The Federation of Freight Forwarders’ Associations in India (FFFAI) hosts the 4th Executive Committee (EC) Meeting with a focus on Customs-related challenges, featuring a knowledge session titled “Who will police the police.
The 4th EC Meeting of FFFAI convened at NESCO, Mumbai, highlighted a vital Knowledge Session, “Who will police the police,” led by eminent lawyer Dr. Sujay Kantawala. The session aimed to sensitise FFFAI members to the challenges faced by Customs Brokers, addressing undue penalties and accountability for matters beyond their control.
FFFAI Chairman, Dushyant Mulani, stressed the importance of the session, emphasising the unjust treatment of Customs Brokers facing penalties for mistakes made by their customers. Dr. Kantawala’s presentation delved into Customs-related issues, focusing on misinterpretations of the Customs Act and the need for accountability among Customs Officers.
Dr. Kantawala posed the crucial question, “Who will police the Customs Officers?” citing instances of improper Show Cause Notices (SCN) and penalties issued to Customs Brokers without their involvement. He called for strict adherence to CBIC guidelines, suggesting repercussions for officers responsible for incorrect SCNs or penalties.
Dushyant Mulani announced FFFAI’s commitment to represent the CB community’s interests to CBIC, striving for justice and equality. The session concluded with an emphasis on protecting the MSME sector, with 70 percent of FFFAI members belonging to this vital economic backbone.
The EC meeting, attended by over 100 members across 31 locations, featured insights from Sagar Kadu, Director Logistics, DPIIT, on government initiatives in the logistics sector. Additionally, the meeting addressed issues related to Customs, Sea Port, Airport, ICDs, and marked a milestone with the release of a LIVE shipment through FIATA e-BL. FFFAI’s embrace of FIATA e-BL services aligns with government digitisation efforts, providing a secure and efficient platform for freight forwarders.
