CBIC has issued Circular No. 31/2026-Customs dated 04.07.2026 directing all Customs field formations to issue a standardized Deficiency Memo while processing duty drawback claims under Section 74 of the Customs Act, 1962. The circular follows Audit Para 7.1 of Audit Report No. 33 of 2025, which observed that no prescribed format existed for issuing deficiency memos in such cases. After examining the matter in consultation with field formations, the Board enclosed Annexure-I prescribing a uniform format. The Deficiency Memo requires claimants to furnish specified documents, including shipping bills, bills of entry, invoices, calculation sheets, proof of duty payment, declarations regarding IGST, GST officer certificates where applicable, affidavits, RBI permission where necessary, and other relevant documents. The circular also states that if the deficiencies are not rectified within 30 days, the drawback claim shall be treated as not filed under Rule 5(4)(b) of the Re-export of Imported Goods (Drawback of Customs Duties) Rules, 2017.
F. No. 609/25/2025-DBK/CBIC
Government of India
Ministry of Finance,
Department of Revenue,
Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs,
Drawback Division
*****
4th Floor, Jeevan Deep Building
Parliament Street, New Delhi- 110001
Circular No. 31/2026-Customs | Date: 4rd July, 2026
To,
All Principal Chief Commissioners/ Chief Commissioners (Customs/
Customs (Preventive) / Customs & Central Tax)
All Principal Commissioners/Commissioners of Customs /Customs (Preventive).
All Pr. Director General/Director Generals under CBIC.
Subject: Deficiency Memo under section 74 of the Customs Act, 1962 – reg
Madam/Sir,
Your attention is invited towards Audit Para 7.1 of the Audit Report 33 of 2025 wherein it has been observed by the Audit that there is no prescribed form for Deficiency Memo for processing of duty drawback claims under Section 74 of the Customs Act, 1962.
2. The matter has been examined in the Board in consultation with field formations. The field formations under your jurisdiction may be suitably directed to issue Deficiency Memo under Section 74 of the Customs Act, 1962 in the format enclosed herewith as Annexure-I.
3. The difficulties, if any, may be brought to the notice of the Board.
Yours faithfully,
(Khairnar Sarweshwar)
OSD (Drawback Division)
CBIC, New Delhi
Annexure-I
F. No ———————————————————–
Date——-
Din No.———–
DEFICIENCY MEMO
To,
M/s
Subject:- Drawback claim under section 74 of the Customs Act, 1962 against Shipping Bill No————- dated —————– reg.
With reference to your drawback claim under Section 74 of the Customs Act, 1962 against the above-mentioned Shipping Bill, you are hereby directed to submit the following (ticked) documents/information for processing of the claim;
1. Annexure -II
2. Calculation Sheet for the drawback claim.
3. Copy of Shipping Bill
4. Export Invoice & Packing List
5. Export Bill of Lading
6. Copy of Bill of Entry
7. Import Invoice
8. Import Packing List
9. Evidence of payment of duty at the time of import i.e TR- 6 Challan
10. Self-declaration for not claiming of IGST amount paid on reexported goods, if exporter is claiming only (BCD+ SWS).
11. If the exporter is claiming IGST amount paid at the time of import then they have to provide the certificate duly signed by the Central/State/UT GST officer having jurisdiction over the exporter, that no credit of integrated tax/ compensation Cess paid on imported goods has been availed or no refund of such credit or integrated tax paid on re-exported goods has been claimed.
12. Affidavit of stamp paper of Rs. 100 (notarized)
13. Permission from RBI for re-export of the goods, wherever necessary
14. Any other relevant documents.
Your drawback claim is returned herewith and if the requirements specified in this deficiency memo are not complied with within thirty days, your claim shall be treated as not filed for the purpose of rule 5(1) as per the provisions of rule 5(4) (b) of the Re-export of Imported goods (Drawback of Custom Duties) Rules, 2017.
Assistant/Deputy Commissioner of Customs
Drawback Section Commissionerate
