Airlines to Share International Passenger Data with Customs Starting April 1

Starting April 1, airlines operating international flights in and out of India will be required to share detailed passenger information with the Customs department. This move, mandated by the Indian government, aims to bolster national security, streamline customs operations, and improve tracking of cross-border activities.

Under the new regulation, airlines must provide passenger data to the National Customs Targeting Centre (NCTC) within 24 hours of a flight's departure or arrival. The data will include essential details such as:

Passenger names
Contact information
Travel itineraries
Payment methods used for booking tickets

This information will be stored securely and used strictly for customs and national security purposes. The initiative aligns with global practices, such as the Passenger Name Record (PNR) systems used in the European Union and the United States. While it enhances security, the implementation requires airlines to upgrade their data-sharing systems, potentially increasing operational costs.

The government's decision aims to achieve several objectives, including bolstering security by enabling customs and intelligence agencies to identify potential threats and individuals involved in illicit activities like smuggling or money laundering. It also seeks to improve risk assessment by analyzing travel patterns and passenger profiles, allowing authorities to address risks proactively and enhance border control measures. Additionally, the initiative aims to streamline customs operations by expediting clearance for low-risk travelers while focusing scrutiny on high-risk individuals, ultimately reducing congestion and delays at airports.

Airlines have expressed their willingness to cooperate, emphasizing the importance of balancing security with passenger privacy. Authorities have assured strict adherence to data protection norms to prevent misuse.

This move reflects India's commitment to strengthening its border security infrastructure amid rising global security concerns. It also aligns with the government's broader goals of modernizing customs operations and adopting advanced technologies to enhance governance. By mandating data sharing, India joins a league of nations leveraging passenger information for enhanced security and streamlined operations, setting a precedent for robust, technology-driven border management systems.