In a major step towards enhancing transparency, accountability, and passenger trust, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has mandated the use of Body Worn Cameras (BWCs) by uniformed Customs officers deployed at international airports. The directive has been issued via Instruction No. 34/2025-Customs dated 30 December 2025.
Objective Behind the Move
Customs officers at international airports play a critical role in passenger baggage clearance under Sections 77 to 80 of the Customs Act, 1962, operating through the globally accepted Green and Red Channel system. Recognizing the need for technology-driven reforms and aligning with international best practices, CBIC has introduced BWCs to ensure greater transparency during passenger interactions, especially in the Red Channel, where baggage declarations are examined.
The initiative is also in line with the Government's broader focus on Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) and digital governance reforms.
Who Will Wear Body-Worn Cameras?
As per the instruction, Baggage Superintendents and Appraising/Examining officers handling baggage clearance at international airports are required to wear BWCs. Officers must activate the camera before interacting with passengers and continue recording until the interaction is complete. Passengers are to be courteously informed that the interaction is being recorded as a transparency measure
Key Highlights of the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
CBIC has prescribed a detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to standardize BWC usage across all international airports:
- BWCs must clearly capture officer-passenger interactions and be worn at a designated position on the uniform
- Cameras are strictly for official use and must not have Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or SIM connectivity
- Recorded data must be securely transferred at the end of each shift to a password-protected system
- Footage will be retained for 90 days, unless required for investigation or judicial proceedings
- Tampering, deletion, or unauthorized access to recordings is strictly prohibited
- The Additional/Joint Commissioner (Vigilance) will act as the data administrator to safeguard privacy
- Supervisory officers are required to conduct periodic verification and random monitoring of recordings
Accountability and Privacy Safeguards
To address privacy concerns, access to recorded footage will be tightly controlled and allowed only with prior approval of the jurisdictional Commissioner. Any operational issues, including inability to use BWCs due to technical or safety reasons, must be documented and independently verified by supervisory officers.
Effective Date
The instructions come into force with immediate effect, and all Customs Zones have been directed to issue necessary Standing Orders for implementation at their respective international airports
Why This Matters
The introduction of Body Worn Cameras is expected to:
- Reduce disputes and allegations during baggage checks
- Enhance professionalism and accountability among officers
- Build public confidence in Customs administration
- Create an objective digital record for vigilance and inquiry purposes
This reform marks a significant shift towards technology-backed, transparent passenger facilitation at India's international airports.
Official copy of the notification has been attached
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