The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has announced the rollout of system-based e-scheduling for physical examination of import cargo and mandatory use of body-worn cameras (BWC) by Customs officers to enhance transparency and ease of doing business.
From 1 April 2026, all physical cargo examinations will be video recorded using BWCs, capturing seal conditions, opening of containers, verification of goods, and sampling. The recordings will be securely stored for two years, and longer in cases involving disputes or investigations.
CBIC will also expand the ICEGATE 2.0 e-scheduling system, allowing importers and customs brokers to electronically schedule, track, and reschedule cargo examinations with automated notifications. The facility, piloted at ICD Tughlakabad, will be implemented across all Customs formations in a phased manner.
The move aims to reduce delays, improve accountability, and create a digital audit trail for cargo examinations.