India’s customs administration took a digital step forward on Thursday with the launch of the revamped AATITHI 2.0 mobile application for international passengers, followed by the rollout of SWIFT 2.0, a single-window platform aimed at faster cargo clearances.
The initiatives were unveiled by Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary during the International Customs Day 2026 celebrations organised by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs. The launch forms part of the government’s broader digital customs reforms and measures announced around the Union Budget push for trade facilitation and ease of travel.
CBIC Chairman Vivek Chaturvedi said the twin initiatives aim to make customs processes paperless, reduce processing time at airports and ports, and improve coordination among regulatory agencies.
Paperless customs declaration for travellers
The revamped AATITHI (Atithi) app is designed for international passengers arriving in India, allowing them to complete customs formalities digitally before landing.
The application enables travellers to file baggage declarations and disclose dutiable items online, which is expected to reduce queues and paperwork at airports.
CBIC says the upgrade aligns with the government’s push to improve passenger convenience while strengthening digital governance in customs.
AATITHI 2.0 explained — Key Q&A
Q. What is AATITHI 2.0?
AATITHI 2.0 is a mobile application launched by Indian Customs that allows international passengers to file customs declarations digitally before arriving in India.
Q. Who can use the app?
The platform can be used by travellers arriving in India by air, including Indian residents returning from abroad as well as foreign nationals.
Q. What can travellers declare through the app?
Passengers can declare baggage, dutiable goods, valuables, and currency in advance, helping customs officers process arrivals faster.
Q. How does it help passengers?
By enabling advance declaration, the app reduces time spent at customs counters and simplifies the arrival process at airports.
Q. What is the broader objective of the app?
The initiative is aimed at making customs clearance smoother, improving the travel experience, and supporting India’s digital governance push in border management.
SWIFT 2.0 rolled out to speed up import-export clearances
Alongside the passenger-focused app, the government also launched SWIFT 2.0 (Single Window Interface for Facilitating Trade) — an upgraded digital platform for importers and exporters.
The system acts as a single window for regulatory approvals required during cargo clearance and is designed to digitise coordination between customs and multiple partner government agencies.
Under SWIFT 2.0:
Importers and exporters can submit documents through a unified digital platform.
Regulatory approvals and No-Objection Certificates can be processed online.
Agencies involved in trade clearances are integrated into a single interface.
The system aims to reduce dwell time and simplify compliance for businesses.
The upgraded platform builds on India’s efforts to modernise customs infrastructure and improve trade facilitation through technology-driven reforms.
Part of wider customs reforms push
The launches were part of the International Customs Day programme, which also included discussions on customs reforms, digital governance, and evolving trade processes.
According to the government the initiatives highlight India’s focus on:
- trust-based customs processes
- digitisation of regulatory approvals
- ease of living for travellers
- and improved export facilitation
With AATITHI 2.0 focusing on passenger convenience and SWIFT 2.0 targeting trade facilitation, the government is seeking to build a fully integrated digital customs ecosystem covering both travellers and businesses.
