Recently, the President of India has approved the empanelment and promotion of A. R. S. Kumar to the post of Principal Chief Commissioner/Principal Director General of Customs & Indirect Taxes.
A.R.S. Kumar, IRS (1991 Batch), was the Principal Chief Commissioner of Customs, Chennai, bringing with him over three decades of rich and diverse experience across the domains of Customs, Central Excise, Service Tax, and GST.
Beginning his distinguished career in Mumbai, Shri Kumar served for six years in both Central Excise and Customs, laying a strong foundation for what would become an illustrious journey in India’s indirect tax administration. He later served in Chennai for seven years as Deputy and Joint Commissioner, followed by postings in Guntur, Visakhapatnam, and Hyderabad in the capacity of Additional Commissioner.
Upon his elevation to the rank of Commissioner, Shri Kumar led the Customs (Preventive) Commissionerate in Trichy. His leadership extended for six years in Hyderabad from 2015 to 2021, where he served as Commissioner and subsequently Principal Commissioner, playing a key role during the critical years following the implementation of GST.
Notably, he was entrusted with heading the Pharmaceutical Sectoral Group formed by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes (CBIC) during the rollout of the Goods and Services Tax in 2017—an acknowledgment of his subject matter expertise and ability to coordinate cross-sectoral tax strategies.
Before his promotion to the rank of Chief Commissioner, he served as Principal Commissioner, CGST, Coimbatore. In 2023, Shri Kumar was appointed as Director General, Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI), Chennai—a crucial post overseeing anti-evasion efforts and intelligence gathering under the GST regime.
With his latest assignment as the Principal Chief Commissioner of Customs, Chennai, Shri Kumar is expected to bring strategic focus and operational strength to one of India’s most vital customs zones.
Outside his official duties, Shri Kumar is known for his passion for travel and exploration, with a keen interest in understanding diverse cultures and traditions. A literature enthusiast, he enjoys reading books that delve into literary themes, adding depth to his multifaceted personality.
