BCBA a distinguished and active participant at National Symposium on Customs Reforms 2026

The National Symposium on Customs Reforms 2026, held on February 26 at Vigyan Bhavan, was organised by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC) under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, Government of India. This landmark event brought together the entire Customs & GST ecosystem to deliberate on India’s evolving vision of:

* Trust-Based Customs Processes

* Digital Governance through SWIFT 2.0 & CIS

* Ease of Living Measures

* Export Facilitation & Trade Enablement 

At this prestigious forum, the Brihanmumbai Custom Brokers Association (BCBA) was accorded special recognition through its inclusion in the official stakeholder interaction.

Among the eminent trade bodies present — including the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), ASSOCHAM and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) — BCBA stood out as the only Customs Brokers’ association invited to address the distinguished gathering.

Representing the Association, BCBA President Mr Sanjeev Harale was invited to the high-profile dais during Session II of the Budget Reforms discussions on the theme “Trust-Based Customs Processes & Digital Governance.” As a panelist, he presented BCBA’s perspective on Further Easing Import Clearance through Auto Registration and Auto Out of Charge (OOC). His intervention was warmly received and appreciated by both panel members and the audience.

In his address, Mr Harale elaborated on the prevailing policy framework for import clearance, identified key operational challenges encountered in the rollout of digital initiatives, and outlined a practical roadmap for the future. His presentation emphasised the need for deeper automation, stronger integration with Participating Government Agencies, improved system robustness, refinement of faceless assessment mechanisms, and wider extension of trust-based facilitation to compliant importers.

The session was conducted in the esteemed presence of senior Customs leadership, including:

* Chairman, CBIC – Mr Vivek Chaturvedi

* Member (Customs) – Mr Abhai Srivastava

* Joint Secretary (Customs) – Mr Anupam Prakash

It was moderated by Chief Commissioner, Mumbai–II, Mr Vimal Kumar Srivastava.

The celebrations commemorating International Customs Day followed at the Plenary Hall and were graced by:

* Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Finance – Mr Pankaj Chaudhary

* Revenue Secretary – Mr Arvind Srivastava

* Chairman, CBIC – Mr Vivek Chaturvedi

* Member (Customs) – Mr Surjit Bhujabal

* Member (IT) – Mr Yogendra Garg

* Joint Secretary (Customs) – Mr Anupam Prakash

All other Members of the CBIC Board were also present.

The gathering at Vigyan Bhavan included more than 30 Chief Commissioners from across the country, over 50 Commissioners, and senior representatives of leading trade bodies, underlining the national importance of the event.

BCBA’s invitation to speak at such a prominent national forum marks a moment of considerable pride for the Association. This acknowledgement reflects the trust, credibility and constructive engagement that BCBA possesses with CBIC and senior Customs authorities nationwide. It is not merely recognition of individual leadership, but a salute to the collective strength, legacy and representative voice of BCBA and its members.

The BCBA delegation of Senior Vice President Mr Paresh Thakkar, Immediate Past President Mr Dushyant Mulani, Vice Presidents Mr Ganpat Korde and Mr Hiren Ruparel, Hon. Secretary Mr Nirav Thakker, Hon. Jt. Secretary Mr Tej Contractor, and Managing Committee Member Mr Harsh Lapsia actively contributed across breakout sessions — ensuring that ground-level trade realities and stakeholder insights were meaningfully represented in national policy dialogue. 

As BCBA approaches its 90th year, this milestone serves as a renewed call for unity and active participation. Members are encouraged to engage more closely with the Association’s initiatives. With continued support and collective effort, BCBA is well positioned to further reinforce its role as a responsible stakeholder and a trusted partner in India’s trade facilitation journey.

“Together, let us build on this achievement and guide BCBA towards even greater accomplishments in the years ahead,” it emphasised in a release.

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