BCBA celebrates 89th Founders’ Day with insightful knowledge session

The Brihanmumbai Custom Brokers Association (BCBA), one of India’s oldest and most respected trade bodies representing the Customs Broking fraternity, celebrated its 89th Founders’ Day on December 19, 2025 at the prestigious Walchand Hirachand Hall, Indian Merchants’ Chamber (IMC), Churchgate, Mumbai.

The occasion was graced by eminent dignitaries and industry leaders. 

Mr Vimal Kumar Srivastava, Chief Commissioner of Customs, Mumbai Zone II, along with Mr Gaurav Dayal, IAS, Chairman, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA), honoured the event. Mrs Shraddha Joshi Sharma, Principal Commissioner of Customs, Mumbai Zone I, was also present, besides distinguished guests from the department and trade, adding immense value to the  celebration.

The programme commenced with opening remarks by the Senior Vice President of BCBA, Mr Paresh Thakkar, who warmly welcomed the dignitaries, speakers and members. In his address, he briefly traced BCBA’s illustrious legacy of 89 years and set the tone for the evening by emphasising the importance of dialogue, cooperation and shared responsibility between the department, trade and Association in strengthening India’s EXIM ecosystem.

BCBA’s role appreciated

In his address, Mr Vimal Kumar Srivastava highlighted the crucial role played by Customs Brokers as trusted partners in trade facilitation and emphasised the importance of compliance. He appreciated BCBA’s consistent efforts in engaging constructively with the Customs administration and contributing meaningfully to improve the dwell time for clearance. 

Mr Gaurav Dayal spoke on the growing significance of ports and logistics infrastructure in strengthening India’s global trade competitiveness. He underlined JNPA’s initiatives towards capacity enhancement and stakeholder collaboration, and highlighted the new opportunities coming up with the development of Vadhvan Port in Palghar District.

Mrs Shraddha Joshi Sharma also addressed the gathering and shared her perspectives on progressive Customs reforms and digitisation to ensure efficient and transparent clearance mechanisms.

In his impactful address, Mr Sanjeev Harale, President, BCBA, reflected on the Association’s illustrious journey of 89 years of dedicated service to the trade, and reaffirmed its continued commitment towards constructive engagement with government authorities, capacity building and safeguarding the interests of the Customs Broking fraternity.

The programme featured an engaging and thought-provoking interactive session, with Mr Sandesh Mestry delivering the Keynote Address, wherein he shared valuable insights on the evolving trade environment, regulatory challenges, and the future roadmap for the Customs Broking and Logistics sector. The session was further enriched by an enlightening address by Mr Devul Dighe, Advocate, High Court, who provided a legal perspective on contemporary issues impacting the MSMEs in EXIM trade and the day-to-day business procedures of Custom Brokers.

The celebration witnessed the presence of senior officials from Customs and Participating Government Agencies, representatives from various trade and logistics associations, members of the press and media and a record-breaking gathering of BCBA members, making the event truly meaningful and impactful. It was an engaging and interesting event with highlights on the history and evolution of Custom Brokers through a video. Trivia and riddles made it even more memorable.

The programme concluded with a heartfelt Vote of Thanks by the Hon. Secretary, who expressed sincere gratitude to all the dignitaries, speakers, Board of Advisors, participants, the Indian Merchants’ Chamber for their excellent venue and seamless arrangements, as well as the entire team of BCBA Managing Committee and Secretariat who worked tirelessly to make this event successful. 

The 89th Founders’ Day celebration once again reaffirmed BCBA’s enduring role as a responsible and influential voice of the Customs Broking and Logistics industry in India, emphasised a release.

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