ABOUT CUSTOMS

Customs is a duty assessed by law to be levied upon goods imported or exported. The reason for this levy may be for protection of the domestic industry or for the effective implementation of the Economic Policies of the Government apart from revenue mobilization.

The formation of the Customs in Bangalore dates back to 1970. A seed was sown in the form of the ‘Postal Appraisal Department’ at Bangalore. This humble beginning was made to facilitate the clearance of post parcels at Bangalore. This seed sprouted with the formation of the ‘Air Cargo Complex’ at Bangalore to unload Aircraft parts, accessories and materials for the Aircraft industry vide Notification No.125/72 dated 25.11.1972. The Air Cargo Complex became functional with the unloading of Aircraft parts and accessories and raw materials for the manufacture of Aircrafts with hardly any revenue collection. This sapling branched out and led to the formation of the ‘Customs Division’ in 1979 followed by the opening of the ‘Inland Container Depot’ in 1981. This eventually laid the foundation for a separate Customs Collectorate, the ‘Karnataka Customs Collectorate’ in 1983. The ‘Karnataka Customs Collectorate’ was divided in July 1997 and this resulted in the emergence of the ‘Bangalore Customs Commissionerate’. This then blossomed with the opening of Bangalore for International Passengers on 01-01-1995.

Thus what began in a humble way with hardly any revenue implications has now grown into a full fledged tree yielding Rs.2455.87 Crores during 2009-2010, so also what was started in a small room with the up-gradation of the post of Superintendent to that of an Assistant Commissioner has now a become full fledged Commissionerate with One Commissioner, One Commissioner (Appeals), 5 Additional / Joint Commissioners and 17 Deputy Commissioners / Assistant Commissioners with a Supporting Staff of about 345. In 2010-11, we are expected to collect revenue of about Rs.3,000 Crores. The reduction in collection being on account of lowering of customs duties and economic recession during this period.

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