Shri S. K. Vimalanathan, I.R.S Chief Commissioner of Customs, Tiruchirapalli and Padmashri Dr. A. Sakthivel, Vice Chairman, AEPC, and Honorary Chairman, TEA jointly designed ‘THUNAIVAN’, a dedicated online portal to facilitate customs-related grievance redressal for garment exporters in Tiruppur.
The portal was launched by Shri. Mohan Kumar Singh, I.R.S, Member, CBIC, New Delhi.
Key Features of Thunaivan:
• User-friendly interface for real-time interaction between exporters and Customs.
• Fast-track grievance redressal, with complaints to be resolved within 30 days.
• Transparent resolution system, with escalation to the Chief Commissioner if unresolved.
• Addresses issues such as GST refunds, RoSCTL, and drawback claims.
• Acts as a bridge between exporters and Customs, with potential inclusion of other departments.
Shri. S.K. Vimalanathan, Chief Commissioner of Customs, Trichy, said that the portal was built based on exporter feedback to ensure the right officials handle grievances effectively.
Padmashri Dr. A. Sakthivel, Vice Chairman of AEPC, emphasized the portal’s importance in enabling faster and transparent customs clearance, especially as Tiruppur aims to capitalize on new trade opportunities like FTAs with the UK and BTA with US to be signed.
Shri. K. M. Subramanian, President, TEA remarked that the launch of the portal is particularly timely and beneficial for exporters. With ongoing bilateral trade agreements poised to strengthen India’s global trade position, such initiatives will empower exporters to advance with greater confidence and efficiency Shri. K. M. Ravichandran, I.R.S, Principal Commissioner of Customs (Preventive) was also present in the event.
Tiruppur, contributing over ₹45,000 crore in annual knitwear exports, is seen as a vital cluster in India’s $1 trillion export ambition. Exporters also urged easier access to credit and support for digital transformation and sustainability.
