A.R.S. Kumar, Principal Chief Commissioner of Customs, Chennai, bid farewell to an illustrious career in the Indian Revenue Service (IRS) as he retired on August 31, 2025.
Belonging to the 1991 batch of the IRS (Customs & Indirect Taxes), Shri Kumar’s service spanned over three decades, leaving behind an enduring legacy in the domains of Customs, Central Excise, Service Tax, and Goods and Services Tax (GST).
Shri Kumar began his career in Mumbai in 1993 and went on to serve in various capacities across the country. His tenure included significant postings in Mumbai, Chennai, Guntur, Visakhapatnam, Hyderabad, Trichy, and Coimbatore, where he held key positions ranging from Deputy Commissioner to Principal Chief Commissioner.
In Chennai, he served as Deputy and Joint Commissioner between 1999 and 2006, overseeing critical areas such as Drawback, DEEC, Bonds, and SIIB. Later, his leadership as Commissioner (Preventive) in Trichy was marked by major gold seizures. From 2015 to 2021, he played a pivotal role in Hyderabad as Commissioner and subsequently Principal Commissioner, particularly during the rollout of GST, ensuring smooth transition and simplification of tax refund processes.
His tenure in Hyderabad also witnessed the introduction of virtual hearings during the COVID-19 pandemic in April 2020, a first-of-its-kind initiative that significantly reduced costs and time for appellants, and was widely appreciated by taxpayers.
As Principal Commissioner in Coimbatore (2021–2023), Shri Kumar was lauded for his proactive engagement with trade bodies and industrial clusters like Tiruppur. Elevated as Chief Commissioner in 2023, he led the Directorate General of GST Intelligence (South Zone), establishing the Digital Forensic Lab in Chennai in April 2024 to tackle fake invoice cases.
In 2025, he took charge as Chief Commissioner of Customs, Chennai, and was soon elevated as Principal Chief Commissioner, where he brought strategic progress and operational strength to one of India’s busiest customs zones. His efforts in grievance redressal, trade facilitation, and collaboration with stakeholders such as the Chennai Customs Brokers’ Association and CHEMEXIL were particularly noteworthy.
Beyond his professional achievements, Shri Kumar is known for his subject-matter expertise, leadership in cross-sectoral tax strategies, and dedication to service. He is supported by his wife, Smt. A. Anuradha, and is blessed with a daughter, Ms. A. Deepsikha, a data engineer.
With his retirement, the Indian Revenue Service bids adieu to a committed officer whose career was marked by integrity, innovation, and a deep commitment to public service. His contributions will continue to inspire future generations of officers.
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