Union Minister of State for Finance Shri Pankaj Chaudhary inaugurated the Trade Facilitation Conference 2025 on the theme “Scientific Excellence for Seamless Trade” at the C. Subramaniam Auditorium, ICAR-NASC Complex, New Delhi.Organised by the Central Revenues Control Laboratory (CRCL) under the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), the event marked the first of its kind, aiming to spotlight CRCL’s contributions and future direction in trade facilitation, scientific testing, and policy support. The inauguration was attended by Shri Vivek Ranjan, Member (Tax Policy & Legal), CBIC, and Shri Surjit Bhujabal, Member (Customs), CBIC.Shri Pankaj Chaudhary reaffirmed the government’s commitment to developing a robust, efficient, and science-backed testing framework that enhances compliance, reduces delays, and promotes ease of doing business. Shri Vivek Ranjan emphasised CRCL’s pivotal role in revenue processes, while Shri Bhujabal outlined CRCL’s current trade facilitation measures and plans for further improvements in the sampling and testing ecosystem.The inaugural session featured several key releases:“Science at the Border” — a documentary on the evolution of Indian customs laboratoriesThe CRCL Coffee Table Book showcasing institutional milestonesA detailed CRCL Brochure outlining infrastructure and testing upgradesA video on Standard Operating Procedures for sampling petroleum liquidsOver 400 delegates from the Department of Revenue, CBIC, partner government agencies (PGAs), trade bodies, and scientific institutions participated. Presentations from FSSAI, CDSCO, the Textile Committee, and Animal and Plant Quarantine authorities covered compliance and quality standards, furthering the conference’s objective of scientific integration with trade practices.Mr V. Suresh, Director (Revenue Laboratories), delivered an overview of CRCL’s lab network and reforms. Interactive sessions enabled meaningful exchanges between trade representatives, regulatory bodies, and CRCL officials, fostering transparency, collaboration, and trust.The conference concluded with several key outcomes:Commitment to reduce testing timeExpansion and modernisation of laboratory infrastructureEnhanced training and capacity buildingPromotion of R&D and human resource strengtheningFormation of a core stakeholders’ group for ongoing collaborationEstablished in 1939 in New Delhi, with roots tracing back to 1912, CRCL has grown into a scientific cornerstone of India’s customs and revenue ecosystem. Through its rigorous standards and scientific integrity, CRCL continues to support trade efficiency and regulatory compliance.