CBIC Hosts 4th National Conference on Land Customs Stations to Enhance Border Operations and Trade Facilitation

The two-day event brought together over 100 experts and stakeholders to deliberate on enhancing trade facilitation, managing risks, and integrating advanced technologies.

The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) held its 4th National Conference on the Functioning of Land Customs Stations (LCSs) on August 28-29, 2024, in New Delhi. The conference, inaugurated by Revenue Secretary Shri Sanjay Malhotra and chaired by CBIC Chairman Shri Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, aimed to address current challenges and strategies for improving the operations of India’s Land Customs Stations and Integrated Check Posts.

Key Discussions and Outcomes

The two-day event brought together over 100 experts and stakeholders to deliberate on enhancing trade facilitation, managing risks, and integrating advanced technologies. Major discussion points included:

Trade and Transit Facilitation: Enhancing operations at LCSs with neighboring countries.Anti-Smuggling Measures: Developing risk management strategies to combat smuggling.

Technological Integration: Utilizing technology to bolster border security.

Collaboration: Improving information sharing and inter-agency cooperation.

Capacity Building: Strengthening training programs for effective border management.

Policy Reforms: Recommending changes for better cross-border coordination and interoperability.

The conference featured the launch of the booklet titled 'Bridging Borders & Connecting Nations: India's Land Customs Stations,' which provides insights into India's efforts to boost trade and connectivity.

Day 1: Inter-Ministerial Discussions

The first day focused on inter-ministerial collaboration, with representatives from various ministries and state governments, as well as international organizations such as the Asian Development Bank, World Bank, and United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific. Discussions centered on optimizing LCS operations, particularly with Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Nepal, and emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts among different governmental and non-governmental bodies.

Day 2: Operational Enhancements

On the second day, discussions covered:

Infrastructure Development: Improving facilities and logistics.Manpower and HR Issues: Addressing staffing and training needs.Digitization: Streamlining processes through technology.Gender Mainstreaming: Promoting gender equality at LCSs.Key themes included the need for stronger inter-departmental coordination and the adoption of advanced technologies to enhance trade flow and border management.

CBIC’s Ongoing Initiatives

The CBIC has made significant strides in recent months, including:

Allowing the transshipment of Bangladeshi export cargo via Bengaluru's Air Cargo Complex.Notifying new waterways and railway routes, such as the Maia to Dhubri route and the Agartala-Akhaura railway project.Operationalizing the Indian Customs Yard at Jogbani and improving connectivity through Sabroom in Tripura.Conducting capacity-building workshops for Bhutanese SMEs and implementing new transit procedures for Bhutan and Bangladesh.Future Directions

CBIC's efforts align with the Government of India’s broader objectives under initiatives like Vikshit Bharat and Atmanirbhar Bharat, aiming to enhance regional trade, strengthen cross-border relations, and integrate economically with neighboring countries.

The conference concluded with a commitment to advancing collaboration for trade facilitation at India's borders, recognizing them as crucial entry points for both goods and people. The outcomes of the conference are expected to contribute significantly to improving the efficiency and effectiveness of LCSs, supporting India's economic growth and international trade relations.  4o mini