As an important milestone in the digitization of customs procedures in India’s North East Region (NER) , Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurated the Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) at Land Customs Stations (LCS) via virtual mode from New Delhi.
The Finance Minister applauded CBIC’s efforts in converting non-EDI LCS, predominantly situated in remote border areas of North and North-East India, into EDI-integrated stations. The minister emphasised the importance of incorporating the remaining functional LCS in NER into the EDI System during her address at Guwahati on July 21, 2023.
Addressing the launch of EDI at Land Customs Stations in the North East region, Finance Minister Sitharaman highlighted the significance of real-time data on the movement of goods facilitated by remote LCS becoming EDI-enabled. Further, urged the Customs Department to remain vigilant, especially in sensitive border areas, ensuring the security of densely populated and vulnerable regions.
In his address, Revenue Secretary Shri Malhotra emphasised the transformative impact of digital infrastructure in realising Prime Minister’s vision of making India a developed country by 2047. He highlighted the importance of EDI-enablement in making tax systems and customs procedures ‘faceless’ and ‘automated.’
The CBIC Chairman highlighted the completion of EDI enablement at LCSs across 7 states, emphasising CBIC’s commitment to streamlining customs processes and promoting ease of doing business.
With a focus on harnessing technology for the development of NER, CBIC has successfully completed the EDI enablement at several LCSs, overcoming infrastructural challenges. This achievement not only symbolises technical enhancement but also CBIC’s dedication towards national progress.
The launch event witnessed the presence of dignitaries including Shri Sanjay Malhotra, Revenue Secretary, Ministry of Finance; Shri Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, Chairman, Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC); along with other senior officials from CBIC and the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance.
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