The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) on 12 February 2026 organised a post-Budget interactive session with representatives of trade associations, chambers of commerce, exporters, importers, custodians, customs brokers, and logistics service providers at the New Custom House, Mumbai. The outreach initiative aimed to explain the key reforms announced in the Union Budget 2026–27, address stakeholder concerns, and strengthen collaboration between the tax administration and the trade and industry.
The event was presided over by Shri Vivek Chaturvedi, Chairman, CBIC, and Shri Yogendra Garg, Member (IT, Taxpayer Services & Technology), CBIC. Senior officials including the Principal Chief Commissioners of Mumbai Customs and GST, Joint Secretary (Customs), Commissioner (Customs & Export Promotion), and Commissioner, GST Policy Wing, along with other departmental officers, were also present.
Focus on Trust-Based Governance and Simplified Procedures
Addressing the gathering, Shri Vivek Chaturvedi elaborated on the newly introduced reforms in indirect taxes announced in the Union Budget 2026–27, which place a strong emphasis on trust-based governance. He explained the key budgetary policy changes and outlined how Customs is working toward the simplification of procedures, reduction of compliance burden, and faster clearances.
He highlighted that these reforms are aligned with the Government of India’s broader vision of improving the ease of doing business, enhancing transparency, and fostering a more facilitative tax administration for trade and industry.
Digital Integration to Strengthen Trade and Make in India
In his address, Shri Yogendra Garg underlined the importance of building a single, integrated digital ecosystem that connects all export-import stakeholders, including other participating government agencies. He noted that such an ecosystem would enable faster clearances, better business planning, and improved coordination across the trade facilitation chain.
He also stressed that technology-led reforms in Customs and GST would play a crucial role in strengthening the Make in India initiative by making India’s trade processes more efficient, predictable, and globally competitive.
FAQs Released for Public Facilitation
The Joint Secretary (Customs) informed stakeholders that, to facilitate public understanding and smooth implementation of the new initiatives, FAQs have been released by CBIC and have been uploaded on the official website. These documents are intended to provide clarity on the recent changes and help trade and industry adapt quickly to the updated framework.
The interactive session with stakeholders focused on addressing doubts and practical concerns of the trade and industry and was followed by an interaction with media representatives.
Engagement with Field Officers to Ensure Effective Implementation
In addition to the stakeholder meeting, Shri Vivek Chaturvedi also interacted with officers and staff working at the cutting-edge level in Mumbai Customs, Airport, Courier Terminal, and CGST formations. The interaction aimed to sensitise field officers about the efficient implementation of reform initiatives and reinforce the objective of further improving the ease of doing business for trade and industry.
Conclusion
The post-Budget interactive session organised by CBIC in Mumbai reflects the government’s continued emphasis on consultative, transparent, and technology-driven tax administration. By engaging both stakeholders and field officers, CBIC is seeking to ensure smooth implementation of Budget 2026–27 reforms, strengthen trust-based governance, and create a more facilitative environment for India’s trade and industry.
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Source: PIB
