Mangalore: 50th Year of Customs Act - Focus on Strengthening Global Network
Media Release
Mangalore, Feb 2: A programme was held at New Customs House, Panambur here on Thursday February 2 to mark the 50th year of Customs Act, 1962. The International Customs Day was also celebrated on the occasion.
Latha R Kini, president, Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Giselle D Mehta, novelist and former bureaucrat were the chief guests, while M V S Choudary, commissioner of customs presided over the function.
M V S Choudary spoke about this year's theme of International Customs Day, 'Borders Divide, Customs Connect', and said that a globally networked customs can help both in trade facilitation and enforcement.
"The trade mispricing accounted for an average of 54.7% of cumulative illicit flows from developing countries. The global network of custom authorities will facilitate the exchange of information on valuation of goods, rules of origin and intellectual property rights. Customs is now expected to build up a global security network through advance electronic information. This network requires standardized cargo data elements and effective risk management to facilitate Customs-to-Customs and Customs-to-business co-operation," he said.
"In support of this network, it is logical for the WCO to dedicate the theme this year to 'connectivity', which aims at prompting Customs administrations to find the best way to increase collaboration, in terms of people, institutions and information, that underpin and facilitate the achievement of Customs' main goals: ensuring the smooth and lawful flow of cargo and passengers as well as fighting all types of fraud and crime that affect society and its economy," he said.
Choudary further added, "The 'Single Window' environment has the potential to deliver transformational advantages to business by simplifying and unifying touch-points between members of the trade and the different government departments involved in cross-border regulatory procedures. Steps like Harmonized System Nomenclature, the world’s global standard for classifying the goods is already in place. As a first step, India is rolling out a system - authorised economic operator, or AEO - under which traders, logistics providers, and customs agents sporting secure trader tag would be able to move their goods speedily through customs in countries with similar facility."
Latha R Kini said that Customs has evolved over the years and adapted to the changing scenarios. She also said that in the event of GST being implemented Customs will have a bigger role to play.
Giselle D Mehta recalled her days as an IRS officer in Customs and Central Excise and spoke about her literary contributions and how her earliest creative cravings took place in the Customs department. On the occasion she also released the annual magazine of New Custom House 'Mangal Hans'.
The Presidential Award winners of this year from Mangalore Customs - superintendent Srinivasa Nayak and DRI intelligence officer Ramakrishnan - were felicitated. Officers of the Customs who retired during the year were also honoured.
A power point presentation on the evolution of the Customs Act, 1962 was also arranged on this occasion. The history of the Indian international trade and the origin of collection of customs duty were depicted. The important provisions of the Customs Act, 1962 were highlighted.
After Independence, the Sea Customs Act, India Aircrafts Act, Land Customs Act and other allied enactments of the British era were repealed by consolidating and amending The Customs Act, 1962 which came into effect from February 1, 1963. The International Customs Day is celebrated on January 26 every year. In consideration of the significant role that Customs has been playing in nation building through revenue collection, trade facilitation and safeguarding the economic integrity of the country, it was proposed to celebrate the 50th year milestone along with the International Customs Day on February 2.
The 50th year celebration will culminate on February 1, 2013.