CBIC Launches Online LOC Portal for Seamless Processing

The Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC) has taken a significant step towards modernizing and streamlining the process of issuing Look Out Circulars (LOC) with the operationalization of the Online LOC Portal. Effective from March 1, 2024, this portal replaces the traditional methods of processing LOC requests via letters or emails, ensuring greater efficiency, transparency, and accountability in handling LOCs for Indian citizens and foreigners.

What is a Look Out Circular (LOC)? A Look Out Circular (LOC) is a mechanism used by law enforcement agencies to prevent individuals from leaving the country or entering it, especially when they are under investigation or have pending legal matters. LOCs are critical tools in maintaining national security and ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory frameworks.

Key Highlights of CBIC Instruction No. 30/2025 On October 13, 2025, the CBIC issued Instruction No. 30/2025, detailing the operationalization of the Online LOC Portal and the procedural changes associated with it. Here are the key highlights:

Transition to Online Portal
- The Online LOC Portal has been operational since March 1, 2024.
- LOC requests are now exclusively processed through this portal, eliminating the earlier mechanism of routing requests via letters or emails through DRI-Hqrs or DGGI-Hqrs.
Designation-Based Login Credentials
- Access to the portal requires designation-based login credentials for nodal officers in field formations.
- Designated offices are responsible for user creation, coordination, and overall implementation of the portal.
Designated Offices and Contact Information
- The CBIC has identified specific designated offices to oversee the implementation of the portal for various field formations. These offices include:
  - Pr DG-DRI: Responsible for DRI formations (Contact: drihqrs@nic.in).
  - Pr DG-DGGI: Responsible for DGGI formations (Contact: prdg.dggihqrs@gov.in).
  - Pr. Chief Commissioner, CGST Delhi: Responsible for all CGST field formations (Contact: ccu-cexdel@gov.in).
  - Chief Commissioner, Delhi Customs: Responsible for all Customs and Customs (Prev) field formations (Contact: ccu-cusdel@nic.in).
Coordination and Implementation
- Field formations are required to coordinate with their respective designated offices to obtain procedural guidelines and activate their access to the portal.
- Any difficulties encountered during implementation should be reported to the CBIC through the respective nodal offices.

Benefits of the Online LOC Portal The introduction of the Online LOC Portal brings several advantages:

Efficiency: The portal simplifies the process of issuing LOCs, reducing delays and manual errors.
Transparency: A centralized system ensures better tracking and monitoring of LOC requests.
Accountability: Designation-based login credentials ensure that only authorized personnel can access the portal, enhancing security.
Ease of Coordination: Field formations can directly interact with their designated offices for procedural support and troubleshooting.

Steps for Field Formations to Access the Portal To ensure smooth implementation, field formations should follow these steps:

Contact the designated office responsible for their formation.
Obtain procedural guidelines and login credentials for the portal.
Activate their access and familiarize themselves with the portal’s functionalities.
Report any issues or difficulties to the CBIC through the nodal offices.

Conclusion

The operationalization of the Online LOC Portal marks a significant milestone in CBIC’s efforts to modernize its processes and enhance efficiency. By transitioning to a digital platform, the CBIC has not only streamlined the issuance of LOCs but also reinforced its commitment to transparency and accountability. Field formations are encouraged to coordinate with their designated offices to ensure seamless implementation and contribute to the success of this initiative.

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Source: CBIC, Ministry of Finance, Govt. of India

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