Airline companies will have to compulsorily share details of foreign passengers with Indian Customs authorities from April 1 in the new year. Failure to do so will result in heavy fines being imposed on the airline. The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) says all airlines operating flights to/from India will have to comply with this requirement by January 10, 2025, through the National Customs Targeting Centre, PTI reported. -Passenger will have to register with (NCTC-PAX).
Information must be given 24 hours in advance
According to the news, airline companies will have to give details of passengers’ mobile numbers, payment methods and travel schedules to the authorities 24 hours before international departure. The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs had notified ‘Passenger Name Record Information Regulations, 2022’ in this regard on August 8, 2022. The aim of this initiative is to enhance the interdiction capabilities of authorities as well as the risk analysis of travellers.
What information needs to be given?
The information shared by airlines for both inbound and outbound international flights includes passenger’s name, billing/payment information (credit card number), date of ticket issuance and names and dates of travel of other passengers linked to the same PNR. Detailed description included. You will also have to share contact details like email ID, mobile number, travel agency details, baggage information and code share information (when one airline sells seats on another airline’s flight).
How much will the fine be?
After the implementation of the new provision, if any airline does not follow this rule, the Customs Department can impose a fine of Rs 25,000 to Rs 50,000 for each act of non-compliance. The department also said that to collect the required passenger information, the PNRGov system will be implemented on a pilot basis with some of the airline companies who have expressed their desire to participate in it. According to the department, the pilot phase is going to be implemented till February 10, 2025. It is then planned to be fully implemented from April 1, 2025 for individual airlines and from June 1, 2025 for airlines intending to operate through GDS (Global Distribution System).
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