Mumbai, March 13, 2026:

 The Directorate General of Taxpayer Services (DGTS), Mumbai Zonal Unit and Bengaluru Zonal Unit, organised an All-India Online Outreach Programme on “Personal Imports and New Baggage Rules, 2026” on 13 March 2026 through the Webex platform.

 The programme witnessed active participation of more than 350 officers and stakeholders from across the country, including Customs officers posted at international airports, representatives of airport operators, airline personnel, and members of the trade and travel community.

The programme commenced with a technical session dedicated to departmental officers, focusing on operational challenges and frequently asked questions relating to passenger clearance at international airports. National Academy of Customs, Indirect Taxes and Narcotics (NACIN), Assistant Director Shri R. N. Jha delivered a comprehensive presentation addressing frequently asked questions under the Baggage Rules, 2026. His presentation covered key areas including passenger categories, duty-free allowances, jewellery provisions, gold import rules, transfer-of-residence benefits, and procedures relating to restricted and prohibited goods.

The second session of the programme was conducted as an outreach interaction open to stakeholders across the country. The session began with a welcome address by DGTS Mumbai and Ahmedabad Zonal Units Principal Additional Director General Shri Sumit Kumar who highlighted the importance of consistent interpretation and implementation of baggage provisions and emphasised the role of awareness initiatives in facilitating legitimate passenger movement and improving compliance.

DGTS, Bengaluru  and Chennai Zonal Units Principal Additional Director General Shri Neerav Kumar Mallick also addressed the participants and appreciated the collaborative effort in organising a nationwide awareness programme aimed at enhancing understanding of passenger facilitation measures among officers and stakeholders.

The webinar featured expert presentations on key aspects of passenger facilitation and regulatory compliance:

Explained by Reserve Bank of India Assistant General Manager Shri Arka Probho Das who outlined the regulatory framework governing the export and import of currency by travellers under the applicable foreign exchange regulations. DGTS Mumbai Zonal Unit Joint Director Shri Joseph G. Patil, highlighting the role of the ATITHI platform in enabling passengers to file electronic baggage declarations, declare currency, obtain temporary import or export certificates, and make online duty payments, thereby promoting paperless and contactless customs clearance.

The programme concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session. The discussion helped address several operational issues faced by officers at airports and provided clarity to stakeholders on compliance requirements under the revised baggage framework.

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Nitin Fulluke/Parshuram Kor

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