Co-operation needed for flow of goods across borders: CBEC

India today called for increasing co-operation between customs and tax authorities of different countries for smooth flow of goods and capital across borders, while fighting against the import of "dangerous and harmful" shipments.
"Emerging demands and changing dynamics of growing international mobility of goods and capital, demand greater co-operation amongst Customs Administrations," said Chairman of Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) Najib Shah.
He also said that in order to have smooth flow of goods across different countries, there is a need for increasing co-operation between customs and tax authorities.
Shah was speaking after inaugurating the 11th Asia Europe Meeting (ASEM) of the Directors' General-Commissioners of Customs at Dona Paula near here.

He further said that on the one hand "we have to mobilise and facilitate legitimate trade" and on the other, "we have to be at the forefront of the fight against importation of dangerous and harmful goods".
Shah said that efficient customs controls over international movement of goods lead to the promotion of certainty and predictability.

This translates into customs becoming a key driver in the contribution towards our national socio-economic development.
"In order to achieve this, our emphasis is shifting to automation, single window clearance, and risk management to facilitate the movement of legitimate goods and to focus resources on high-risk areas," Shah added.

Representatives from 44 countries and two international organisations -- European Union and ASEAN Secretariat -- are participating in two day ASEM.
Kunio Mikuria, Secretary General of the 180 member strong World Customs Organization (WCO), is also participating in the meeting. The meet will conclude tomorrow with an Action Plan in form of Goa Declaration based on two day discussions.
He informed the gathering that the Indian government has appointed inter-agency Customs Clearance Facilitation Committees (CCFC)s at the local and national level to set trade facilitation on a path of continuous improvement.
The CBEC Chairman said reduction of transaction cost is an important factor towards trade facilitation.

"As we discuss trade facilitation issues over the next two days, I urge all of you to find out ways to make customs the foremost enabler in creating an environment towards paperless trade," he added.