JS Customs highlights Customs initiatives and role of CBs in trade facilitation at FFFAI Foundation Day event

MUMBAI : On December 2nd, 2023, the Federation of Freight Forwarders’ Associations in India (FFFAI) celebrated its 62nd Foundation Day in a unique hybrid format, combining physical and virtual participation. The event took place at the FFFAI Office in Chembur, Mumbai.

The 62nd Foundation Day of FFFAI unfolded in a hybrid mode, with virtual participation from FFFAI member Associations across India. The synchronized cake-cutting ceremony on the virtual platform symbolized joy, unity and shared commitment to the growth of FFFAI. Notably, the meeting saw the attendance of Mr. Anupam Prakash, Joint Secretary (Customs), CBIC on the virtual platform.

The highlight of the celebration was an insightful and motivational address from Mr. Anupam Prakash, who felicitated FFFAI and acknowledged its invaluable contribution to CBIC decisions. Mr. Prakash emphasized CBIC’s recent initiatives to ease of doing business, including Faceless Assessment, Single Window Clearance, Direct Port Delivery, AEO Scheme, CBLMS Portal launch and the introduction of ECL on ICEGATE.

Mr. Prakash stressed the significance of the National Time Release Study (NTRS) in expediting cargo clearance. Highlighting NTRS 2023, based on a perceptional study, he unveiled insightful facts to benefit the government and industry stakeholders. He urged FFFAI’s partnership in the NTRS program and advised initiating awareness programs for NTRS participation. He emphasized active trade involvement in NTRS 2024, especially encouraging the participation of women and young logistics entrepreneurs.

Additionally, Mr. Prakash shared that CBIC is planning necessary changes in Faceless Assessment procedures based on discussions at the recent NAC (National Assessment Centre) meet.

The event was also addressed by the FFFAI Chairman Mr. Dushyant Mulani, Chairman Elect Mr. Amit Kamat, Immediate Past Chairman Mr. Shankar Shinde, Hon. Secretary Mr. Sudip Dey, Hon. Treasurer Mr. Sudhir Agarwal and Advisors Mr. AV Vijayakumar , Mr. S. Ramakrishna and Mr. R. Radhakrishnan.

In his concluding remarks Mr. Dushyant Mulani, Chairman FFFAI lauded the initiatives of CBIC in facilitating the trade and extending required support to the trade, especially to FFFAI. He stressed the equal importance and good balance between compliances and trade facilitation. The FFFAI Chairman also shared that the Federation is working on a presentation to highlight the pain points and recommendations which will be submitted to CBIC shortly. On this gracious occasion he congratulated all the FFFAI members and appreciated their active participation in the Federation’s activities to reach a new high.