In a move toward digital transformation and trade facilitation, India will soon allow the payment of customs duties through UPI, debit cards, and credit cards, making the process faster and more convenient for traders, Revenue Secretary Sanjay Malhotra said on November 29.
The new initiative extends beyond duty payments to include faster processing of refunds and incentives under schemes like Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) and Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL), he said.
Currently, customs duties in India can be paid through net banking, over-the-counter payments, etc.
“Now we are going to make available payments of customs duties through UPI, credit cards, and debit cards. Our aim is to digitise and streamline all refunds and related processes, such as customs drawbacks, duties paid in excess, refunds, RoDTEP, and RoSCTL, making them accessible online,” Malhotra said.
He was speaking at the valedictory session of the Global Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Conference, titled ‘India AEO Dialogue: Enhancing Global Trade Partnerships’.
Malhotra highlighted India’s commitment to building a fully digital customs ecosystem, where all ports operate 24×7 with electronic and online facilities. “Our endeavour is to make all our ports automated and custom clearances electronic. We aim to provide seamless trade services at all our major ports round the clock, making India a more efficient and competitive trading hub,” he added.
To ensure both facilitation and security, the customs framework is being strengthened with advanced risk management technologies. Malhotra said that processes have been reorganised to distinguish between low-risk and high-risk traders. “Facilitation levels have significantly improved for non-risky traders, while risky traders are being detected more effectively using better risk management systems,” he further said.
“Our tax strategy is based on two pillars: technology and trust,” the revenue secretary added.
