Mumbai: India’s customs administration has introduced SWIFT 2.0, a fully digital single window platform designed to transform the way imports and exports are cleared. The new system by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) replaces the earlier version of SWIFT with a more advanced, data-driven interface. The aim is to provide a single touch point for traders and partner government agencies, reducing duplication and delays while improving transparency.
The earlier version of SWIFT, launched in 2015 and expanded in 2016, allowed importers to lodge clearance documents online through ICEGATE. It integrated six agencies, including the Food Safety Authority, Plant Quarantine, Animal Quarantine, the Central Drugs Standards Control Organisation, the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau and the Textile Committee. While this was a step forward, traders were often required to upload additional documents on separate portals, creating inefficiencies. SWIFT 2.0 seeks to address these shortcomings by consolidating processes into one unified platform.
The circular outlines several new features. Importers and exporters will be able to submit additional data fields and mandatory documents directly through the platform. A unified dashboard will allow users to track applications, monitor responses to queries and review their transaction history with any agency. Real-time alerts via SMS and email will notify traders of the status of their applications and the scheduling of inspections. The platform also enables online payment of fees and provides digital receipts, further reducing paperwork.
CBIC has set 1 December 2025 as the date from which filing of consolidated data and documents for the three agencies will become mandatory. Field formations have been instructed to issue public notices to sensitise stakeholders and ensure accurate filing. The circular also notes that difficulties in implementation should be reported promptly to the Board, underlining the importance of a smooth transition.
The government has indicated that more than 60 partner agencies will be integrated in phases. This phased approach is expected to cover a wide range of regulatory requirements, from agriculture and food safety to pharmaceuticals and environmental clearances. By consolidating these processes, SWIFT 2.0 is intended to provide a comprehensive solution for trade stakeholders.
The data fields and document codes for the three agencies have been finalised after consultations with the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, the Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine and Storage, the Food Safety Authority and CBIC itself. These requirements will be implemented through the integrated declaration in the Bill of Entry, ensuring that traders declare or upload the necessary information at the time of filing.
For businesses, the implications are significant. The ability to track applications in real time, receive alerts on inspection schedules and access approved certificates digitally will reduce uncertainty and improve planning. Online payment facilities and digital receipts will simplify financial transactions, while the unified dashboard will provide greater visibility into interactions with government agencies.
The CBIC has underscored the importance of accurate filing of data and documents, urging field formations to sensitise stakeholders through public notices. This emphasis on compliance reflects the government’s recognition that digital systems are only as effective as the quality of the information they process. Ensuring that traders are aware of the requirements and prepared to meet them will be critical to the success of SWIFT 2.0.
The launch of the platform also signals a shift towards greater accountability and transparency in trade clearances. By consolidating processes and reducing the need for physical submissions, the system is expected to minimise opportunities for delays and improve the overall experience for stakeholders.
India’s move to introduce SWIFT 2.0 comes at a time when global trade is increasingly reliant on digital platforms and integrated systems. The country’s efforts to modernise its customs infrastructure are likely to be closely watched by businesses and policymakers, particularly as more agencies are brought into the fold.
CBIC sets out a clear roadmap for the implementation of SWIFT 2.0, beginning with the mandatory filing requirements for AQCS, PQMS and FSSAI from December. As the system expands to include additional agencies, it has the potential to transform the way trade clearances are managed in India, offering a more efficient and transparent framework for businesses engaged in international commerce.
