The circular consolidates all operative instructions under the new Baggage Rules, 2026 into a single master framework. It clarifies passenger rights, duties, and procedures to ensure uniform customs practices nationwide.
The circular extends the deferred payment window from 15 to 30 days, easing cash-flow pressures for eligible importers. Revised monthly cut-off dates now standardize duty payment timelines from March 2026.
The circular confirms that RPA for military use includes drones, UAVs and UAS, ensuring duty and IGST exemption when imported for defence with prescribed certification.
The government has withdrawn an earlier central excise exemption notification with effect from 2 February 2026. The rescission is prospective, ensuring past actions under the old notification remain valid.
The government has extended key excise provisions and introduced a specific duty structure for CNG blended with biogas. The key takeaway is policy continuity alongside incentives for cleaner fuels.
The government has reduced the effective National Calamity Contingent Duty on specified tobacco products. The key takeaway is a capped duty rate of 25% from May 2026.
The notification introduces fully electronic baggage declarations, standard CBD forms, and risk-based checks to simplify passenger compliance and speed up customs clearance.
The new rules revise general free allowance, laptop eligibility, and jewellery limits. Passengers must now assess baggage entitlements under the updated framework effective February 2026.
The amendment updates Rule 4 of the Deferred Payment of Import Duty Rules with new monthly timelines. Importers must now pay deferred duty by the 1st of the following month, with a special rule for March.
The government expands the deferred duty payment scheme by adding manufacturer importers as an eligible class. The key takeaway is a cash-flow relief through deferred customs duty payments until 31 March 2028.
