Functioning of modern-day Customs is too diverse: Official

The functioning of modern-day Customs is too diverse and there is a need for a new approach towards combating terrorism, cross-border fraud, money- laundering, smuggling of narcotics, drugs and antiques, among others, an official said on Monday.

Inaugurating the 29th Regional Contact Points (RCP) meeting of Asia Pacific region of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) here, member (Customs) of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) Raj Kumar Barthwal said, "The functions of modern Customs are too diverse."
Barthwal said that on assumption of India as the vice-chair for the Asia-Pacific,'we drew broad contours for a harmonised approach for Customs administration and put in place four strategic guiding principles.'
The official further said,"We need to renew our efforts to ensure an environment to handle economic slowdown."