CBIC Instructs Mandatory Use of Online Portal for Issuance of Look Out Circulars Across Customs and GST Formations
CBIC has made the use of its Online Look Out Circular (LOC) Portal mandatory for all Customs and GST formations to streamline and digitize the LOC issuance process.
CBIC-instruction-Taxscan
CBIC-instruction-Taxscan
The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), under the Ministry of Finance, has issued Instruction No. 30/2025 dated October 13, 2025, directing all field formations under Customs and GST to use the Online Look Out Circular (LOC) Portal for issuing and managing Look Out Circulars.
The instruction makes it mandatory for all concerned departments to process LOC requests exclusively through the online system from now on.
According to CBIC, the Online LOC Portal has been operational since March 1, 2024, and has replaced the older mechanism where LOC requests were sent manually through letters or emails to the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) or the Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI).
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With this change, all future requests related to issuing, updating or withdrawing Look Out Circulars must be made only through the digital platform.
Look Out Circulars are important enforcement tools that help authorities track individuals involved in serious offences such as customs duty evasion, GST fraud, or smuggling, especially when they attempt to leave or enter the country. The new online system will make the entire process faster, more transparent, and better coordinated among various enforcement wings.
The instruction also outlines the process for access and implementation of the portal. Each field formation must create designation-based login credentials for nodal officers to ensure continuity, even if officers are transferred.
The instruction designates specific offices for coordination and implementation. The Principal Director Generals of DRI and DGGI will handle access for their respective intelligence formations, while the Principal Chief Commissioner of CGST Delhi Zone and the Chief Commissioner of Delhi Customs will coordinate for all Customs and GST field formations.
CBIC has instructed all concerned offices to contact their designated nodal offices for procedural guidance and activation of access. Any operational difficulties must be reported through the same channels.
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