India’s customs department made a significant digital advancement on Thursday by unveiling the enhanced AATITHI 2.0 mobile app for international travelers, followed by the introduction of SWIFT 2.0, a streamlined platform designed to expedite cargo clearances.
The announcements were made by Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary during the International Customs Day 2026 celebrations organized by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs. These launches align with the government’s extensive digital customs reform agenda and measures announced as part of the Union Budget, aimed at facilitating trade and enhancing travel ease.
CBIC Chairman Vivek Chaturvedi stated that the dual initiatives seek to create a paperless customs experience, shorten processing times at airports and ports, and enhance coordination among regulatory bodies.
Digital customs declaration for travelers
The revamped AATITHI (Atithi) app is tailored for international travelers arriving in India, enabling them to fulfill customs requirements electronically before their arrival.
This application allows travelers to submit baggage declarations and report dutiable items online, which is anticipated to minimize queues and paperwork at airports.
According to CBIC, this upgrade aligns with the government’s initiative to enhance passenger convenience while reinforcing digital governance in customs operations.
AATITHI 2.0 explained — Key Q&A
Q. What is AATITHI 2.0?
AATITHI 2.0 is a mobile app launched by Indian Customs that allows international travelers to file customs declarations digitally before reaching India.
Q. Who can utilize the app?
The platform is accessible to travelers arriving in India by air, including returning Indian residents and foreign nationals.
Q. What can travelers declare via the app?
Passengers can declare luggage, dutiable goods, valuables, and currency in advance, facilitating quicker processing by customs officers upon arrival.
Q. How does it benefit passengers?
By allowing advance declarations, the app lessens the time spent at customs counters and simplifies the airport arrival experience.
Q. What is the overall goal of the app?
The initiative aims to streamline customs processing, enhance travel experiences, and bolster India’s digital governance focus in border management.
SWIFT 2.0 launched to accelerate import-export clearances
Alongside the passenger-centric app, the government also rolled out SWIFT 2.0 (Single Window Interface for Facilitating Trade) — an improved digital platform for importers and exporters.
This system functions as a singular access point for necessary regulatory approvals during cargo clearances, designed to digitize coordination between customs and various partner government agencies.
Under SWIFT 2.0:
Importers and exporters can upload documents via a consolidated digital platform.
Regulatory clearances and No-Objection Certificates can be processed online.
Government agencies involved in trade clearances are integrated into a unified interface.
This system aspires to diminish dwell times and simplify compliance for businesses.
The upgraded platform builds on India’s commitment to modernizing customs infrastructure and enhancing trade facilitation through tech-driven reforms.
Part of broader customs reform efforts
These launches were part of the International Customs Day event, which included dialogues on customs reforms, digital governance, and the evolving landscape of trade processes.
The government asserts that these initiatives underscore India’s emphasis on:
- trust-based customs operations
- digitization of regulatory approvals
- enhanced living conditions for travelers
- and improved export support
With AATITHI 2.0 prioritizing passenger convenience and SWIFT 2.0 focusing on trade facilitation, the government is aiming to create a fully integrated digital customs ecosystem serving both travelers and businesses.
