India: Starting April 1, 2025, airlines flying internationally to and from India will be required to share detailed passenger information with Indian Customs. This new rule, issued by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), aims to strengthen border security and improve risk management. It applies to all airlines, including those using Global Distribution Systems (GDS), with specific deadlines for compliance.
Under the ‘Passenger Name Record Information Regulations, 2022,’ airlines must submit information such as passenger names, contact information, trip plans, and payment methods. Airlines using their own systems must comply by April 1, 2025, whereas GDS users have until June 1, 2025. The data will be evaluated by the National Customs Targeting Centre-Passenger (NCTC-Pax), a CBIC section dedicated to detecting high-risk travellers.
Airlines must register with NCTC-Pax by January 10, 2025, to ensure compliance. Failure to share the required data can result in fines of ₹25,000 to ₹50,000 per violation. Airlines may need to update their systems to meet these new requirements for real-time data sharing with customs.
The purpose of this rule is to improve security and optimize customs operations. Customs agents can identify possible threats and facilitate the processing of legitimate travelers by reviewing passenger information ahead of time. This rule connects India with international standards such as the Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) used in other nations.
Passengers should note that their travel details will now be reviewed more closely. While this change focuses on security, it may mean stricter documentation checks at check-in.
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