CBIC Introduces Fast-Track Customs Clearance for Oil Spill Response Equipment

The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), through Instruction No. 11/2026-Customs dated 23 June 2026, has established a Green Channel mechanism for expedited Customs clearance of pollution response equipment, materials, and related resources required during Oil and Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS) spill emergencies. The initiative follows a request from the Indian Coast Guard to facilitate rapid deployment of equipment received from foreign governments, international organizations, and specialized response agencies when national response capacity is exceeded. Green Channel facilities will operate at designated airports and seaports linked to Coast Guard District Headquarters in Okha, Mumbai, Kochi, Chennai, Paradip, and Sri Vijay Puram. Customs Zones must appoint a senior Nodal Officer to coordinate with the Coast Guard and other stakeholders, ensure 24×7 priority clearance, and serve as the single point of contact during emergencies. The mechanism operates within the Customs Act, 1962, without waiving statutory compliance requirements.

F. No. 450/68/2025-Cus IV

Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Revenue
(Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs)

Instruction No. 11/2026-Customs | Dated: 23rd June, 2026

To,
The Principal Chief Commissioners/ Chief Commissioners of Customs/ Customs (Preventive) / Customs & Central Tax
The Principal Commissioners/ Commissioners of Customs/ Customs (Preventive), The Principal Director Generals/ Director Generals under CBIC.

Subject: Establishment of Green Channel for Customs Clearance of Pollution Response Equipment and Materials during Oil and Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS) Spill Emergencies — reg.

Madam/Sir,

The Board has received a request from Coast Guard Headquarters regarding establishment of a Green Channel mechanism for expeditious Customs clearance of pollution response equipment, materials and associated resources required for combating Oil and Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS) spill incidents at sea.

1.2 Coast Guard Headquarters has highlighted that India, through various international and regional forums such as the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), the South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme (SACEP) and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), is committed to providing necessary support and cooperation in responding to oil and chemical spill incidents.

1.3 However, in the event of a major oil or chemical spill exceeding national response capacity, assistance from foreign governments, international organizations and specialized service providers such as Oil Spill Response Limited (OSRL) may be required. Such assistance may involve urgent import or export of pollution response equipment, materials and other related resources, through airports and seaports in India. Timely deployment of such equipment is critical for minimizing environmental damage, protecting marine ecology, safeguarding public health and ensuring continuity of port operations.

2. Owing to the challenges highlighted by Coast Guard Headquarters, the Board has decided to establish a Green Channel for expeditious Customs clearance of consignments relating to oil and HNS spill response operations at the following locations:

3. The concerned Customs Zones are directed to designate a senior officer, not below the rank of Additional Commissioner/Joint Commissioner, as Nodal Officer for coordination with the Indian Coast Guard and other stakeholders in matters relating to import, export, temporary import, temporary export, re-import and re-export of pollution response equipment and materials required for oil/HNS spill response operations. The Nodal Officer shall, inter alia perform the following roles and responsibilities:

i. maintain close liaison with the concerned Coast Guard Headquarters, Port Authorities, Airport Authorities and other stakeholders;

ii. ensure expeditious and hassle-free Customs clearance of consignments relating to pollution response operations in accordance with the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962 and the rules, regulations and notifications issued thereunder;

iii. maintain contact details of all relevant stakeholders and also facilitate priority processing of such consignments during emergency situations on a 24×7 basis, wherever required;

iv. act as the single point of contact for addressing Customs-related issues arising during pollution response operations;

v. participate, wherever required, in inter-agency coordination exercises conducted by the Indian Coast Guard for validation and improvement of the response mechanism.

4. This facilitation mechanism shall operate within the framework of the Customs Act, 1962 and other applicable laws and shall not dispense with any statutory requirement unless specifically exempted under law.

5. The details of the Nodal Officer(s), including the officer’s designation, mobile number and e-mail address, may be shared with the Board and following officers of Coast Guard Headquarters within fifteen days of issuance of this communication. Any subsequent changes may also be intimated promptly:

a. Joint Director (Operations)/Coast Guard Headquarters. Tele: 011-23073523, email: dte-ops@indiancoastguard.nic.in.

b. Joint Director (Fisheries & Environment)/Coast Guard Headquarters, Tele: 011­23115107, email: dte-fe@indiancoastguard.nic.

c. The Customs formations under your jurisdiction may be suitably sensitized regarding the importance of timely facilitation of such consignments during pollution response operations.

7. Difficulties, if any, in implementation of this Instruction may be brought to the notice of the Board.

Hindi version shall follow.

Yours faithfully

(Indrajit Panda)
Under Secretary (Cus IV)