30 June 2025| Ahmedabad, Gujarat

FICCI CASCADE has been at the forefront of raising awareness about the grave threats posed by illicit trade. Recognizing the widespread consequences of counterfeiting and smuggling on public health, safety, and economic well-being, CASCADE has been conducting pan-India seminars to educate stakeholders and mobilize action. In line with this direction, FICCI CASCADE organized a seminar titled, “Illicit Trade in Focus: State – Level Action Against Counterfeiting & Smuggling” on 30th June 2025 at Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

Delivering the keynote address, Mr. Pranesh Pathak, Chief Commissioner of Customs, Ahmedabad Zone, highlighted the escalating threat posed by organized smuggling operations in the wake of India’s economic growth and expanding global trade. He apprised that as the nation’s economy continues to expand, it has become an attractive target for sophisticated illicit syndicates. From gold, liquor, and narcotics to cigarettes and high-end luxury watches, there has been a marked surge in attempts to illegally transport goods across India’s borders, added Mr. Pathak.

Mr. Pathak opined that such activities not only result in significant revenue losses but also pose grave risks to national security, public health, and the legitimate economy. Citing an example, he highlighted how Godhra Customs seized over 8 million counterfeit cigarettes, psychotropic substances valued at over Rs. 150 crore and luxury watches worth Rs. 13 crores. He mentioned that these substantial seizures, serve as a stark reminder of the audacity and evolving tactics employed by illicit trade networks to undermine the nation’s economic integrity.

Mr. Neeraj Kumar Badgujar, Additional Commissioner of Police, Ahmedabad City, Gujarat stated that illicit trade not only strengthens criminal networks but also poses serious threats to public safety and economic stability. He underscored the need for law enforcement agencies to remain proactive through intelligence-led policing, enhanced inter-agency coordination, and active community engagement. Mr. Badgujar further said that raising public awareness is a vital component in the collective fight against smuggling and counterfeiting.

Mr. P C Jha, Advisor, FICCI CASCADE and Former Chairman, Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs, in his presentation titled “Outlining the Landscape of Illicit Trade Practices – Analysis & Implications,” highlighted that smuggling thrives on cost arbitrage driven by high indirect taxes and regulatory loopholes. He explained that when duties on products such as tobacco, liquor, and gold are excessively high, they create strong incentives for illegal trade, which undermines legitimate businesses and leads to significant revenue losses for the government. Mr. Jha emphasized that the disparity between legal and illegal market prices not only distorts fair competition but also exposes consumers to counterfeit and substandard goods, posing serious risks to public health and safety.

Emphasizing the urgent need for a comprehensive strategy to combat illicit trade, Mr. Deep Chand, Advisor, FICCI CASCADE and Former Special Commissioner of Police, New Delhi, while chairing a panel discussion on policies to prevent counterfeiting and smuggling, stated that counterfeiting and smuggling are not just economic crimes but they are serious threats to national security, public health, and consumer trust. We need coordinated policy reforms, real-time intelligence sharing, and stronger public-private collaboration, as well as raising consumer awareness to stop these traffickers. Such an approach rooted in both prevention and enforcement are key to protecting legitimate businesses and safeguarding India’s economic future.

The panel also featured distinguished speakers who brought diverse perspectives to the discussion. The other speakers included Mr. Shrikant Awachar, Additional Director, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, Ahmedabad Zonal Unit; Mr. Ashish Paul, Vice President- Corporate Affairs, ITC Ltd. and Ms. Anindita Mehta, CEO, Consumer Education & Research Centre.

Bringing in a local perspective and reinforcing the industry-government partnership, Mr. Parth Desai and Dr. Jaimin Vasa, Members of the FICCI Gujarat State Council, shared their insights and emphasized the need for collective action at the state level to effectively combat the menace of illicit trade.

The programme witnessed an enthusiastic participation from over 200 stakeholders, including industry experts, government officials, enforcement agencies, and informed consumers. Their active engagement contributed to meaningful dialogue and knowledge sharing, while also benefiting from insights on the emerging developments, challenges, and collaborative strategies to combat illicit trade.