The Thiruvananthapuram Central GST & Customs Zone, Kerala, has registered remarkable achievements in revenue performance, trade facilitation, and taxpayer services, setting national benchmarks in multiple areas during the period April to September 2025.
National Recognition in GST Reforms
The Zone secured All India Rank 1 in both expeditious GST registration and disposal of GST appeals, earning commendation certificates from the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC). Over 55% of registrations were processed within 7 days—well above the national average of 17%—while 83% of appeals were disposed of, greatly improving taxpayer certainty and dispute resolution timelines.
Adding to this achievement, Kerala was honoured with the TIOL Silver Award in the “Reformist State” category at the National Taxation Awards 2025, a recognition determined through public voting and jury evaluation.
Strong Revenue Growth
Revenue performance also reflected Kerala’s efficiency and resilience:
- GST (Domestic Supply): ₹8,534.61 crore collected, posting a 13.05% growth.
- Central Excise: ₹13,042.53 crore, with 11.67% growth.
- Overall Zonal Performance: ₹23,376.36 crore collected during April–August 2025, marking a 10.44% overall growth, or ₹2,209.66 crore higher than the same period last year.
Customs & Trade Facilitation
The Zone took major steps to boost trade infrastructure and logistics efficiency. A concept paper was prepared for operationalizing EXIM cargo through Vizhinjam Port under a hub-and-spoke model linking minor ports at Kollam, Beypore, and Azhikkal with ICD Kottayam. This initiative is projected to reduce logistics costs by ₹8,000–₹10,000 per container and cut dwell time from over eight days to just one or two.
Further initiatives include:
- Approval for a Customs warehouse at Azhikkal.
- Connectivity upgrades at Kollam and Ponnani ports.
- Starting courier services at Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode Air Cargo Complexes.
- Notification of a Customs port at Agatti Island in Lakshadweep.
Stakeholder Engagement & Outreach
The Zone has actively engaged with taxpayers, trade bodies, and the public through a series of initiatives and events:
- Vizhinjam Customs Office inaugurated on March 26 to strengthen EXIM readiness.
- SAMVAD 2025 in North Kerala (July 16–17) facilitated direct interaction with top GST taxpayers and EXIM traders.
- Export Promotion via E-commerce event at Kannur (August 13), where officers highlighted Customs’ role in empowering e-commerce exports.
- GST Conclave 2025 at Kochi (June 16) marked eight years of GST, with Attorney General R. Venkataramani as Chief Guest.
- GST Day 2025 celebrations in Thiruvananthapuram (July 1), where the Zone received a CBIC commendation for excellence in GST administration.
Other Key Initiatives
Beyond revenue and trade facilitation, the Zone undertook several initiatives that reflect its broader commitment to institution-building, sustainability, and social responsibility.
Several new facilities were inaugurated, including the Audit Circle-1 Office in Thiruvananthapuram, a new canteen at CGST Kozhikode, and a Waste Management Shed and Rainwater Harvesting System at the En Ooru Tribal Heritage Village in Wayanad.
Environmental awareness was given prominence through programmes such as a tree plantation drive at Kannur International Airport on World Environment Day and participation in the Shark Awareness Day Workshop at ICAR-CMFRI, Kochi, which emphasized marine biodiversity protection.
On the academic front, officers contributed to knowledge-sharing by addressing forums like the ICAI National GST Conference, the GST Symposium in Cochin, and interactive sessions at Rajagiri College, fostering dialogue with students, professionals, and industry stakeholders.
Equally noteworthy was the Zone’s humanitarian outreach: a disaster relief contribution of ₹22.95 lakh was handed over to support the Wayanad Township Project, aiding rehabilitation and recovery for affected communities.
Looking Ahead
The Kerala Zone’s initiatives demonstrate a balanced focus on revenue growth, taxpayer facilitation, trade logistics, and social responsibility. With Vizhinjam Port poised to become a major EXIM hub and Customs–GST services being streamlined, Kerala continues to position itself as a national leader in indirect tax administration.
Leadership at the Helm
All these achievements were made possible under the leadership of Shri S.K. Rahman, IRS, Chief Commissioner, Central Tax, Central Excise and Customs, Thiruvananthapuram Zone who assumed charge as Chief Commissioner, Thiruvananthapuram Zone (covering Kerala & Lakshadweep) on March 6, 2025 and took voluntary retirement on 24th Sept 2025
About : S.K. Rahman, IRS
New Role: Joined as Technical Member (Centre) in the newly constituted Goods and Services Tax Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT) with effect from September 25, 2025.
Experience: An IRS 1992 batch officer with over 32 years of experience spanning GST, Customs, anti-smuggling operations, and policy formulation at the GST Council.
Awards & Recognitions:
- President’s Medal for Distinguished Service (2008).
- World Customs Organization Certificate of Merit (2011).
- NCB Director General’s Commendation Medal (1995).
International Contributions: Assisted the Government of Maldives in building its Harmonized System of Nomenclature (HSN) and supported Tanzania in utilizing the customs valuation database under the aegis of the World Customs Organization (WCO).
Academia & Outreach: Served as a faculty member at the National Academy of Customs and Indirect Taxes (NACIN) and addressed multiple workshops organized by CII, FICCI, ASSOCHAM, PHD Chamber, and FIEO.
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