Our Mission

The Commissionerate of Customs (Preventive), Kochi, with jurisdiction over the entirety of Kerala, the Union Territory of Lakshadweep, and the Commune of Mahe, Pondicherry, is a division of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes. We are responsible for anti-smuggling and intelligence work, operating through specialized divisions across our jurisdiction.

Key functions include maintaining an intelligence network, conducting searches and seizures, confiscating contraband, and arresting offenders to prevent smuggling and fraudulent activities, thus safeguarding national trade and economic interests.

Focus Areas

• Airports: Facilitating passengers via Green/Red Channels, preventing illegal trade, and coordinating with agencies like DRI, CISF, and Immigration.
• Air Cargo Complexes: Assessing, inspecting, and clearing import/export consignments, ensuring safe warehousing and segregation of cargo.
• Customs Preventive Divisions: Conducting anti-smuggling operations, patrolling coastal and inland areas, and coordinating with other enforcement agencies.
• Inland Container Depot (ICD): Bringing Customs and port facilities closer to inland industries, reducing trade time and costs.

Evolution of Customs Preventive in Kochi

The Customs Preventive Commissionerate at Kochi was established in 2012, operating within the larger Cochin Customs framework, which has a rich history of customs work at Cochin Port spanning over 150 years.

The Customs Preventive at Cochin evolved through various phases, including being under the Collector of Central Excise, Madras, and later becoming independent with its own Collector of Customs. The creation of the Customs Preventive Commissionerate in 2012 specifically aimed to strengthen preventive customs enforcement in the region under this historic and complex customs administration umbrella.

Rummaging & Intelligence (R&I) Wing

The R&I Wing is at the forefront of our anti-smuggling efforts, specializing in intelligence gathering and the meticulous searching (rummaging) of vessels and aircraft to detect concealed contraband and prevent illicit trade.

Marine Wing: Sea & Road Patrolling

Our Marine Wing conducts regular sea and road patrolling to ensure comprehensive surveillance. Sea patrols cover the Kerala coast from Kasaragod to Vizhinjam, involving the interception and inspection of suspicious vessels. Road patrols cover key transport routes, acting as a deterrent against the illegal movement of goods and supporting intelligence-led operations.

Guidelines for Gold & Valuables

Passengers must declare dutiable goods, excess currency, and gold/jewellery beyond the free allowance. Use the Red Channel for declarations and the Green Channel if you have nothing to declare.

• Duty-Free Allowance: Goods worth ₹50,000 (adults) or ₹15,000 (minors) duty-free.
• Prohibited & Restricted Items: Narcotic drugs are banned. Satellite phones, drones etc., are restricted.
• Gold Import: Up to ₹50,000 (men) or ₹1,00,000 (women) for Indians abroad over 6 months (duty applicable).