The move is expected to reduce customs-related delays during environmental emergencies by enabling faster movement of response equipment.
It is also aimed at strengthening India’s preparedness for major marine pollution incidents and meeting its commitments under international maritime environmental protection arrangements.
In a June 23 communication to customs ports, the CBIC said the green channel will operate through customs formations covering key ports and airports linked to Coast Guard district headquarters at Jamnagar-Vadinar (Okha), Mumbai, Kochi, Chennai, Paradip and Sri Vijay Puram in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
“This facilitation mechanism shall operate within the framework of the Customs Act, 1962 and other applicable laws and shall not dispense with any statutory requirement unless specifically exempted under law,” the letter said.
The decision follows a request from the Coast Guard, which highlighted India’s commitments under regional and international arrangements to provide timely assistance during marine pollution incidents.