NEW DELHI: In order to have smooth flow of goods across border, there is a need for increasing cooperation between customs and tax authorities of different countries, said Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC).
The Chairman, CBEC, Najib Shah said that emerging demands and changing dynamics of growing international mobility of goods and capital, demand greater cooperation amongst Customs Administrations.
He said that on one hand, we have to mobilize and facilitate legitimate trade and on the other, we have to be at the forefront of the fight against importation of dangerous and harmful goods.
Shah was speaking after inaugurating the 11th Asia Europe Meeting (ASEM) of the Directors’ General-Commissioners of Customs at Dona Paula near Panaji in Goa today.
Shah further said that efficient customs controls over international movement of goods lead to the promotion of certainty and predictability. He said that this translates into Customs becoming a key driver in the contribution towards our national socio economic development.
In order to achieve this, our emphasis is shifting to automation, single window clearance, and risk management to facilitate the movement of legitimate goods and to focus resources on high-risk areas, he added.
The Chairman said that in India, it is a declared policy to share data between Customs, Excise, Service tax and the Direct taxes. From a taxpayer facilitation perspective, Large Taxpayer Units have been set up where all taxpayer services be it Customs, Excise, Service tax or Direct taxes are rendered under one roof.
Recognizing the primacy of Customs, the Indian government has appointed inter-agency Customs Clearance Facilitation Committees at the local and national level to set trade facilitation on a path of continuous improvement, he added.
Representatives from 44 countries and two International Organisations European Union and ASEAN Secretariat are participating in two day event.
Kunio Mikuria, Secretary General of the 180 member strong World Customs Organization (WCO), is also participating in the meeting. The Meet will conclude tomorrow with an Action Plan in form of Goa Declaration based on two day discussions
