MoS Finance Pankaj Chaudhary Unveils ICETAB Export‑Inspection Device at CBIC Conclave in New Delhi.
National
On 20 June 2025, during the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC) Conclave in New Delhi, Union Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary launched the ICETAB handheld device to enhance export examination efficiency, reduce costs, and boost India’s Logistics Performance Index.
- The ICETAB device is a secure, tablet-based mobile terminal enabling customs officers to digitally record export consignment inspections, capture up to four images per shipment, and upload reports in real time, eliminating paperwork and aiding seamless trade procedures.
- CBIC extended ICETAB use to all major seaports, airports, and Inland Container Depots (ICDs) from 19 June 2025, following pilot success in import checks. This aligns with CBIC’s Turant Customs and the National Trade Facilitation Action Plan 2020–25.
- MoS Chaudhary noted that ICETAB is expected to lower transaction costs and shorten turnaround times, improving exporters’ experience and bolstering India’s ranking in the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index (LPI).
Main Point :- (i) At the conclave, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman praised CBIC’s efficiency—highlighting 94.3% GSTR‑3B filing, 85% refund processing within 60 days, and 86% cargo facilitation via RMS.
(ii) She directed further enhancements in grievance redressal, GST registration, customs dwell-time reduction, and faster investigations.
(iii) The launch marks a major step toward India’s paperless, faceless customs vision, ensuring faster clearance, transparency, and reduced warehousing delays for exporters. Ongoing training and system upgrades aim to maximize ICETAB adoption nationwide.
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