New Delhi: Customs officers posted at the Red Channel of international airports across India will now be required to wear body-worn cameras to enhance transparency, accountability and passenger facilitation.
The directive has been issued by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) through an internal instruction circulated to customs field formations last month.
According to reports, under the guidelines, officers have been advised to use body-worn cameras not only while manning the Red Channel but during all passenger interactions within airport premises, including questioning, baggage examination and duty assessment.
The Red Channel is designated for passengers carrying dutiable, restricted or prohibited goods that must be declared under customs regulations. As these checks often involve detailed scrutiny, they can lead to disputes between travellers and officials.
Authorities said the use of body cameras is intended to bring greater clarity and fairness to such sensitive, passenger-facing interactions.
The instruction also mandates that passengers must be informed that their interaction is being recorded.
Video footage will be stored securely for 90 days, with provisions to retain recordings for a longer period if required for investigations, audits or court proceedings.
CBIC said the move aligns with global best practices followed by customs and border control agencies worldwide and is expected to strengthen public confidence, reduce disputes and enable smoother customs clearance at international airports.
