CANOPUS, SaaS on-demand Customs Clearance solution is most trusted and user-friendly tech solution for customs brokers. With this, they can have access to file e-sanchit and SEZ filings and experience a seamless process level tracking too, says Nitin Master, VP, 3PL Practice, Kale Logistics Solutions.
Customs officials are primarily considered as gatekeepers tasked with controlling the flow of goods, collecting tariffs, and preventing contraband. Since cross-border trade volume keeps exploding, supply chains globally are becoming more complex. Nowadays, faster clearance, innovation and transparency has become the focal point customs authorities are required to presume the role of a facilitator.
Technology as catalyst
Most visible change in customs operations is rapid increase in adoption of technology. As on date, digitally interchanged documents with e-signature and e-validation are the norm. This practice is silently changing how customs interact with businesses and other government bodies. The most visible change is in terms of e-AWB adoption in India and Brazil. Facilitating these enhancements is AI and ML-related processes that enhance capabilities to improve operational efficiency, reduce administrative cost and build in transparency in the trade ecosystem. Customs authorities have a major role to play here as they must lead by example by adopting first.
Enhanced collaboration
No single customs agency can manage the complexities of global trade in isolation. The 21st century has, therefore, seen a shift toward collaboration, regionally and globally. Customs officials are keen to harmonise rules and procedures and ensure seamless cargo movement between nations, within the continent and beyond. Customs-to-customs cooperation agreements, information-sharing platforms, and joint enforcement operations have become essential tools in fighting transnational crime and ensuring supply chain integrity.
Security & compliance
While facilitating trade is a priority, customs agencies have expanded their role in protecting national security and public safety. The threats posed by geopolitical tensions, illicit trade cartels, counterfeit products, and uncertainties such as a pandemic have forced customs to adopt a more security-conscious posture. To tackle these, compliance management, supported by sophisticated technology and intelligence networks, has become an integral part of their expanded mission.
Green customs agenda
On a global level, initiatives by customs authorities aim to strengthen the capacities of customs officers to monitor and control trade in environmentally sensitive commodities, such as ozone-depleting substances and hazardous wastes. And they are involved in ensuring compliance with multilateral environmental agreements at borders. By integrating environmental considerations into their operations, customs agencies are helping to enforce global sustainability goals, while supporting legitimate green trade.
Road ahead
The future of customs will be shaped by a convergence of trends such as accelerating technology adoption, deeper international cooperation, heightened security vigilance, and sustainability. Covid-19 underscored the need for resilient, agile customs systems capable of supporting supply chains even under crisis conditions.
As they continue to evolve, customs authorities worldwide must balance their dual mandates—facilitating legitimate trade and enforcing security—in a landscape characterised by rapid change and increasing complexity. Those that embrace innovation, prioritise partnerships, and remain responsive to global trends will be best positioned to thrive in this new era.
CANOPUS, SaaS on-demand customs clearance solution by Kale is the most trusted tech solution for Indian customs brokers who can seamlessly file documents in a fraction of time. They can have anytime, anywhere access with the facility to file e-Sanchit and SEZ filings and a seamless process level tracking too. It has regular timely updates with faster and secured data relocation. Thousands of Indian customs brokers are leveraging the CANOPUS advantage and realising benefits seamlessly.
