Customs

Customs procedures must actively enable exporters to access global markets with speed and certainty: Revenue Secretary

'The biggest task before the CBIC now is that the vision embodied in policies is actually realised and genuinely felt by the industry at the grassroots,' says Arvind Shrivastava

You have a gift: E-commerce companies to benefit as govt resets rules for courier industry

High-value shipments can now move via courier mode; returns and reverse logistics rules eased. Direct-to-consumer brands, apparel, lifestyle products, electronics, engineering goods and jewellery likely gainers

EOIs invited for $1-billion next-gen digital customs platform; major IT firms expected to bid

Major domestic IT services players, including Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services, and HCLTech are expected to participate in the bidding process

Budget 2026-27: Integrated Customs platform on cards in digitisation push, rollout targeted for 2027

The proposed integration is aimed at easing business processes and improving India’s global trade ranking.

Industry body pushes for faster tax dispute resolution; calls for clearing high-value appeals within a year

CII calls for a trust-based, technology-enabled tax system; proposes simplified TDS regime, statutory taxpayers’ charter, and paper-free customs roadmap in pre-Budget 2026-27 proposals

‘Customs cannot remain stuck in time’: Supreme Court upholds tribal woman right to ancestral property

The top court said denying the mother her share in her father’s property, when the custom was silent, would violate her right to equality vis-à-vis her brothers or those of her legal heirs vis-à-vis their cousin.

Bombay Metal Exchange to move court over retrospective customs duty demand on copper imports: Sources

The industry body representing non-ferrous metal traders plans to file a writ petition against penalty notices issued by the customs department, saying they militate against ASEAN FTA provisions.

Over 1,000 copper importers face customs heat for misusing ASEAN FTA duty exemption

Copper importers have received retrospective show-cause notices from the customs department, prompting industry to send a representation to the Finance Ministry seeking relief for the traders.

Time for CAAR 2.0: Revolutionising India’s customs rulings for global efficiency

India’s Customs Authority for Advance Rulings (CAAR) has improved timelines since 2021. However, procedural delays persist. A shift to CAAR 2.0, with internal technical units and digital reforms, can achieve rulings within 30 days, enhancing global trade efficiency

India sees room to remove tariffs on US imports of crude oil, diamonds under trade pact

As part of an internal study by the Finance Ministry and NITI Aayog, the government is analysing tariff lines between India and the US to identify areas where the former can lower duties irrespective of domestic capacities. However, this is not related to the April 2 deadline for Trump’s reciprocal plan.

CBIC to digitise customs refund process within a month: Chairman Sanjay Agarwal

While most customs processes have already transitioned to digital platforms, the refund process remains manual.

Budget can be a watershed moment for customs reform

If the government strikes the right balance between domestic industry needs and international trade obligations, Budget 2025 could lay the foundation for a more efficient, self-reliant, and globally competitive India. 

Logistics cost likely down to 10% of GDP on infra facelift, faster freight: CBIC chairman

Agarwal pointed out that logistics costs in developed nations are typically 8-9 percent of the GDP to stress on India’s need to narrow the gap further

India talks to Japan, South Africa to expand trade ties through AEO programme: CBIC chairman

The clearance time for AEO-certified businesses is approximately 40 percent lower compared to non-certified entities

Customs, banking reforms, incentives at par with China key to boost e-commerce exports to $350 billion: GTRI

The global cross-border e-commerce exports are projected to grow from USD 1 trillion in 2023 to USD 8 trillion by 2030 on account of the ability of online firms to deliver overseas products to consumers within 1-2 days, matching the speed and convenience of local supplies.

GST buoyancy expected to decline, but will stay above one, says CBIC Chairman

The ministry has set a target of increasing GST collections by 11 percent in FY25, against a GDP growth of 10.5 percent.

CBIC chief says it's hard to correct inverted customs duty due to FTA exemptions

Under customs, inverted duty structure is seen for several items including leather and textiles and engineering goods.

Man in China caught smuggling 100 live snakes in all 'sizes and colours' in his trousers

'Upon inspection, customs officers discovered that the pockets of the trousers the passenger was wearing were packed with six canvas drawstring bags and sealed with tape,' the China customs department stated.

5 environmental costs of the illegal drugs industry

From deforestation and carbon emissions to biodiversity loss, the impact of illicit substances on ecosystems is significant.

India to consider proposal to delay import licence order for laptops, tablets

India will allow imports of laptops and tablets without licences where the shipment has been ordered before Aug 3 and the customs has been ordered to clear such consignments.

Customs arrests Sierra Leone national for smuggling cocaine worth nearly Rs 14 crore at Delhi airport

The accused was intercepted after her arrival from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on June 25.