Circular No.29/2025-Customs, Dated 21-11-2025
1. Overview
The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has issued a circular announcing the launch of SWIFT 2.0 (Single Window Interface for Facilitating Trade) and the onboarding of three major Partner Government Agencies (PGAs):
- Animal Quarantine and Certification Services (AQCS)
- Plant Quarantine Management System (PQMS)
- Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
The upgraded system positions SWIFT 2.0 as a single touch point for all No Objection Certificate (NOC) processing requirements for these agencies.
2. Key Functionalities of SWIFT 2.0
The circular highlights several enhanced features aimed at improving trade facilitation and inter-agency coordination:
2.1 Unified Data and Document Submission
Trade can now submit all required data and documents for AQCS, PQMS and FSSAI clearance through:
- The Integrated Declaration in the Bill of Entry, or
- The Unified Application Dashboard within SWIFT 2.0.
2.2 Dashboard-Based Tracking
SWIFT 2.0 provides:
- A consolidated dashboard for monitoring application status,
- Real-time alerts on PGA actions or document requirements.
2.3 Digital NOC Lifecycle
The system enables:
- Online payment of PGA fees,
- Scheduling and tracking of visual inspections,
- Digital availability of NOCs, eliminating physical interface and delays.
2.4 Standardised Requirements
CBIC has finalised consolidated:
- Data fields, and
- Mandatory documents
for all three PGAs.
These have been annexed to the circular and will be implemented uniformly.
3. Implementation Mechanism
Clearances for AQCS, PQMS and FSSAI will now be processed through:
- Integrated Declaration (via the Bill of Entry), or
- Additional submissions within the SWIFT 2.0 Unified Dashboard,
depending on the clearance type and PGA requirements.
This ensures complete digitalisation and interoperability of customs–PGA processes.
4. Directions to Field Formations and DG Systems
The circular mandates the following:
4.1 Field Formations
- Must issue Public Notices/Trade Notices to sensitise trade,
- Ensure that importers and customs brokers file data accurately and completely as per the new requirements.
4.2 DG Systems
-
Will issue a detailed advisory outlining the technical workflow and system navigation for SWIFT 2.0 users.
5. Effective Date
Mandatory filing for all three PGAs—AQCS, PQMS and FSSAI—through SWIFT 2.0 will be applicable from 01 December 2025.
6. Significance
The launch of SWIFT 2.0 marks a major advancement in:
- Single-window customs clearances,
- Digital processing of NOCs,
- Reduced dwell time,
- Paperless trade, and
- Enhanced coordination between customs and key regulatory agencies.
It is expected to significantly improve efficiency, predictability, and ease of doing business for importers.
