India-Bhutan 6th Joint Group of Customs Meeting: Strengthening Cooperation for Trade and Border Security
By Author / April 29, 2025
Overview of the Meeting
The 6th Joint Group of Customs (JGC) Meeting between India and Bhutan took place on April 24–25, 2025, in Thimphu, Bhutan. Mr. Surjit Bhujabal, Special Secretary and Member (Customs), CBIC, Government of India, and Mr. Sonam Jamtsho, Director General, Department of Revenue and Customs, Royal Government of Bhutan, co-chaired the event.
Trade Relations Between India and Bhutan
India is Bhutan’s largest trade partner, handling nearly 80% of Bhutan’s total trade. Since Bhutan is a landlocked country, trade via land Customs Stations is crucial. Currently, 10 Land Customs Stations operate along the India-Bhutan border—six in West Bengal and four in Assam.
Key Issues Discussed
The two countries explored ways to improve trade and transit procedures. Topics included:
- Automation and digitisation of transit processes
- Coordinated Border Management (CBM)
- Pre-arrival exchange of Customs data
- Implementation of the Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement (CMAA)
- Use of Electronic Cargo Tracking System (ECTS) for transit cargo
Capacity Building Initiatives
The Bhutanese delegation thanked CBIC for organizing a successful capacity-building workshop titled “Advancing India-Bhutan Trade and Economic Partnership” held in July–August 2024. The workshop helped simplify export procedures and resolve key trade issues.
India offered further training on:
- Risk Management System (RMS)
- Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programs
- Food safety standards
- Customized sessions for Bhutanese importers and exporters
Shared Commitments
Both nations pledged to deepen their Customs cooperation. They aim to enhance trade facilitation and ensure secure, efficient border management practices in line with global standards.
