The Office of the Commissioner of Customs, Chennai-IV has issued an addendum to its public notice regarding the automation of refund applications. The announcement clarifies that all refund claims, including those resulting from a favorable judgment, court order, or pre-deposit, must now be filed electronically. This change is part of a broader government initiative to digitize all remaining customs processes by mid-2026. The shift to an online system is intended to enhance transparency and efficiency in the processing and disbursal of customs duty refunds.
Previously, there were frequent questions from importers, customs brokers, and other stakeholders about whether these specific types of refund applications could still be submitted manually. This addendum confirms that all such applications must now be made through the ICEGATE portal. The Customs Department is encouraging stakeholders to cooperate with the full implementation of this new automated system. The goal is to make the refund process more transparent, effective, and efficient for all parties involved.
The notice also states that while the new electronic filing requirement is now in effect, the other contents of the original public notice (No. 14/2025) remain unchanged. For any difficulties encountered while filing claims electronically, applicants are instructed to contact the Deputy or Assistant Commissioner of Customs (Refunds) at the Chennai II (Import) Commissionerate for assistance. The automation of the refund process is a step toward making customs procedures more streamlined and less dependent on physical paperwork.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF FINANCE, DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE
OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS, CHENNAI-IV
CUSTOMS HOUSE, NO.60, RAJAJI SALAI, CHENNAI-600 001.
F. NO. CUS/RFD/GENC/87/2025-REF | Dated: 10-09-2025
ADDENDUM TO PUBLIC NOTICE NO. 14/2025 DATED 07.03.2025
Subject: Automation of Refund Application and Processing in Customs – Issue of addendum – Reg.
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Kind attention of the Importers, Customs Brokers, General Trade and all other Stakeholders under the jurisdiction of Chennai Sea Customs is invited to the CBIC Circular No. 05/2025-Customs dated 17.02.2025 issued in F. No. 450/247/2023-Cus.IV with regard to Automation of Refund Application and Processing in Customs.
2. Vide the above Circular, it was conveyed that with a focus on reducing time and cost of trading across the borders, Customs has been constantly taking several reform measures aimed at simplification, digitization and making the process efficient and effective. This is in-line with announcement by Hon’ble Finance Minister to digitize all the remaining Customs processes by mid-2026.
3. Based on the above CBIC Circular, a Public Notice, vide Public Notice No. 14/2025 dated 07.03.2025, was issued by the Commissioner of Customs (Imports).
4. Frequent queries are being received in the Commissionerate from the Trade on application of Refund on the basis of favourable Judgement, Decree, Order or Direction or Pre-deposit as to whether the refund applications can be made manually.
5. In this regard it is brought to the attention of the Trade that CBIC, in order to enhance transparency and for electronic disbursal of refunds, has developed an online processing and disbursal of Custom duty refund applications on the Customs Automation System.
6. Applicants shall file Refund Application electronically on ICEGATE Portal for refunds emanating from favourable Judgement, Decree, Order or Direction or Pre-deposit.
7. Difficulties faced, if any in filing the claims electronically, may be brought to the notice of the Deputy/Assistant Commissioner of Customs (Refund), Chennai II (Import) Commissionerate and get redressed.
8. Trade is expected to dynamically co-ordinate with the Department in the successful implementation of Automation of Refund Application and Processing in Customs in order to make the process of refund more transparent, effectual and active.
9. Other content of the Public Notice No.14/2025 dated 07.03.2025 will remain
10. This issues with the approval of Commissioner of Customs (Imports).
DEKKAGOUNDER SUBRAMANI
SANGEETHA ADDITIONAL COMMISSIONER
ADC/JC-III-O/o Commissioner-Customs-Import-Chennai
To
All Concerned.
Copy submitted to:
1. The Chief Commissioner of Customs, Chennai Customs Zone for kind information.
2. All the Pr. Commissioners / Commissioners of Customs, Chennai Customs Zone.
3. All the ADC/JC/DC/Assistant Commissioners of Customs, Import Commissionerate.
4. EDI Section, with the request to upload the above Public Notice on official website.
5. CHS – for displaying on Notice Board.
