THE TRUTH ABOUT: Customs | History Defined

Niger or Nigeria? India probes soybean imports over suspected tax evasion, sources say

Indian customs officials are currently examining a notable uptick in soybean imports, which are purportedly sourced from Niger. Authorities suspect that these shipments are actually originating from Nigeria to avoid applicable tariffs. As a result, importers must now validate the authenticity of their cargoes or incur significant duties. This scrutiny…

The Economic Times · Oct 5

Stores held at gunpoint for not bowing to dodgy tobacco

The federal government insists a crackdown on tobacco crime is working, but those in the industry are desperate for an excise cut as underground trade thrives.

AAP · Oct 4

India’s international trade in times of AI

The Age of AI needs trade governance that deploys natural intelligence in conjunction with artificial intelligence for a quantum jump in speed and quality of decision making.

The Economic Times · Sep 28

Customs should accelerate AI usage to reduce cost, physical interface with trusted taxpayers: CBIC chief

In a progressive move, the Customs department plans to ramp up its deployment of artificial intelligence and real-time analytics to limit direct taxpayer engagement. This initiative seeks to foster a unified, dependable ecosystem. Support for small businesses through deferred duty payment schemes will be implemented, paving the way for a…

The Economic Times · Sep 16

Why warehousing and fulfillment became a customs decision

US parcels under $800 lost their duty-free route in 2025. That change, and steady e-commerce growth, put warehousing and fulfillment on the boardroom agenda.

inkl · Sep 10

Why Hartalika Teej Is So Special in UP and Bihar

Teej is celebrated in different ways across India, but the traditions followed in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar have a charm of their own. In many parts of these states, women observe Hartalika Teej rather than Hariyali Teej. The day is marked by devotion to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, along…

MyLifeXP · Sep 7

CBIC eases documentation norms under Eligible Manufacturer Importer scheme

The CBIC has simplified enrolment under the Eligible Manufacturer Importer scheme, cutting required documents from 10 to three. From September 15, eligible manufacturers can apply for the scheme, which allows them to defer Customs duty payments on imports and manage working capital better.

The Economic Times · Sep 4

Mexican man arrested with 200 lizards hidden in socks at Tokyo airport; bought for $3.50, some worth $630

A 23-year-old Mexican man has been arrested at Tokyo's Haneda Airport after customs officers reportedly found about 200 lizards hidden inside 22 pairs of socks in his suitcase. Daniel Isaac Velasco Baltazar had arrived in Japan from South Korea on August 8 when authorities searched his luggage and discovered the…

The Times of India · Aug 17

“Every artist that has played it goes crazy about it – it has been owned by two legends for a reason”: Up close with the Les Paul Custom that both Paul Kossoff and Eric Clapton owned

Dubbed the ‘Fretless Wonder’, the Les Paul Custom waltzed onto the scene in 1954. This particular mid-’50s model found its way into the hands of two guitar heroes

Guitar World · Aug 11

France announces further investment to combat drug trafficking in Guiana

France's Minister for Public Accounts outlined on Monday a slew of measures designed to combat drug trafficking in the Caribbean territory of French Guiana, one of the world's major hubs for smugglers.

Radio France Internationale · Aug 5