As covered by Salil Chawla l Director, DFU Publications as a participant.
Opening Remarks by Dr. Siddhartha Rajagopal, Executive Director, TEXPROCIL.
Good afternoon, everyone.
It is my pleasure to welcome you all to this webinar on “Understanding Customs Audit Provisions”, moderated by Dr. Siddhartha Rajagopal, Executive Director, TEXPROCIL.
This session is part of our ongoing collaboration with leading institutions and industry bodies to keep the trade community abreast of important developments in international trade.
Customs compliance and audit readiness are two critical pillars for any exporter. Compliance is not merely about meeting regulatory requirements when an audit is initiated; it is about building systems, maintaining proper documentation, and internalising a culture of readiness so that businesses are prepared at all times.
Under the relevant provisions of the Customs Act—particularly those governing post-clearance audits—authorities can examine the assessment of goods, documentation, and related processes. Preparing for such audits requires clear processes, well-maintained records, and a thorough understanding of best practices.
Compliance should not be viewed as an external obligation imposed upon us. It must be internalised in every action we take—whether in documentation, valuation, classification, or adherence to Rules of Origin and other international customs norms.
Today’s discussion will go beyond a dry technical presentation. It aims to provide practical insights that will help companies stay clear, prepared, and aware.
We are fortunate to have with us a highly respected expert in the field of international trade and customs. He has served as a trusted advisor to several leading organisations, including Hindustan Unilever, Marico, and many others, and has extensive experience supporting both large corporates and SMEs. He is also deeply committed to knowledge-sharing and capacity-building within the trade community.
