Customs role in curbing int’l smuggling lauded

Sarath MALALASEKERA

The strong assistance given by the Sri Lanka Customs in curbing the international smuggling including the fake currency notes will be highly appreciated by the Indian Customs, said Director of Revenue Intelligence of Ministry of Finance Indian Government, Director General Sumit Dutt Majumder at the 27th Director General Level Talks between India and Sri Lanka on Anti-Smuggling Related Matters at the Colombo Hilton yesterday.

The Director General emphasised the developments and challenges facing the Customs Department in India as it goes through a process of fiscal transformation and face increased security concerns. Customs duties are an important source of revenue and unscrupulous elements continue to resort to various types of commercial frauds to evade customs duties. Overvaluation of exports to obtain fiscal incentives are being tackled with Export Valuation Rules. The Country of origin frauds are on increase with bilateral agreements like the one between India and Sri Lanka increasing, he said.

The best way or perhaps the only way to effectively combat country of origin frauds is through better international cooperation and rigorous checking of criteria, achieved through arrangements such as present Director General Level Talks. Smuggling of narcotic drugs, including ketamine is continuing. Thanks to the mutual cooperation we have been able to intercept various contraband consignments, the Indian Director General said.

He also emphasised that India has been faced with a serious threat of outward smuggling of Red sanders. Trade in red sanders as in all cities would be a customs offence in both countries, the action against the exporter has to be severe to combat the problem. This can only be achieved if the consignment intercepted in the importing country before customs clearance is returned to the exporting country, he said.

The smugglers have now switched to commercial frauds, like fake currency notes. It is very difficult to detect fake currency notes. This is a social issue, the Indian Director General added.

Director General Majumder while thanking Sri Lanka customs for hosting the 27th Director General Level Talks and for the warm hospitality they received, said it is a matter of great satisfaction that the cooperation between both Customs services is being deepened in mutual interest. Sri Lanka Customs Director General Sarath Jayatilake thanked the visiting Indian delegation.

He said “We have an excellent relationship between the two Customs Departments for a long period of time. Talks in the past have been very cordial and fruitful. The cooperation and understanding have been at optimum level. Several meaningful measures were taken to combat smuggling and other related activities as a result of these talks. Inter department and inter government cooperation have been strengthened,” the Sri Lanka Customs Director General said.

Customs Directors Thilak Perera, Dr. Neville Goonewardena, V.S. Sudasinghe, S.D.S. Gunaweardhana, Samantha Gunasekera and Customs Deputy Director L.M. Nelson represented the Sri Lanka Customs.