The Ministry of Finance (MoF), on January 02, 2026, notified the declaration of key customs and tax-related digital systems as Critical Information Infrastructure under the provisions of the Information Technology Act, 2000. This move is aimed at strengthening the legal and security framework for safeguarding vital government IT systems supporting indirect tax administration.
Under the notification, the Indian Customs Electronic Data Interchange Gateway (ICEGATE) Portal, along with its interconnected systems including the Express Cargo Clearance System (ECCS) and the Automation of Central Excise and Service Tax (ACES-GST) portal, together with their associated databases and dependencies, have been designated as protected systems of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC). The designation brings these systems under enhanced statutory protection to prevent unauthorized access and cyber threats.
The notification further authorises access to these protected systems only to CBIC-designated employees, authorised contractual or third-party service providers, and consultants, regulators, government officials, auditors, or stakeholders who are specifically authorised in writing by CBIC on a need or case-to-case basis. The notification comes into force from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.
[Notification No. S.O. 9(E)]
