With initiatives like skill development programmes for youth around major infrastructure projects like Vadhvan Port, BCBA is preparing a future-ready workforce that understands compliance as well as technology. This will be critical for sustaining growth of the sector, said Sanjeev Harale, President, BCBA.
CT Bureau
Elaborate on JNPA’s link with BCBA to boost skill development and to conduct training programmes for students. How did it start?
The launch of this course marks a significant milestone in our joint efforts to improve the employability of local youth by equipping them with industry-relevant skills that are critical for the development of Vadhvan Port and for the maritime logistics sector.Customs brokers play a vital role in ensuring the smooth clearance of import and export cargo and their operations are spread across three major ports in the Mumbai region. In addition to these three ports there are around 33 CFCs operating out of Nhava Sheva, all of which are integral to cargo clearance and require considerable workforce to function efficiently. Recognising this demand for trained manpower, the JNPA initiated discussions with the BCBA to explore how we could contribute to local capacity building. That dialogue has led us here to the rollout of a structured skill development programme that opens doors for youth employment and strengthens the logistics ecosystem by ensuring a ready pipeline of trained professionals. I would like to acknowledge contribution of our Senior VP Paresh Thakkar, who took the lead, working closely with our team in steering this project forward.
Tell us about the exclusive curriculum designed for students?
The customs documentation course is thoughtfully designed to empower the candidates with the essential foundational knowledge and practical skills needed to build a career in the customs brokerage and logistics industry. This four-week intensive programme spans 100 hours of structured training and is conducted in a classroom environment at the BCBA office located at Nariman Point, Mumbai. What makes this course especially valuable is its hands-on approach. We have ensured that participants not only learn the theoretical aspects of the trade but also gain practical exposure to how customs documentation and clearance work in real-world scenarios. The curriculum has been curated to address key operational areas such as import-export procedures, documentation formalities, clearance workflows, and regulatory compliance. Our aim is to bridge the gap between academic understanding and industry expectations, so that when these trainees step into the field, they are confident, job-ready, and equipped to contribute meaningfully to the customs clearance and logistics ecosystem, especially as opportunities grow with the development of Vadhvan Port.
What are the future opportunities for those who will complete the training course?
The logistics industry, particularly the customs brokerage sector, has a growing need for trained manpower. Yet, one of the major challenges faced over the years was a lack of a structured entry-level course tailored specifically for freshers who wish to join this field. With the introduction of this new curriculum, we are bridging that gap. This course provides a defined pathway for aspiring professionals to gain relevant knowledge and practical skills that make them suitable for immediate on-boarding. For customs brokers, it simplifies the recruitment process, they now have access to a pool of candidates who are familiar with the basics of documentation and clearance processes and understand the compliance and operational aspects involved. The programme is not just a one-time initiative. We envision it as the start of a continuous learning ecosystem. With regular batches, we are creating a sustainable pipeline of employable youth who can contribute to the industry over the long term. To support this vision, we are encouraging customs brokers to offer internship opportunities to these trained candidates, providing them with real world exposure and a modest stipend to get started. It is a win-win: the industry gets capable hands, and the youth get meaningful career opportunities in a sector with long term potential.
What is your vision for custom brokers in next five to 10 years in view of digitalisation and evolving trade policies?
Over the next five to 10 years, I see the role of customs brokers evolving from traditional documentation facilitators to becoming strategic partners in global trade. with digitisation accelerating across the logistics and trade ecosystem, customs brokers will need to embrace technology not just for compliance, but to enhance visibility, predictability, and efficiency for their clients. As we move toward cloud-based, AI-driven and blockchain-integrated platforms, the customs brokers will be expected to provide insights backed by data analytics, ensure seamless coordination with multiple stakeholders and navigate increasingly complex trade policies with agility. Many of them are already adopting ERP-based systems and automating internal operations, this trend will only grow, make them digitally empowered and customer-centric. Another key area is upskilling. With initiatives like our skill development programs for youth, especially around major infrastructure projects like Vadhvan Port, we are preparing a future-ready workforce that understands both compliance and technology. This will be critical for sustaining growth of the sector. The customs brokers of tomorrow are not just facilitators, they are tech savvy trade enablers, a compliance advisor and a key contributor to India’s aspiration of reducing logistics costs and becoming a global trading powerhouse.
What are the challenges in logistics today?
One of the foremost challenges is the rising cost of operations, be it due to fuel prices, geo-political situation, port handling charges, or infra constraints. This is especially concerning for SMEs who are looking to stay competitive in domestic and global markets. Another key challenge is the lack of end-to-end digital integration. While many players have adopted isolated systems, absence of a central platform means there is duplication, delays and inefficiencies. Fragmented infra, unpredictable dwell times, and compliance bottlenecks continue to hit supply chain performance.
How do you look at the industry growing in the next five to 10 years?
With the GoI’s strong push for reducing logistic costs to under 10 per cent of GDP, several reforms are in, from PMGS to NLP, and MMLPs. The upcoming Vadhvan Port is an example of how infra is being planned with a future vision. India is poised for larger growth, especially in the current global context.
