Summary
The 19th Customs Consultative Group Meeting in Bengaluru, chaired by Surjit Bhujabal (Member – Customs, CBIC), addressed key trade facilitation issues including EDI reforms, ICEGATE upgrades, and stakeholder grievances in logistics and imports.
What the 19th Customs Consultative Group Meeting Means for Indian Importers
The 19th Customs Consultative Group (CCG) Meeting, chaired by Surjit Bhujabal, Member (Customs), CBIC, took place in Bengaluru on July 4, 2025. This meeting plays a crucial role in resolving bottlenecks in Indian customs, improving import-export compliance, and pushing digitisation for ease of doing business.
Let’s break down the key takeaways and what they mean for Indian businesses engaged in international trade.
What is the Customs Consultative Group (CCG)?
The Customs Consultative Group is a high-level forum where CBIC directly interacts with industry stakeholders, logistics companies, and trade bodies. The purpose is to identify on-ground issues and drive systemic reforms in India’s customs and logistics infrastructure.
Core Functions of CCG:
- Facilitate trade through policy feedback
- Resolve port-specific and procedural issues
- Enhance collaboration between CBIC and industry
- Push adoption of tech-driven customs processes
Key Highlights of the 19th CCG Meeting
1. Digitisation of Customs Processes
CBIC reiterated its commitment to expanding faceless assessment, AI-based risk management, and paperless documentation through ICEGATE.
✔ Integration with National Logistics Portal (NLP-M)
✔ Faster electronic duty payments
✔ Better real-time cargo tracking
Expert View: Logistics professionals appreciated the push for predictive clearance timelines and automated reassessment protocols to reduce dwell time.
2. Port-Specific Challenges Raised
Industry participants from Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh flagged:
- Delays in First Check clearance
- Slow faceless adjudication for OOC (Out of Charge)
- Confusion over classification codes for composite goods
CBIC assured quicker resolution via:
- Deployment of nodal officers at key ports
- Updated classification guidelines to be issued
- Uniform implementation of customs circulars
3. Simplified Compliance for MSME Importers
In line with ease of doing business:
- Relaxations for EOU (Export Oriented Unit) documentation
- Streamlined duty drawback claims
- Unified Single Window Interface for Trade (SWIFT) usage
4. ICEGATE 2.0 Enhancements Announced
Importers can now expect:
- Enhanced dashboard for filing Bills of Entry
- Pre-filled information from import invoices
- Integrated dispute resolution panel for valuation issues
🔗 Visit ICEGATE for updated tools and notifications
Why This Matters for Taxpayers and Customs Agents
Whether you’re a CA, CHA (Customs House Agent), or running an import-heavy business, here’s how these reforms can help:
- Faster clearance = lower demurrage costs
- Less paperwork = reduced compliance burden
- Better EDI integration = fewer errors and delays
Legal References
- Section 143AA of the Customs Act, 1962: Enables CBIC to implement simplified procedures for specific goods or classes of importers
- Customs (Administration of Rules of Origin under Trade Agreements) Rules, 2020: Discussed during stakeholder queries
- CBIC Circular No. 14/2021-Customs: Ongoing basis for streamlining Faceless Assessment
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the purpose of the CCG meetings?
These are structured dialogues between CBIC and trade stakeholders to identify pain points and propose reforms.
Q2. Will the new ICEGATE updates impact my existing login?
No. Existing credentials will work. You’ll get access to new features like dashboard filing and better tracking tools.
Q3. Are these reforms already notified?
Some are under implementation (like ICEGATE 2.0), while others (like classification clarifications) will be released via circulars shortly.
Final Take: Simplification is the New Strategy
CBIC is clearly shifting gears—from regulation-heavy customs to a digitally simplified, trade-enabling ecosystem. For Indian importers, especially MSMEs, the outcomes of the 19th CCG Meeting are promising.
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