In a notable transition, IRS officer Sanjay Kumar Agarwal has assumed the helm as Chairman of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC). Succeeding Vivek Johri, who concluded his tenure on May 31, Agarwal’s appointment was confirmed through a finance ministry order issued on August 5. Agarwal, who previously held the position of CBIC member compliance management, bringing his expertise to investigations, is poised to steer the strategic direction of policy-making and administration for India’s indirect taxes.
The CBIC, a statutory body operating within the ambit of the Ministry of Finance, assumes a pivotal role in India’s financial landscape. Its scope encompasses the administration of a spectrum of indirect taxes, spanning customs, central excise, service tax, and the Goods and Services Tax (GST). The board’s responsibilities extend to not only revenue collection but also the crucial task of curbing tax evasion and countering smuggling.
The roots of the CBIC trace back to India’s post-independence era, with its establishment in 1947 under the name of the Central Board of Revenue (CBR). Over time, the organization underwent transformation, culminating in its current form in 2000 when it was bifurcated into the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) and the CBIC. As the torchbearer of administering indirect taxes, the CBIC shoulders the imperative of effective policy implementation and taxation oversight.
At the helm of the CBIC stands the Chairman, an IRS officer of the rank of Additional Secretary to the Government of India. The Chairman’s leadership is complemented by a cohort of members, also IRS officers, each overseeing distinct domains within the CBIC’s purview, including customs, excise, service tax, and GST. This collaborative approach ensures a well-rounded management of the multifaceted landscape of indirect taxation.
With its headquarters situated in New Delhi, the CBIC maintains a wide network of offices across India, spanning regional and zonal offices, as well as field formations. This expansive presence supports its mission of efficient revenue collection and the implementation of fair taxation practices.
The CBIC, as a dynamic institution, continuously evolves to meet the evolving financial landscape. In addition to revenue collection and tax administration, its multifaceted responsibilities encompass policy formulation, training, research, and the crucial task of preventing tax evasion and smuggling. As a steadfast partner in India’s economic development, the CBIC’s contributions remain instrumental in shaping the nation’s fiscal future.
CBIC Chairperson: Sanjay Kumar Agarwal
CBIC Founded: January 1, 1964