A postage stamp and a coffee table book were released on Thursday to commemorate the golden jubilee of the Customs department.

Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) is celebrating 2012 as the Golden Jubilee year to commemorate 50 years of the Customs Act, 1962.

Union Minister of Communication & Information Technology Kapil Sibal, who issued the postage stamp, said the memorabilia acknowledges the sincere efforts of the Customs administration in nation building and in guarding economic frontiers.

CBEC chairman S K Goel highlighted the paradigm shift in the role of Customs, including the change in the profile of smuggling and other economic frauds.

The coffee table book, "Anything to Declare", was released by minister of state for revenue S S Palanimanickam. The book has interesting photographs that enliven the glorious past of the department like its journey in time, evolution, splendid buildings, various functions and international role.

This book will help the readers know more about the working of Customs and see it in the light of a friendly facilitator, the CBEC chairman said. Palanimanickam applauded the tireless and dynamic services rendered by the department in its commitment to be reckoned as a vital force for security and economic well-being of the nation.