Joint Group of Customs (JGC)

May 8, 2024

5th JGC meeting was held in Leh Ladakh between India and Bhutan discussed bilateral issues for further enhancing cooperation between the two countries.
In the meeting both nations discussed a bilateral issue such as opening of new Land Customs Stations and notifying new trade routes, development of infrastructure, automation and digitization of transit processes, prevention of smuggling, coordinated cross-border management, pre-arrival exchange of Customs data, bilateral agreement on Customs cooperation and movement of transit cargo under electronic cargo system.
Bhutan expressed sincere appreciation to the Indian Government for initiating and promoting the cross-border trade and economic activities with Bhutan.
The India-Bhutan Joint Group of Customs meetings are held annually to discuss issues relating to re-defining and re-engineering of Customs and cross border trade.
India is Bhutan’s top trade partner.
India’s trade with Bhutan has more than tripled from $484 million in 2014-15 to $1,615 million in 2022-23, accounting for about 80% of Bhutan’s overall trade.