Government Mandates Airlines to Share Foreign Traveller Data with Indian Customs by April 2025

In a significant development aimed at bolstering security and improving passenger risk assessment, the Indian government has issued a directive requiring airlines to share the details of foreign travellers with Indian Customs authorities. This mandate will take effect on April 1, 2025, and non-compliance will attract penalties.

Air transport service providers operating in India must register with the National Customs Targeting Centre-Passenger (NCTC-Pax) by January 10, 2025, according to a communication issued by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC).

Details to Be Shared by Airlines

As part of the initiative, airlines are required to share Passenger Name Records (PNR) of foreign travellers nearly 24 hours before an international flight departs. The information must include:

Passenger’s full name

Mobile number

Billing and payment information (e.g., credit card details)

Date of ticket issuance

Travel itinerary (inbound and outbound flights)

Names of other travellers in the same PNR

This measure, notified by the CBIC on August 8, 2022, aims to enhance the Customs Department’s ability to analyze risks associated with international passengers.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Strict penalties will be imposed on airlines failing to comply with the new regulations. For every act of non-compliance, the Customs Department will levy fines ranging from ₹25,000 to ₹50,000.

This penalty system underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring adherence to the directive, which is part of broader efforts to improve national security and streamline passenger data management.

Implementation Timeline and Phased Rollout

The NCTC-Pax has developed a system to regulate international passenger data, with a phased rollout planned as follows:

Registration Deadline:

Airlines must register with NCTC-Pax by January 10, 2025.

Pilot Phase:

The pilot implementation of the PNRGOV system—designed to collect the required passenger information—will commence by February 10, 2025, as some airlines have expressed interest in participating voluntarily.

Full-Scale Operation:

Individual Airlines: Starting April 1, 2025.

Airlines Using GDS (Global Distribution System): Full-scale rollout begins June 1, 2025.

The phased approach ensures that airlines have adequate time to adapt their systems and processes to meet the new requirements.

What is the PNRGOV System?

The PNRGOV system is an advanced data-sharing mechanism that enables airlines to provide comprehensive passenger details to Customs authorities. This system is part of the broader Passenger Name Record Information Regulations, 2022, which mandates that all international passenger data be shared 24 hours prior to departure.

The data collected will be used to analyze risks, prevent unlawful activities, and enhance border security. This system aligns India with global standards for passenger data sharing, as similar practices are already in place in countries like the United States and the European Union.

Significance of the Move

This directive is expected to have far-reaching implications for national security, airline operations, and passenger data management:

Enhanced Risk Assessment:

The Customs Department can proactively identify high-risk passengers, reducing threats such as smuggling, human trafficking, and tax evasion.

Streamlined Processes:

With pre-arrival customs clearances, the new system is likely to minimize delays and bottlenecks at airports.

Alignment with Global Practices:

By adopting systems like PNRGOV, India is aligning itself with international standards, fostering smoother international travel and better cross-border coordination.

Challenges and Opportunities

While the directive is a step forward in terms of security and efficiency, it presents certain challenges:

Operational Overhaul: Airlines must upgrade their IT infrastructure and processes to meet compliance requirements.

Data Privacy Concerns: Passengers may have questions about how their sensitive data is stored, shared, and protected.

At the same time, this move offers opportunities for:

Better coordination between airlines and Customs authorities.

Enhanced passenger confidence in airport security and processes.

Summary

The government’s decision to mandate the sharing of foreign Traveller details with Indian Customs marks a pivotal moment in aviation security and passenger management. As the rollout progresses, airlines must ensure compliance to avoid penalties and contribute to a safer, more efficient travel ecosystem.

While challenges remain, the adoption of systems like PNRGOV and NCTC-Pax positions India as a leader in leveraging technology for national security and operational efficiency.

By April 1, 2025, this initiative promises to usher in a new era of streamlined, secure international travel in India.