Past Events

‘In Conversation with Mr. Vivek Johri, Chairman, Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs’

FICCI CASCADE organized an “In Conversation with Mr. Vivek Johri, Chairman, Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs” on 12^th May 2022. The objective of the session was to throw light on the smuggling scenario in India, enforcement of laws related to indirect taxes, steps taken to contain tax evasion and initiatives taken by CBIC to combat this menace.

Addressing the ‘In Conversation Series’ organized by FICCI’s Committee Against Smuggling and Counterfeiting Activities Destroying the Economy (CASCADE) Mr Johri, said, “Gold, narcotics, and cigarettes are highly prone to outright smuggling. He further highlighted the extent of the menace and said that “At CBIC, we are going aggressively against illicit trade in these goods. In 2021-22, we seized 92,000 kg of narcotics worth Rs 17,400 crore, during this period, we also seized 14 crore cigarette sticks”. He added that artificial intelligence and data analytics are playing a pivotal role in targeting instances of smuggling which have significantly helped the department to deal with the growing menace of illicit trade.

Mr. Johri also shared those unscrupulous players indulging in illicit activities misuse free trade agreements, export promotion schemes, and misuse end user-based exemptions. He accentuated that CBIC is trying to overcome these challenges in a systemic way and have ramped up the use of technology in their operations with 22 cargo scanners at 16 locations to ensure 100% scanning of all containers coming into the country through gateway ports.

Mr Anil Rajput, Chairman, FICCI CASCADE in his welcome address said that smuggling and illicit trade is increasingly hurting Indian economy and have crept into multiple sections of the society. Immediate steps are required, both in the form of policy intervention and awareness generation, to address this growing menace.

He highlighted that it is indeed heartening to see how CBIC is using AI, Blockchain, Machine Learning to strengthen the enforcement agencies in detecting such malpractices. Complimenting the GST council and CBIC for a well-balanced tax policy and maintaining equal thrust on revenue augmentation and strict handling of tax evaders. He apprised how this has led to effective compliance and record-breaking revenue collections. He further added that we can already see some green shoots and are hopeful that going forward collaborative efforts between government agencies and industries would bring fruitful results for the country.

Mr P C Jha, Former Chairman, CBIC and Advisor, FICCI CASCADE while moderating the session stated that the magnitude of illicit market is large and with passage of time it is proliferating at an accelerated pace. One in 3 FMCG household and personal goods available in the market, is not genuine. Similarly, one out of 4 FMCG packaged food items and one out of 5 tobacco products including cigarette sold is an illicit product. Mr. Jha highlighted that FICCI CASCADE study indicates that in FY 2013-14 due to illicit trade in respect of just 7 items, total loss to government revenue was about Rs. 39000 crores and sales loss to the genuine industry was about Rs 1,05,000 crores.

FICCI CASCADE, in pursuance of its agenda, has been organizing series of such interactions with experts to understand various facets of illicit trade and its impact on the economy.

Watch the session live at:. https://youtu.be/V_wl8b8aXhU

Interactive Session on Strategies to Combat Smuggling and Counterfeiting

‘In Conversation with Prof. Bejon Kumar Misra, Founder, Consumer Online Foundation’

Illicit trade in terms of counterfeiting and smuggling make up a vast ‘global businesses’, representing a multibillion-dollar illegal industry that creates a significant drain on the world economy. FICCI’s Committee Against Smuggling and Counterfeiting Activities Destroying the Economy (CASCADE) on March 9, 2022 organized an ‘In Conversation with Prof. Bejon Kumar Misra, Founder, Consumer Online Foundation’ to discuss the role of consumers and consumer protection organizations in dealing with illicit products, importance of Consumer Protection Act in safeguarding consumers and initiatives that can be taken to contain the menace of counterfeiting and smuggling.

“A strong consumer movement in an institutionalised manner with leadership from the government is the need of the hour to fight the menace of counterfeiting and smuggling” said Prof. Bejon Kumar Misra, Founder, Consumer Online Foundation. He further added that to fight the growing menace of illicit trade, consumers must be able to report immediately if they find a difference in the specified quality of the product. A platform must be created for the consumers where they can share their experiences of encountering a smuggled, fake, defective, or counterfeit product. He emphasized on the need to address the issue at the grassroot level & take immediate action against illicit traders.

Emphasizing on the role of consumers in the fight against illicit trade practices, Mr. Anil Rajput, Chairman, FICCI CASCADE said, “Consumers can encourage change through their choices and behaviour. By highlighting some of the key harms attached to counterfeit and smuggled goods, they can play an important role in raising awareness on just how risky purchasing these items can be both to themselves and to the wider community.”

“I strongly believe that apart from a policy framework that disincentivises such illicit activities along with aggressive enforcement against the criminals of this trade, sustained awareness campaigns for people and understanding demand behaviour are critical in this fight”, he added.

Mr. Hem Kumar Pande, Former Secretary, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Think Tank Member, FICCI CASCADE while moderating the session said “it is not only the responsibility of the consumers to be aware of the growing illicit trade. But it’s time to go beyond & spread awareness amongst sellers about the adverse impacts of smuggled & counterfeit products”. Mr. Pande said challenge is to unite consumers and voluntary consumer organisations can play an important role in bring them together.

FICCI CASCADE has been over the years working closely with government, industry, enforcement officials, legal fraternity, consumer organizations and the youth to create awareness on the adverse impact of counterfeiting and smuggling. FICCI CASCADE, in pursuance of its agenda, has been organizing series of multi-stakeholder dialogues to tackle this adversary and spread awareness about the socio-economic impact of counterfeiting and smuggling.

Watch the session at: Click here

In Conversation with Prof. (Dr.) Ashok R. Patil, Chair Professor and Chair on Consumer Law & Practice (Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Govt. of India), National Law School of India University

FICCI’s Committee Against Smuggling and Counterfeiting Activities Destroying the Economy organised an ‘In Conversation with Prof. (Dr.) Ashok R. Patil, Chair Professor and Chair on Consumer Law & Practice (Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Govt. of India), National Law School of India University on 3rd March 2022.  It was organised as a precursor to the World Consumer Rights Day on 15^th March 2022 to discuss the importance of Consumer Protection Act and the role of consumers in addressing the growing hazards of smuggling and counterfeiting across the nations.

Prof. (Dr.) Ashok R. Patil, Chair Professor and Chair on Consumer Law & Practice (Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Govt. of India), National Law School of India University said, “Consumers have the right to be informed about the purity, safety, quality of the product, right to seek redressal against unfair trade practice and the right to be aware”. He further added that creating public awareness, increasing surveillance, and coordination amongst industry, consumers, NGOs, government, and media can help counter the problem of counterfeiting and smuggling effectively.

He also informed that “The Central Consumer Protection Authority will change the scenario in India with its Suo moto & investigative powers which takes care of all the rights of the consumers with regards to unfair trade practices, false and misleading advertisements.”

Mr. P K Malhotra, Former Secretary, Ministry of Law and Justice, Government of India and Think Tank Member, FICCI CASCADE in his welcome address said, “Counterfeit and smuggled goods are not only a threat to the country’s economy, but also bring serious harm to the consumers. Illicit products have infiltrated everyday avenues of commerce, making their way into supply chains, posing threat to individuals’ health and safety.”  “While the Consumer Protection Act is a stepping-stone to regulate matters involving violation & enforcement of consumer rights, the consumers must also act responsibly & cautiously while making any purchase”, he added.

Mr. Hem Kumar Pande, Former Secretary, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Think Tank Member, FICCI CASCADE while moderating the session said, “Consumer awareness is of paramount importance and consumers should know their rights and duties. They need to stand united against the menace of counterfeit and smuggled goods”. Mr Pande emphasised on having a consumer movement in India against such serious crimes that are not only risking consumer’s health and safety but are also damaging the economy of the country”. He also stressed on having a dynamic policy and legal framework, quick consumer grievance redressal, mediation centres and aggressive campaigning to protect consumers against the menace of illicit trade”.

FICCI CASCADE, in pursuance of its agenda, has been organizing series of multi-stakeholder dialogues to tackle this adversary and spread awareness about the socio-economic impact of counterfeiting and smuggling.

Watch the session at: https://youtu.be/OWB3xCZLCB4

“Youth for Socio-Economic Development – Paving the Way for India’s ‘Amrit Kaal’“: An Inter-School Online Painting Competition against Smuggling and Counterfeiting

Launch of Anti-Smuggling Day, 2022

The existence and operation of illicit markets such as smuggling has been an enduring problem. India because of its topographical diversity and difficult terrain is usually exploited by smuggling cartels, posing a huge challenge to law enforcement agencies in their collective efforts to thwart cross border smuggling. The effects of smuggling are numerous and economically significant.

In order to give further impetus on the work done in the anti-smuggling domain, FICCI CASCADE (Committee Against Smuggling and Counterfeiting Activities Destroying the Economy) earmarked 11 February as an Anti-Smuggling Day beginning 2022. ‘Anti-Smuggling Day’ will represent a major step in the fight against the global menace of smuggling.

Mr Balesh Kumar, Member-Investigation, Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs, while delivering the keynote address at the launch of Anti-Smuggling Day, said, “Smuggling which is a huge threat to national security, requires all stakeholders including industry to come together to tackle it.” He also stated that the government has always been committed to combating the menace of smuggling and have institutionalized coordination between agencies, which has helped in generating volumes of information that are not only timely but also accurate leading to major seizures. Quoting a recent seizure, Mr Kumar informed, “As recent as 6th Feb 2022, DRI in Imphal, Manipur effected a seizure of 12.5 kgs of gold coming across from Myanmar and over 46 lakh sticks of cigarettes worth Rs 9.5 crores in one single operation.”

Anti-Smuggling Day was launched with an objective of enhancing coordination and cooperation between law enforcement agencies, facilitating better exchange of information and experiences, and building a strong network to find innovative solutions to combat the menace of smuggling.

Highlighting the several initiatives undertaken by the World Customs Organisation to fight the menace of smuggling, Mr PK Das, Director, Compliance and Facilitation Directorate, World Customs Organisation in his special address said, “Smugglers and other criminals who are known to be agile and creative have also profited from the fruits of globalization and technological advances. They are misusing the opportunities presented by technology for their nefarious activities. The customs department has a major role to play in mitigating the challenges posed by illicit trade for the country and the economy.”

Speaking on the need for an Anti-Smuggling Day, Mr Anil Rajput, Chairman, FICCI CASCADE said, “Despite smuggling being a global menace, due focus and thrust has not been given to this mounting threat which is not only damaging our exchequer and leading to job losses but is also impacting the safety and security of nations worldwide. In this context, it is critical to emphasize and generate global awareness about the fact that the root cause of illicit trade lies in smuggling.”

“With FICCI CASCADE taking the lead in launching the Anti-Smuggling Day today, I am confident that in the years to come, it will not only raise greater awareness on the issue but will also get to the core of the problem which eventually will minimize the all-round dreadful impact of smuggling and related activities,” he added.

Mr Najib Shah, Former Chairman, Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs and Think Tank Member, FICCI CASCADE while moderating the session on Containing the Menace of Smuggling: Securing National Economy said “Anti-Smuggling Day apart from spreading awareness on the ill-effects of smuggling will further enhance cooperation between all enforcement agencies who are tasked to thwart the menace of smuggling”.

“Indian Customs, including DRI, has built a robust legal and administrative system, pioneering the implementation of automation, risk management, data analytics, and passenger profiling to combat smuggling effectively”, said Dr D P Dash, Former Pr. Director-General, DRI, Former Chairman, Enforcement Committee, World Customs Organisation (WCO) and Think Tank Member, FICCI CASCADE in his concluding remarks.

The webinar also saw a host of notable speakers such as Mr Stefano Betti, Deputy Director-General, Transnational Alliance to Combat Illicit Trade (TRACIT), Mr Aniket Singh, DIG and Director (Anti-Smuggling and Narcotics Control), Indian Coast Guard and Mr Amerish Kumar Arya, DIG, Border Security Force, who took part in the deliberations and extended their support to this initiative.

Speakers echoed on a meaningful, regular, and timely discussion as an essential element to protect the domestic interests of every nation and to defeat this worldwide threat.

As a run-up to Anti-Smuggling Day, and to sensitize the youth on the menace of smuggled goods, FICCI CASCADE also organized a Digital Art/Poster making competition on the theme, ‘Stand Against Smuggling’.  Mr. Narendra K Sabharwal, Chairman, FICCI IP Committee & Former Deputy Director General, WIPO, Ms. Kameswari Subramanian, International Expert, Customs Law, Procedures & Trade Facilitation and Justice Manmohan Sarin, Former Lokayukta, NCT of Delhi, Chief Justice, High Court of J&K and Judge, High Court of Delhi judged the competition.

Jury Chair, Justice Sarin, while felicitating the winners of the competition said, “Such competitions encourage creative skills and ability in the youth simultaneously sensitizing them to the harmful effects of smuggling and imbibing a resolve to shun illicit products.” The competition witnessed an overwhelming response and saw a plethora of ideas, innovative expression, talent and content exhibited in posters.

The winners of the competition were:

1. First Prize: Bharat Garima from Bihar
2. Second Prize: Harsh Sahani from Uttar Pradesh
3. Third prize: Parveen Kumar from Himachal Pradesh

• Special Incentive Prizes:
  1. Heba Alam from Delhi and
  2. Rahul Saini from Delhi

Digital Art/Poster making competition on the theme: Stand Against Smuggling

Webinar on Combating Counterfeiting and Smuggling during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond

Be Vocal for Local and Prevent Illicit Trade
22 December 2021 | Focus State – Odisha

The problem of illicit trade has only compounded in the current situation of COVID 19, where criminals have used the pandemic as an opportunity to cause significant damage on the economy of the nation, health and safety of the consumers. FICCI’s Committee Against Smuggling and Counterfeiting Activities Destroying the Economy (CASCADE) in its series of state specific webinars on “Combating Counterfeiting and Smuggling during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond’, organized the next edition in the series for the state of Odisha on December 22, 2020. The webinar discussed and underscored the efforts that the industry & government have taken and could further take in tackling the flow of illicit products during the current crisis.

Capt. Dibya Shankar Mishra, Minister for Industries, MSME, Energy and Home, Govt of Odisha was the chief guest at the programme. While addressing the audience he said, “The menace of counterfeit and smuggled goods have penetrated deep into our society and is impacting the socio-economic prosperity of the country, which needs to be addressed immediately.” “Strict enforcement plays a very important role in curbing the menace of illicit trade. I am proud to share that Odisha’s enforcement agencies have been vigilant in fighting these illegal activities”, Capt. Mishra added.

Mr D P Dash, Former Pr. Director-General, DRI, Former Chairman, Enforcement Committee, World Customs Organisation (WCO) and Think Tank Member, FICCI CASCADE said, “inculcating moral values amongst children to buy genuine goods with bills on payment of taxes is an intergenerational investment in the fight against illicit trade.” He further said that penal provisions under central and state laws should be invoked to make a real impact in the fight against illicit trade.

Mr. Anil Rajput, Chairman, FICCI CASCADE in his welcome address said, “illicit products have infiltrated everyday avenues of commerce, making their way into supply chains and consumers’ homes, thereby threatening manufacturers’ competitiveness, undermining consumer confidence and posing a threat to individuals health and safety”. “I must also compliment the Odisha government and the enforcement agencies for relentlessly pursuing the perpetrators of illicit trade. Despite the mammoth challenge posed by COVID 19 pandemic, their hands-on approach and alertness have been highlighted by seizures of large number of fake and smuggled medicines, currency, consumer goods, food products, cigarettes and much more”, Mr. Rajput added.

“Counterfeiting and smuggling causes an economic loss to the nation which can be addressed at the grassroot level by educating the school children and MSMEs on the impact of illicit trade,” said Ms Monica Nayyar Patnaik, Chairperson, FICCI Odisha State Council & MD, Sambad Group.

Mr. Sanjeev Mahapatra, Member, FICCI Odisha State Council and Director, Terrablock Machinery in his concluding remarks said that it is time we hone India’s inherent strength and capabilities to be resilient, competitive and attractive, so that our economy can adapt to the challenges in the post COVID era.

The speakers reiterated that consumer safety and safeguarding legitimate businesses while promoting indigenous production will also play a significant role in the country’s post-pandemic economic recovery.

Capacity Building Programme for Police Officers on Prevention of Counterfeiting and Smuggling Focus State: Himachal Pradesh

Date: 30th November, 2021| Virtual Mode
Focus State- Himachal Pradesh

FICCI CASCADE (Committee Against Smuggling and Counterfeiting Activities Destroying the Economy) organized a capacity building programme on Prevention of Counterfeiting and Smuggling for the police officers of Himachal Pradesh on 30th November 2021. Mr. Bimal Gupta, DIG cum Principal, Himachal Pradesh Police Training College was the chief guest at the programme. During his keynote address he said, “It has become imperative that India as a part of the global economy calls for stern and resolute counterstrike force against the ill-intentioned activities such as smuggling and counterfeiting.” Criminals have started to exploit consumers under the shield of COVID-19 pandemic through counterfeit medical products, frauds and cybercrimes, he added.

During the session, Mr. Deep Chand, Advisor, FICCI CASCADE and Former Special Commissioner of Delhi Police said that the grey market economy is fuelling illegitimate industry, leading to increased criminalization of the society in the form of organized crimes including terrorism. This capacity building program is aimed to sensitize the police officers to emphasize on the importance of continued awareness and seriousness of the impact of counterfeit and smuggled products.

Mr. P C Jha, Advisor, FICCI CASCADE and Former Chairman, Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs in his welcome address said that India is a victim of large-scale smuggling, impacting not only the legal industry and economy, but also exposing consumers to the grave risks to life and security. Complimenting the police officers of Himachal Pradesh, he further stated that despite the constant struggle, the enforcement officials have been determined to push back the smugglers, counterfeiters, tax evaders and traffickers.

Some of the key recommendations that emerged at the program included the need for capacity building in terms of skills, infrastructure and technology amongst the law enforcement agencies in improving the detection and investigation of crimes; need for additional manpower, a dedicated Economic Offences Wing, non-bailable offence measures for repeat offenders, including rigorous imprisonment and stringent monetary penalty, among others.

The representatives from ITC and Johnson and Johnson highlighted industry issues and spoke on the need for collaborative actions with police to counter such offences. The capacity building program saw participation of several officers of Himachal Pradesh Police across various districts. These programs organized by FICCI CASCADE are aimed to sensitize the police officers on the importance of continued awareness and the seriousness of the impact of counterfeit and smuggled goods on the Indian economy.

Capacity Building Programme for Police Officers On Prevention of Counterfeiting and Smuggling

FICCI CASCADE (Committee Against Smuggling and Counterfeiting Activities Destroying the Economy) organized Capacity Building Programmes for Police Officers of Maharashtra on Prevention of Counterfeiting and Smuggling. The programmes were conducted in two parts, one for the officers to the level of PSIs on 20th October 2021 and the other for DySPs and ACPs on 22nd October 2021. The workshops saw participation of several officers of Maharashtra Police across various districts. The capacity building programmes were organized with an aim to sensitize the police officers on the importance of continued awareness and seriousness of the impact of counterfeit and smuggled goods.

Mr. Ravindra Sengaonkar, Inspector General of Police, Training and Special Unit, Maharashtra, was the chief guest at the programmes. While addressing the gathering Mr. Sengaonkar said, “Funds raised by counterfeiting & smuggling activities are directly utilized for anti-social activities and are a threat to the nation. Hence, it is important that we assign adequate priority to such cases.” “Any offense related to counterfeiting or smuggling has to be investigated thoroughly, professionally and should have a logical conclusion”, he further added.

Mr. Anil Rajput, Chairman, FICCI CASCADE delivered the welcome address. “Police Department is the primary law enforcement agency in our country and play a significant role in ensuring the protection of legitimate businesses from illicit players. Although there are adequate laws available, their enforcement makes the role of police officers even more important in the fight against counterfeiters and smugglers”, said Mr. Rajput. Complimenting the officers, he added that top class information, timely action and a proactive approach against the criminals who indulge in illicit activities, exhibited by the Maharashtra Police is indeed a great service to the nation.

Mr. Deep Chand, Advisor FICCI CASCADE and Former Special Commissioner of Police, New Delhi said, “Capacity building in terms of skill, infrastructure and technology is essential for the law enforcement agencies in improving the detection and investigation of crimes relating to counterfeiting and smuggling. Moreover, severe extant bail provisions, rigorous imprisonment and stringent monetary penalty are also imperative to create the desired deterrence.”

Speakers from ITC, Johnson and Johnson and Marico highlighted industry issues and spoke on the need for collaborative actions with Police to counter such offences. In pursuance of its mandate, FICCI-CASCADE has been organizing similar programs across the country in briefing enforcement agencies on procedural and enforcement issues while tackling illicit trading activities.