On Thursday, India’s customs administration advanced digitally by launching the redesigned AATITHI 2.0 mobile application for international travelers, followed closely by the introduction of SWIFT 2.0, a single-window platform designed for expedited cargo clearances.
The announcements were made by Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary during the International Customs Day 2026 festivities organized by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs. This initiative is part of the government’s wider digital customs reforms and measures linked to the Union Budget aimed at facilitating trade and simplifying travel.
CBIC Chairman Vivek Chaturvedi stated that these dual initiatives are intended to make customs processes paperless, minimize processing time at airports and ports, and enhance collaboration among regulatory bodies.
Paperless customs declaration for travelers
The updated AATITHI (Atithi) app is tailored for international passengers arriving in India, enabling them to complete customs procedures digitally prior to landing.
This application allows travelers to file baggage declarations and report dutiable items online, which is expected to alleviate congestion and paperwork at airports.
CBIC emphasizes that this upgrade aligns with the government’s goal to boost passenger convenience and reinforce digital governance in customs.
AATITHI 2.0 explained — Key Q&A
Q. What is AATITHI 2.0?
AATITHI 2.0 is a mobile application developed by Indian Customs that enables international passengers to file customs declarations digitally before their arrival in India.
Q. Who can use the app?
Travelers arriving in India by air, including both Indian residents coming from abroad and foreign visitors, can utilize the platform.
Q. What can travelers declare through the app?
Passengers can declare their baggage, dutiable goods, valuables, and currency in advance, facilitating quicker processing by customs officers upon arrival.
Q. How does it assist passengers?
By allowing advance declarations, the app minimizes the time spent at customs counters and streamlines the arrival experience at airports.
Q. What is the broader objective of the app?
This initiative aims to enhance the customs clearance experience, improve overall travel convenience, and support India’s digital governance strategy in border management.
SWIFT 2.0 launched to expedite import-export clearances
Alongside the app aimed at passengers, the government also introduced SWIFT 2.0 (Single Window Interface for Facilitating Trade) — an upgraded digital interface for importers and exporters.
The system serves as a single point of access for obtaining regulatory approvals needed during cargo clearance and is designed to digitize cooperation between customs and various partner government agencies.
Under SWIFT 2.0:
Importers and exporters can submit their documents via a centralized digital platform.
Regulatory approvals and No-Objection Certificates can now be processed online.
Agencies involved in trade clearances are consolidated within a single interface.
This system aims to decrease dwell time and simplify compliance for businesses.
The upgraded platform represents India’s efforts to modernize its customs infrastructure and enhance trade facilitation through technology-driven reforms.
Part of broader customs reforms initiative
The launches were part of the International Customs Day events, which also featured discussions on customs reforms, digital governance, and the evolving dynamics of trade.
According to the government, these initiatives underscore India’s commitment to:
- trust-based customs processes
- digitization of regulatory approvals
- enhanced convenience for travelers
- and improved export facilitation
With AATITHI 2.0 concentrating on passenger ease and SWIFT 2.0 focusing on trade facilitation, the government aims to create a fully integrated digital customs ecosystem that serves both travelers and businesses.
