India’s expanding trade volumes require customs governance systems, says Revenue Department Secretary Arvind Shrivastava

Secretary of Revenue Department, Arvind Shrivastava has said, that India’s expanding trade volumes, integration into global value chains and growing digital commerce ecosystem require customs governance systems that are efficient, transparent and technology-driven. While presiding over the National Symposium on Customs Reforms 2026 in New Delhi today, Mr Shrivastava said that Custom Administration in this regard occupies a uniquely strategic position in this transformation and in achieving the vision.
He added that it is not merely regulatory authority, and an institution protects society and enhances India’s global competitiveness. The Secretary said that instead of an authoritative and adversarial relationship between the tax department and the industry, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs is building a relationship of partnership and collaboration with the industry. He also expressed hope that today’s symposium will generate constructive ideas, strengthen institutional collaboration and reinforce our shared commitment to facilitation with accountability.