease of Doing Business. But chairman ji, please also address the issue of corrupt officers at smaller ports. Technology is great but if implementation is weak, nothing changes. And yes, green customs and climate goals - absolutely needed! 🌿
Interesting perspective. I work with renewable energy companies and the import process for solar panels and wind turbine components has definitely improved. But what about export incentives for green tech manufacturers? Customs facilitation plus production-linked incentives would really boost Atmanirbhar Bharat.
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