Overview
- Speaking at the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit, the finance minister described customs as her next “big cleaning-up assignment” and said groundwork is already underway.
- The reform drive targets full transparency and a faceless operating model, using automation and comprehensive scanning to cut discretion and reduce direct cargo–officer contact.
- A review of tariff lines where rates remain above optimal levels is planned, following steady customs duty reductions over the past two years.
- Officials aim to pair trade facilitation with stronger risk-based enforcement, citing illicit contraband as a continuing problem that requires sharper targeting.
- India’s approach will align with World Customs Organization benchmarks, with formal proposals expected in the Budget cycle though no specific legislative changes have been announced yet.