CBIC Showcases Digital Customs Reforms At WTO Sessions

02 Mar 2026 CW Team

India presented its full implementation of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, notifying 100 per cent of commitments, and outlined a shift towards TFA Plus under the National Trade Facilitation Action Plan 3.0. The CBIC described a whole of government approach to a faceless, contactless and paperless customs ecosystem achieved through digitalisation and process re?engineering. Officials cited systems including a single window interface, a robust risk management system and the Authorised Economic Operator programme, along with electronic exchange of origin data and cargo tracking.

Capacity building was emphasised, with the National Academy of Customs, Indirect Taxes and Narcotics (NACIN) and the Central Revenue Control Laboratory (CRCL) noted as regional training and laboratory centres recognised by the World Customs Organisation. Since 2022 NACIN has run 65 trainings benefiting more than 1,800 international participants from about 30 countries, while CRCL has trained over 300 officers, often in collaboration with the WCO and the Asian Development Bank. India offered partnerships to help developing countries implement trade facilitation commitments.

Officials said digital customs reforms have reduced compliance burdens for micro, small and medium enterprises and strengthened integration into global value chains. The CBIC's Ease of Doing Business reforms for 2026 focus on a single interconnected digital window, trust based systems for recognised trusted importers and simplified e?commerce export procedures. Measures highlighted include removal of the Rs 1 million (mn) value cap on courier exports, introduction of return to origin for unclaimed international courier consignments and a simplified, risk based framework for e?commerce returns, which delegates welcomed.

The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), Government of India, with the Permanent Mission of India to the World Trade Organisation (WTO), organised special sessions on trade facilitation on 24th February 2026 in Geneva. The Indian delegation was led by the Special Secretary and Member (Customs), Surjit Bhujabal. Delegates from around 40 countries and the WTO Secretariat attended, showing strong international interest. India presented its full implementation of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, notifying 100 per cent of commitments, and outlined a shift towards TFA Plus under the National Trade Facilitation Action Plan 3.0. The CBIC described a whole of government approach to a faceless, contactless and paperless customs ecosystem achieved through digitalisation and process re?engineering. Officials cited systems including a single window interface, a robust risk management system and the Authorised Economic Operator programme, along with electronic exchange of origin data and cargo tracking. Capacity building was emphasised, with the National Academy of Customs, Indirect Taxes and Narcotics (NACIN) and the Central Revenue Control Laboratory (CRCL) noted as regional training and laboratory centres recognised by the World Customs Organisation. Since 2022 NACIN has run 65 trainings benefiting more than 1,800 international participants from about 30 countries, while CRCL has trained over 300 officers, often in collaboration with the WCO and the Asian Development Bank. India offered partnerships to help developing countries implement trade facilitation commitments. Officials said digital customs reforms have reduced compliance burdens for micro, small and medium enterprises and strengthened integration into global value chains. The CBIC's Ease of Doing Business reforms for 2026 focus on a single interconnected digital window, trust based systems for recognised trusted importers and simplified e?commerce export procedures. Measures highlighted include removal of the Rs 1 million (mn) value cap on courier exports, introduction of return to origin for unclaimed international courier consignments and a simplified, risk based framework for e?commerce returns, which delegates welcomed.

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