On September 13, 2024 the new Managing Committee of Delhi Customs Brokers Association headed by its President Mr. Devendra Singh Bhadoria met Shri Samanjasa Das, Chief Commissioner of Customs (Delhi Zone) and Shri HV Singh, Chief Commissioner of customs (Preventive) in an introductory meeting at NCH Delhi. The introductory meeting was also attended by the Commissioner (Airport & General); Pr. Commissioner (ACC Import); Commissioner (ACC Export); Commissioner (Appeal); Commissioner (Adjudication)-NCH Delhi; Pr. Commissioner of Customs (Import) ICD TKD; Commissioner of Customs (Export), ICD TKD; Commissioner of Customs, ICD PPG & Other ICDs, several other top Customs Officials and some senior members from the Trade.

During the meeting, the DCBA President introduced the New Office Bearers and Managing Committee Members of the Association.

The Chief Commissioners and their team members warmly welcomed the new team of DCBA and discussed several initiatives that will benefit the EXIM trade in the near future. Some key points of the discussion include:

1. Recognition of Our Profession by Government Authorities:

The Chief Commissioner acknowledged the importance of our profession receiving formal legal recognition by the government. They pledged their support to initiate this process from the grassroots level, acting as a high-ranking representative of the Customs Department within the Government of India.

2. KYC Requirement and Challenges:

We voiced concerns about the mandatory Know Your Customer (KYC) requirement and why it poses challenges for Customs Brokers. As a potential solution, we proposed that invoicing/billing should be directly handled by Customs Brokers (CB) with the importer/exporter after customs clearance. This, we believe, will help resolve issues related to the KYC requirements.

3. New Customs House Infrastructure Improvements:

We also raised the need for improvements in seating arrangements and other facilities at the New Customs House and other customs stations, especially in light of the increasing number of women members and staff in the industry. Additionally, we proposed setting up a library and a dedicated business station at the New Customs House, at a controlled rate, for Customs Brokers to work efficiently. The Chief Commissioner agreed to these suggestions, and we will follow up on these matters accordingly.

4. Suspension of Customs Broker Licenses:

Regarding the suspension of Customs Broker (CB) licenses, the Chief Commissioner clarified that suspension is a preliminary measure taken during investigations and not a final legal action. If it is determined that a Customs Broker had no involvement in the case under investigation, the suspension will be lifted. License expulsion will only occur in cases of proven misconduct. We requested that such cases be processed promptly, ensuring that members can maintain their business operations without undue concern.

In addition to these points, several other important issues were discussed. Though the meeting lasted a considerable amount of time, the Chief Commissioner graciously allowed us to continue, and the discussions were highly productive. Their willingness to cooperate, within the boundaries of the legal framework they operate under, was evident throughout.

The new Managing Committee will actively follow up on all the topics discussed and keep you updated on the progress. Your valid and legally feasible suggestions are always welcome—particularly those aimed at improving the trade community as a whole, rather than addressing individual cases.