New Delhi, February 26 Revenue Secretary Arvind Shrivastava said on Thursday that customs procedures must actively enable Indian exporters to access global markets with speed and certainty, as India increases its focus on expanding domestic manufacturing, and supporting MSMEs and entrepreneurs.
Stating that the two mainstays of the customs reforms announced in the Budget are "trust in stakeholders" and "effective use of technology," Shrivastava said that the Customs department will make efforts in building systems and enhancing capacities, both on the human resource as well as on the technology side.
Speaking at the National Symposium on Customs Reforms-2026, Shrivastava said that the relationship between the revenue department and stakeholders is evolving, shifting from an "authoritative and adversarial relationship between the tax department and the industry to a relationship of partnership, collaboration, and cooperation."
India is currently at a crucial juncture in its economic journey, he said, adding that expanding trade volumes, deeper integration into global value chains, a growing digital commerce ecosystem, and the rising aspirations of citizens require governance systems that are efficient, transparent, and responsive.
"Equally important is the focus on export opportunities. As India seeks to expand manufacturing and support MSMEs, digital entrepreneurs, and startups, customs procedures must actively enable exporters to access global markets with speed and certainty," the Revenue Secretary said.
He said that customs administration is not merely a regulatory authority, but also an institution that enables economic growth, strengthens supply chains, protects society, and enhances India's global competitiveness.
Observing that the tax department has started putting draft rules in the public domain for stakeholder consultation, Shrivastava said that this also indicates an open-minded approach, where we are willing to listen and incorporate suggestions that are beneficial to everyone.
"This approach is not just about improving our systems. It is also about redefining the relationship between the authority, the tax department, and these stakeholders, which is the industry," he said.
Earlier this month, the tax department put the draft Rules and Forms under the new Income Tax Act, 2025, in the public domain and sought stakeholder views. The new I-T Act, which will replace the Income Tax Act, 1961, will come into effect on April 1.
"As India progresses towards the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, efficient, technology-enabled border management will remain central to sustaining economic momentum. Therefore, customs reforms are not just isolated changes, but an integral component of national economic strategy," Shrivastava said.