CHENNAI : Reinforcing the Government of India’s commitment to secure, technology-driven, and trade-facilitating customs operations, Shri Vivek Chaturvedi, Chairman, Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), along with Shri Yogendra Garg, Member (Customs) and a senior CBIC delegation, visited Kattupalli Port on 22 July 2026 to review the port’s infrastructural preparedness for the rollout of 100% container scanning.
The delegation was accompanied by Shri S.K. Vimalanathan, Chief Commissioner of Customs, Chennai, along with senior officers from Chennai Customs and port officials.
During the visit, the CBIC Chairman reviewed the readiness of the port’s container scanning infrastructure, operational workflows, and supporting digital systems that will enable seamless implementation of 100% scanning of import and export containers. The initiative is aimed at strengthening border security while ensuring faster cargo clearance through advanced non-intrusive inspection technologies, enhanced risk management, and data-driven customs processes.
The review also covered coordination between Customs authorities, port operators, and other stakeholders to ensure that the enhanced security measures are implemented without impacting trade efficiency. Officials discussed ways to optimize cargo movement, reduce dwell time, and improve overall supply chain reliability through technology-enabled customs operations.
Following the port inspection, the CBIC delegation visited the Chennai Customs House, where Shri Vivek Chaturvedi chaired an interactive session with representatives from the trade, logistics, customs broker, shipping, and export-import communities.
The Chairman sought feedback on the Customs reforms announced in the Union Budget 2026, encouraging stakeholders to share their experiences and suggestions for further improving ease of doing business. Discussions focused on trade facilitation measures, digital customs initiatives, faster clearance mechanisms, risk-based assessments, and enhancing transparency and predictability in customs procedures.
Addressing the participants, the Chairman reaffirmed CBIC’s commitment to building a modern, technology-driven customs administration that balances robust enforcement with trade facilitation. He emphasized that continuous engagement with industry stakeholders is essential for refining policy implementation and creating a more efficient and globally competitive logistics ecosystem.
The visit reflects CBIC’s sustained efforts to modernize India’s customs infrastructure through greater adoption of digital technologies, non-intrusive inspection systems, and stakeholder-centric reforms, supporting the Government’s vision of secure borders, efficient trade, and improved logistics performance.
