Mangaluru: Mangaluru customs commissionerate has nearly doubled its revenue collections over the past five years. From Rs 4,132 crore in 2020-21, it is poised to cross the Rs 8,000-crore mark this year, commissioner of customs P Vinitha Sekhar said Sunday.She was speaking at the International Customs Day 2026 event, organised by the commissionerate with the theme ‘Customs protecting society through vigilance and commitment’, at Business Development Centre, NMPA, Panambur.Sekhar attributed the growth to sustained efforts, strengthened compliance mechanisms, and enhanced trade facilitation. “Above all, the dedication and professionalism of our officers and staff made this possible,” she said.She said Mangaluru customs had implemented several digital initiatives, including the Sea Cargo Manifest and Transhipment Regulations (SCMTR). “We are among the first commissionerates in the country to roll out transformative digital systems, setting benchmarks in efficiency, transparency, and trade facilitation. In today’s rapidly evolving environment, customs authorities must address emerging challenges such as the rapid growth of e-commerce, smuggling, and supply chain vulnerabilities. Through constant vigilance and unwavering commitment, customs officials safeguard not only economic interests, but also the safety and security of society at large,” she said.She noted that International Customs Day was established in 1953 to commemorate the inaugural session of the World Customs Organisation (WCO), which represents 187 Customs administrations handling about 98% of world trade.Amara Sullia rebellion rememberedSekhar said the commissionerate also remembered local heroes. “This year, we recall the historic Amara Sullia Rebellion of 1837, the freedom movement that began 20 years before the First War of Independence. Brave patriots from Kodagu and Dakshina Kannada districts of Karnataka, as well as the Kumbala region of Kerala, rose against British rule. Their courage, unity, and sacrifice remind us of the spirit of protecting our land and sovereignty that has deep roots in our history,” she said.In his inaugural address, Alva’s Education Foundation chairman M Mohan Alva said the coastal district was gifted with a port and airport that support economic growth. He also lauded Customs for its vigilance against illegal activities while facilitating international trade.Additional commissioner Biju Thomas, joint commissioner Harikrishnan D, and others were present.
