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Taxpayer Advisory: GST System Enhances Security & Transparency

In its continuous efforts to enhance the user experience and safeguard taxpayer data, the GST Network (GSTN) is rolling out new security enhancements to give taxpayers greater transparency and control—especially while dealing with Application Suvidha Providers (ASPs) and GST Suvidha Providers (GSPs).

Here’s what’s changing soon:

1. Email & SMS Alerts on ASP Access via OTP

Whenever a taxpayer provides OTP-based consent to an ASP for accessing GST data through APIs, the authorized signatory will now receive real-time email and/or SMS notifications.

These notifications will include:

Name of the ASP and their GSP partner

  • Date & time of OTP consent

  • Validity of the consent 
    Why this matters: It keeps you in the loop anytime someone accesses your data using your permission. Think of it as a digital handshake—now you’ll get a receipt every time it happens.  
     

    2. Dashboard View & Consent Revocation Option

    You’ll soon be able to view all current and past data accesses by any ASP/GSP via your GST dashboard. Even better? If you ever feel uneasy or suspicious, you’ll have the power to revoke any active consent instantly.

    ???? Where to find this: Log in to the GST Common Portal → Go to your dashboard → Check ASP/GSP access history and status.
     

    When Will This Go Live?

    The exact rollout dates for these new features will be announced soon through official GSTN advisories. So stay tuned and make sure your registered contact details are updated to receive these important alerts.
     

    Final Thoughts

    With these enhancements, the GST system is becoming more secure, transparent, and taxpayer-friendly. If you work with an ASP or use automation tools for GST filings, it’s good to be aware of who has access—and now, you’ll always be informed.

    Have questions about ASP/GSP access or how to manage consent? Drop them in the comments or speak to your GST consultant today.
     

No directions given to Banks to close inactive PM Jan Dhan Yojana accounts: Department of Financial Services, M/o Finance

In response to recent media reports claiming that banks have been directed to shut down inactive Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) accounts, the Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance, has clarified that no such instructions have been issued.

In fact, rather than closing these accounts, the government is doing the opposite—actively working to strengthen and expand access to these financial inclusion schemes.

What’s Actually Happening?

Starting July 1, the DFS has launched a 3-month nationwide campaign to:

  • Encourage the use of PM Jan Dhan Yojana accounts

  • Promote enrolment in key welfare schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) and the Atal Pension Yojana (APY)

  • Ensure re-KYC (Know Your Customer) for accounts where it's due
    This campaign aims to bring more people under the safety net of financial services and ensure that existing account holders remain connected with the banking system.
     

    What About Inactive Accounts?

    The DFS regularly monitors the number of inoperative PMJDY accounts and has advised banks to reach out to account holders, helping them make their accounts active again. There has been no direction to close these accounts, and no mass closures have been reported.

    On the contrary, the number of PMJDY accounts in the country has consistently increased—a strong indicator of people’s growing trust in the system.
     

    Final Word

    So, if you’ve heard rumors about Jan Dhan accounts being closed—don’t worry. The government’s focus is on financial inclusion, not exclusion. This campaign is about making sure no one is left behind, especially when it comes to access to banking and social security.
    Stay informed. Stay connected.
    If you or someone you know has a Jan Dhan account, now is a great time to check in with your bank and make sure everything is up to date!

New Countervailing Duty Alert: Copper Wire Rod Imports from 4 Countries

The Government of India has officially extended the Countervailing Duty (CVD) on Continuous Cast Copper Wire Rods imported from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam. This action follows a detailed investigation by the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR), which concluded that withdrawing the duty could hurt India’s domestic industry due to continued subsidization by exporting countries. 

What Are the Goods Covered?

 

  • Product: Continuous Cast Copper Wire Rods (including copper wires above and below 6mm, but only in coil form)

  • Customs Tariff Heading: 7408

  • Countries Impacted:

  • Indonesia

  • Malaysia

  • Thailand

  • Vietnam

  • What’s the Final Decision?
     

    This move aims to:

  • Protect Indian manufacturers from unfair pricing

  • Neutralize the effect of foreign government subsidies on copper products

  • Maintain fair trade in the Indian market
     

    Key Duty Rates (Based on Producers and Countries):

    S. No Country Producer Duty as % of Landed Value
    1 Indonesia PT Karya Sumiden Indonesia 4.98%
    2 Indonesia PT Tembaga Mulia Semanan Tbk 3.75%
    3 Indonesia Others 7.94%
    5 Malaysia Metrod Malaysia Sdn Bhd Nil
    6 Malaysia Others 10.27%
    8 Thailand SEI Thai Electric Conductor Co., Ltd. Nil
    9 Thailand Others 3.46%
    11 Vietnam Any

    7.13%

    Additional duties apply when these goods are exported indirectly via third countries.)

    Important Notes:

    Landed Value: Includes customs assessable value plus all other duties except for those under Sections 3, 3A, 8B, 9, and 9A.

    Exchange Rate: Based on the rate notified under Section 14 of the Customs Act on the date the Bill of Entry is presented.

     


    ???? Need Help with Import Compliance or Custom Duty Planning?
    At MM Tax Club, we assist businesses in navigating complex customs duty matters, including anti-dumping and countervailing duties.


    ???? What This Means for Importers and Traders:

    You’ll need to factor in this duty while planning your imports and costing structures.

    Keep an eye on customs notifications for any changes in exchange rates or future amendments.

     

DRI officials seize over 92 lakh illegally-smuggled cigarettes of foreign origin worth Rs. 18.2 crore in Chennai

In its continued crackdown on illegal smuggling, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has uncovered yet another major attempt to flood the Indian market with foreign-origin cigarettes.

On 23rd June 2025, acting on precise intelligence inputs, the DRI Chennai Zonal Unit intercepted a container destined for J-Matadee Free Trade and Warehousing Zone (FTWZ). The consignment was declared as “Bathroom and sanitary fittings” — but what it really concealed was shocking.

???? Upon inspection, officials discovered 92.1 lakh sticks of foreign-origin cigarettes, cleverly concealed and mis-declared. Brands included:

  • Manchester United Kingdom

  • Manchester United Kingdom Special Edition

  • Mac Ice Superslims Cool Blast

The total estimated value of the seized cigarettes? A staggering ₹18.2 crore.

What’s even more alarming is that these cigarette packs failed to comply with the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003, lacking the mandatory health warnings and proper packaging norms. This made them not just smuggled goods, but also a direct health hazard to unsuspecting consumers.

The seizure was made under the Customs Act, 1962, and a full-fledged investigation is currently underway to unearth the broader network behind this operation.

???? A Growing Concern

This isn’t an isolated case. In just the past year, the DRI has seized around 4.4 crore sticks of smuggled and counterfeit cigarettes from Chennai ports alone, with a combined value of ₹79.67 crore.

These repeated attempts highlight the growing threat of cigarette smuggling in India, not only causing massive revenue loss to the exchequer but also posing serious health risks to the public due to unregulated products.


????️ Let’s stay alert. Let’s stay informed.

Support the fight against smuggling. A safer, healthier India starts with awareness.

Source

India Charts a New Course Towards Export-Led Growth – Highlights from Exim Bank’s Trade Conclave 2025

In a powerful reaffirmation of India’s ambition to become a global export powerhouse, the Export-Import Bank of India (Exim Bank) hosted the Trade Conclave 2025 on 24th June 2025, marking a pivotal moment in the nation's journey towards building Viksit Bharat – a developed India.

Gracing the event with her presence, Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman delivered a compelling address that laid out a clear vision and policy roadmap to foster export-led growth across sectors.

???? Key Highlights from the Finance Minister’s Address:

???? Trade Assistance Programme (TAP): A Game-Changer

Smt. Sitharaman emphasized Exim Bank’s Trade Assistance Programme (TAP), launched in 2022, calling it India’s first-of-its-kind trade facilitation initiative. TAP has already: