DGFT has extended the minimum import price (MIP) condition on two pharmaceutical APIs to 30 November 2026 — USD 111/kg on ATS-8 (Notif 39) and ₹1,774/kg on Sulfadiazine (Notif 40), both under ITC(HS) Chapter 29. Imports below the floor stay restricted; AA holders, EOUs and SEZ units are typically exempt.
DGFT Public Notice No. 31/2026-27 (30 Sep 2026) again extends the timeline for holders to surrender unutilised Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) allocated for the import of 10 lakh MT of raw sugar. It affects TRQ allottees who could not use their full quota and gives them more time to hand back the balance.
DPIIT's Transition Facilitation (Quality Control) Order, 2026 (S.O. 3417(E), 25 Jun 2026) gives eligible Indian companies a structured route to keep supplying products covered by BIS Quality Control Orders while completing compliance. It is highly relevant now that the household electrical appliances QCO took effect on 1 October 2026 — one of ten QCOs it covers.
DGFT Notification No. 41/2026-27 (30 Sep 2026) continues the RoDTEP scheme to 31 December 2026 with rates unchanged, covering DTA units, Advance Authorisation holders, SEZ units and EOUs. This removes the uncertainty after rates were due to lapse on 30 September. Exporters can keep claiming RoDTEP on October shipping bills.
The Safety of Household, Commercial and Similar Electrical Appliances (Quality Control) Order, 2026, issued by DPIIT, comes into force on 1 October 2026. It makes BIS certification (ISI mark via CRS/Scheme-I) mandatory for about 90 appliance categories — shavers, vacuum cleaners, blenders, air purifiers, kitchen equipment and more. Importers and foreign manufacturers must hold a valid BIS licence to clear or sell these goods.
Through Trade Notice No. 27/2026-27 (14 Sep 2026), DGFT has proposed a comprehensive overhaul of India's non-preferential rules of origin by amending Para 2.93 of the Handbook of Procedures, 2023. The draft sets clear origin tests — substantial transformation beyond 'simple operations', change in tariff heading or 35% value addition — and keeps Non-Preferential Certificate of Origin issuance online via trade.gov.in, with self-certification for status-holder manufacturers.
The Foreign Exchange Management (Export and Import of Goods and Services) Regulations, 2026 take effect 1 October 2026. The headline change: the period to realise and repatriate export proceeds is shortened to 9 months from shipment (12 months for INR-settled exports). A single consolidated framework replaces the 2015 export rules.
DGFT Trade Notice No. 28/2026-27 (16 Sep 2026) revises the Pre-Shipment Inspection Certificate (PSIC) workflow: certificates must now be issued within two days of inspection and uploaded from the inspection location, with a one-time seven-day window from 16 Sep to clear backlog PSICs for inspections done before 25 Aug 2026. Scrap importers and PSIAs are affected.
The Finance Act 2026 omits Section 13(8)(b) of the IGST Act, the rule that taxed "intermediary" services at the supplier's location and blocked them from counting as exports. Paired with faster refund provisions, it could let agents, brokers and back-office service exporters finally zero-rate and claim refunds. The commencement date is still to be notified.
DGFT Notification No. 38/2026-27 (30 Sep 2026) continues the ₹67,220/MT (CIF) minimum import price on virgin multi-layer paper board under five ITC(HS) Chapter 48 codes, now valid to 31 March 2027. Imports below the floor remain "restricted" and need a licence. Paper importers and packaging buyers are affected.
Under the FEMA (Export and Import) Regulations, 2026 (effective 1 Oct 2026), exporters of services must file a monthly Export Declaration Form (EDF) in EDPMS via their AD bank/STPI, replacing SOFTEX. First filings for October invoices are due around end-November. IT/ITeS, SaaS, GCCs, consultants and freelancers are now all in scope.
DGFT Notification No. 36/2026-27 (15 Sep 2026) exempts export consignments with FOB value up to ₹3,00,000 from the Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) requirement, easing compliance for small, postal and courier/e-commerce exporters. Consignments above ₹3 lakh still need a valid RCMC where otherwise applicable.
CBIC Circular No. 42/2026-Customs (24 Sep 2026) makes it mandatory, from 1 November 2026, to declare an additional qualifier on export shipping bills for specified woven and knitted fabrics under HS Chapters 52, 55 and 60 — flagging Flame Retardant (FR001) vs non-FR (FR009) fabric. Textile exporters and CHAs must build it into shipping-bill filing.
The EU's 21st Russia sanctions package (adopted late July 2026) listed around 51 entities for circumvention — including several in India — and bans supplying them dual-use or advanced-technology goods. It signals sharper EU scrutiny of third-country re-export and intermediary chains. What Indian exporters and forwarders should check.
The Ministry of Textiles has extended the RoSCTL scheme — the rebate of embedded state and central taxes and levies for apparel, garments and made-ups — to 31 December 2026 (effective 1 Oct 2026). Garment and made-up exporters keep this rebate alongside RoDTEP, removing a key uncertainty for the festive export season.
CBIC Circular No. 43/2026-Customs (24 Sep 2026) clarifies that where CAROTAR 2020 conflicts with a trade agreement's rules of origin, the agreement prevails. Importers claiming preference need not routinely file Form-I or obtain confidential exporter data; a valid origin declaration suffices for India–UK CETA.
CBIC Circular No. 44/2026-Customs (28 Sep 2026) approves a new Special Notified Zone at the Surat Diamond Bourse, letting foreign mining companies import, view, auction and sell rough diamonds in Surat. It replaces the Ichhapore SNZ; stones arrive by air via Mumbai and unsold lots must re-export within 75 days.
CBIC Circular No. 36/2026-Customs lets cargo diverted or returned because of the Strait of Hormuz disruption be transhipped, temporarily unloaded and stored at Indian ports under customs supervision. The facilitation is in force only until 31 October 2026, so forwarders and CHAs should act on affected shipments now.
In its fortnightly review effective 1 Oct 2026, the Finance Ministry cut the Special Additional Excise Duty (windfall tax) on ATF exports to ₹10.5/litre (from ₹15) via Notification 53/2026-Central Excise, while revising the levy on diesel and petrol exports upward. Petroleum product exporters should reprice shipping bills for the new fortnight.
CBIC Circular 42/2026-Customs (24 Sep 2026) makes it mandatory, from 1 Nov 2026, to declare a flame-retardant qualifier (FR001/FR009 under Info Type "CHR") in shipping bills for specified fabrics under Chapters 52, 55 and 60. Textile exporters and CHAs must update filing practice.
RBI's FEMA (Export and Import of Goods and Services) Regulations, 2026 (Notification FEMA 23(R)/2026-RB) take effect 1 October 2026, consolidating export and import forex rules, replacing the 2015 export regulations and many associated circulars, and unifying goods, services and software exports under a single Export Declaration Form. Exporters and importers should confirm the revised realisation timelines with their banks.
DGFT has withdrawn recognition from about 15 pre-shipment inspection agencies and tightened PSIC upload timelines (a 2-day window, with a one-time 7-day backlog relaxation). Metal scrap importers report rejected certificates and penalties at ports such as Mundra. Verify your PSIA is still recognised before shipping.
India's current RoDTEP rates were extended only up to 30 September 2026. As of that date no fresh notification extending them had been issued; a Commerce Ministry official said on 29 Sep the scheme is "expected to be extended" and is under discussion with the Finance Ministry. Exporters face short-term uncertainty on shipping-bill RoDTEP claims for October dispatches.
CBIC Circular No. 44/2026-Customs (28 Sep 2026) relocates the rough-diamond Special Notified Zone from Gujarat Hira Bourse to the Surat International Diatrade Centre at Surat Diamond Bourse. It permits duty-free import (by air cargo), viewing, auction and re-export of unsold rough diamonds under Kimberley Process rules, with 60/75-day repacking and re-export timelines. Relevant to gem & jewellery importers.
CBIC Circular No. 43/2026-Customs (24 Sep 2026) clarifies that where a trade agreement's rules of origin conflict with CAROTAR 2020, the agreement prevails. For India–UK CETA, a valid origin declaration is sufficient and Form-I is not a precondition for preferential claims. Importers need not obtain confidential supplier data; non-furnishing alone cannot deny preference.
DGFT Notification No. 34/2026-27 (24 Aug 2026) changes the export policy for wheat or meslin flour (atta), maida, semolina and wholemeal/resultant atta under HS 1101 from "Prohibited" to "Free," with immediate effect. Flour millers and agri-exporters can resume shipments, subject to FTP and other regulatory provisions.
DGFT Notification No. 36/2026-27 (15 Sep 2026) inserts a new sub-para in Para 2.57 of FTP 2023: a Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) or Certificate of Registration is no longer required where a consignment's FOB value does not exceed ₹3,00,000. It eases compliance for MSMEs, e-commerce, courier and postal exporters.
DGFT Trade Notice No. 27/2026-27 (14 Sep 2026) puts out a draft amendment to Para 2.93 of the Handbook of Procedures 2023 setting comprehensive non-preferential Rules of Origin for exports and imports — covering wholly-obtained criteria, change of tariff heading and a 35% value-addition test. Stakeholders have 15 days to comment.
From 16 Sep 2026, CBIC cut export levies on fuels: SAED on petrol exports fell ₹1.5→₹0.5/litre and on diesel ₹24→₹20/litre (Notif 49/2026-CE); Road & Infrastructure Cess on diesel exports went to Nil (Notif 51/2026-CE); and ATF export SAED was reduced to ₹15/litre. Petroleum product exporters benefit.
DGFT Trade Notice No. 26/2026-27 (7 Sep 2026) proposes suspending 544 Standard Input Output Norms (SIONs) found unutilised under the Advance Authorisation and DFIA schemes over the last three financial years, and invited comments within 15 days. Exporters relying on these norms should check exposure and prepare to seek ad-hoc norms.
DGFT Trade Notice No. 24/2026-27 (31 Aug 2026) enables automated, system-based issuance of Free Sale and Commerce Certificates (FSC) for qualifying applications, bypassing manual Regional Authority scrutiny, with post-issuance risk checks. It speeds up a key export document used for non-drug, non-cosmetic goods entering regulated foreign markets.
CBIC Instruction No. 15/2026-Customs (9 Sep 2026) directs field formations to verify EPR registration on the CPCB Centralised EPR Portal before clearing imports of plastic packaging, plastic raw materials and goods in plastic packaging. Importers without a valid EPR Registration Certificate risk clearance delays.
DPIIT's Transition Facilitation (Quality Control) Order, 2026 opens a five-year, risk-based alternative compliance route for products under 10 selected QCOs — toys, footwear, air conditioners, furniture and household appliances among them. It gives importers and manufacturers more sourcing flexibility, subject to a DPIIT-led committee approval.
DGFT Notification No. 36/2026-27 (15 Sep 2026) amends para 2.57 of FTP 2023 to exempt export consignments with FOB value up to ₹3,00,000 from the RCMC / Certificate of Registration requirement, with immediate effect. Aimed at small-value postal, courier and e-commerce exports. Consignments above ₹3 lakh still need a valid RCMC where otherwise applicable.
CBIC has launched a National Assessment Centre (NAC) Portal to make Faceless Assessment of import Bills of Entry more uniform and consistent across ports. Importers and CHAs should expect steadier classification and valuation calls, and cleaner query handling on ICEGATE.
FSSAI's import controls are hardening: Foreign Food Manufacturing Facility registration on ReFoM for high-risk categories, tighter port testing under the Import First Amendment Regulations, and a 10 Sep 2026 Supreme Court order pushing front-of-pack warning labels. Food importers face more label and lab scrutiny at the border.
DGFT Notification 24/2026-27 aligns ITC(HS) 2022 Schedule I (Import Policy) with the Finance Act 2026's tariff changes. Trade commentators have flagged an apparent error under heading 2915 — tariff item 29159099 shown as deleted. Importers should reconcile their HS masters and watch for a corrigendum.
The RBI's Foreign Exchange Management (Export and Import of Goods and Services) Regulations, 2026 come into force on 1 October 2026, superseding the 2015 export regulations, the export/import Master Directions and 167 circulars. They keep the 15-month export realisation window, link import payment to contract, liberalise set-off and merchanting trade, and hand AD banks wider discretion.
DGFT Trade Notice 28/2026-27 (16 Sep 2026) revises the PSIA/PSIC module so a Pre-Shipment Inspection Certificate must be generated within two days of the inspection, and grants recognised agencies a one-time seven-day window to clear backlog PSICs for inspections done before 25 Aug 2026. Key for importers of shredded metallic scrap and their PSIAs.
DGFT Public Notice 30/2026-27 (14 Sep 2026) extends the timeline for surrender of unutilised quantity under the 10 lakh MT duty-free raw sugar tariff-rate quota. Read with the PN 29 conversion-timeline extension, it lets millers and refiners hand back quota they cannot use so it can be reallocated. Relevant to sugar TRQ allottees and their customs clearances.
A senior CBIC official has said the Board will run outreach programmes and handhold MSMEs to encourage them to opt into the Eligible Manufacturer Importer (EMI) scheme, which lets qualifying importers defer basic customs duty. With lighter enrolment documents now in force and adoption still building, the message to smaller importers is: this cash-flow relief is available — use it.
India's safeguard duty on non-alloy and alloy flat steel products (Notification No. 02/2025-Customs (SG), 30 Dec 2025) runs three years — 12% from 21 Apr 2025, 11.5% in year two, and 11% to 20 Apr 2028 — on HS 7208-7212, 7225 and 7226, with minimum import price thresholds. A standing cost for steel importers and a margin factor for downstream engineering exporters. A reference note.
India is widening its ban on antibiotics used in food-producing animals — building on the 2025 prohibition of 34 antimicrobials for animal use, with a further move reported in September 2026 to bar the import and sale of additional antibiotics. The driver is export market access: the EU, US, Japan and others increasingly reject animal-origin food with banned residues. A compliance read for exporters of seafood, meat, dairy, honey and poultry.
CBIC Instruction No. 15/2026-Customs (9 Sep 2026) directs Customs field formations to verify registration on the CPCB Centralised EPR Portal before clearing consignments of plastic packaging, plastic raw materials and intermediates. Importers without valid EPR registration risk clearance delays. Action points for importers and CHAs.
DPIIT's Transition Facilitation (Quality Control) Order, 2026 lets domestic industry source, under conditions, from manufacturers holding BIS Scheme-II registration instead of only the ISI-mark Scheme-I, easing supply during QCO transitions. It covers ten QCOs including toys, footwear, ACs, furniture and appliances. A reference note for importers and manufacturers.
India has moved wheat and its main flour derivatives — atta, maida, semolina, wholemeal atta — from prohibited to free export via a DGFT notification dated 24 August 2026, ending a ban in place since May 2022. Exporters can ship again, but should confirm the exact scope, HS coverage and any conditions before contracting. An India-wide policy read.
India's prohibition on exporting all categories of sugar (raw, white, refined) is set only up to 30 September 2026. If it is not extended, the export policy automatically reverts to "Restricted", meaning shipments would again need specific government authorisation rather than being freely allowed. Sugar exporters should watch for a fresh DGFT notification.
CBIC Circular 38/2026-Customs (1 Sep 2026) moves the Sea Cargo Manifest and Transhipment Regulations, 2018 into phased mandatory implementation across ports, while extending the no-penal-action transition window to 31 October 2026. Shipping lines, agents, forwarders, custodians and CHAs must file the prescribed electronic messages.
The DPIIT Safety of Household, Commercial and Similar Electrical Appliances (Quality Control) Order, 2026 makes ISI-mark BIS certification compulsory for 90+ appliance categories from 1 October 2026 for large and medium units, with small units from 1 January 2027 and micro from 1 April 2027. Uncertified goods cannot be imported, made or sold in India.
DGFT Trade Notice 27/2026-27 (14 Sep 2026) invites comments on a draft amendment to Para 2.93 of the Handbook of Procedures 2023 that would, for the first time, comprehensively codify Non-Preferential Rules of Origin for both exports and imports — including an importer self-declaration model and a 35% value-addition / change-in-tariff-heading test. Stakeholders have 15 days to respond.
DGFT Trade Notice 26/2026-27 (7 Sep 2026) proposes suspending 544 Standard Input Output Norms (SIONs) that stayed unused under the Advance Authorisation and DFIA schemes over the last three financial years. Exporters relying on any listed norm must file reasons for retention, with utilisation details, within 15 days or risk losing that duty-free input route.
In a PIB release dated 1 September 2026, DGFT enabled automated, rule-based issuance of Free Sale and Commerce Certificates (FSC) on the DGFT portal for eligible items not covered by the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940 — cutting manual scrutiny while keeping risk-based review.
DGFT Trade Notice 22/2026-27 (25 Aug 2026) upgrades the Pre-Shipment Inspection Agency/Certificate module: PSICs must be generated only on the inspection date, signatures and stamps auto-embed, inspection photos rise from 5 to 10 and video from 10 MB to 50 MB, and registered-instrument details auto-fetch. Key for importers of shredded metallic scrap.
The 57th GST Council meeting, earlier set for 12 September 2026, has been rescheduled to 7 October 2026 after New Delhi hosted the BRICS Leaders' Summit on 12–13 September. Exporters and importers awaiting decisions on faster refunds, ITC and registration reform must now wait until October.
The current RoDTEP extension under DGFT Notification No. 74/2025-26 keeps the scheme running only up to 30 September 2026 at existing rates and value caps. No further extension has yet been notified. Exporters should ensure eligible shipments are made and claims are filed before the cut-off, and watch for a fresh notification.
DGFT Public Notice No. 28/2026-27 (1 Sep 2026) invites fresh applications from eligible millers and refiners for the balance 2,02,550 MT of the 10 lakh MT raw sugar tariff-rate quota, now allocated on a daily, self-declaration basis via the Import Management System TRQ module. Applications are processed batch-wise with pro-rata allocation if a day's demand exceeds the balance.
DGFT Public Notice No. 42/2025-26 amended Appendix 2U of the Handbook of Procedures to add mandatory GSTIN, GST invoice number and GST invoice date fields to the electronic Bank Realisation Certificate (eBRC), operational from 13 January 2026. Under the upgraded system exporters can self-certify eBRCs, with data shared to their bank — a change that matters as RBI's new FEMA regime nears.
CBIC Instruction No. 15/2026-Customs (9 Sep 2026) directs Customs to clear plastic-packaging consignments after verifying the importer's EPR Registration Certificate, and clarifies that certificates showing a one-year validity are to be treated as one-time registrations that need no annual renewal.
CBIC Circular No. 39/2026-Customs (3 Sep 2026) rationalises the data and documents needed to apply for the Eligible Manufacturer Importer (EMI) Scheme, which allows deferred payment of Customs import duty under Section 47. Enrolment on the lighter requirements opens 15 September 2026.
The GST Council meets on 12 September 2026 — its first meeting in over a year. Reported agenda items include faster and automated refunds, protection of input tax credit where a supplier fails to deposit tax, blocked credit under Section 17(5), inverted-duty refunds and simpler registration. Nothing is law until the Council recommends and CBIC notifies.
The 57th GST Council meets in New Delhi on 12 September 2026, its first full sitting in about a year. With GST 2.0 rate work done, the Council is expected to focus on registration reform, input tax credit and refunds — including faster, risk-based provisional refunds on exports. What exporters and importers should watch.
A Quality Control Order requiring Ethylene Dichloride (EDC) to conform to IS 869:2020 and carry the ISI/Standard Mark under a BIS licence comes into force on 12 September 2026. Manufacturers and importers of EDC without a valid BIS licence risk blocked consignments. Chemical importers should verify certification now.
A wide BIS Quality Control Order covering the safety of household, commercial and similar electrical appliances (built around IS 302) is set to become mandatory from 1 October 2026, bringing dozens of appliance categories under compulsory ISI-mark certification. Importers and manufacturers without valid BIS certification risk blocked consignments.
The RBI's Foreign Exchange Management (Export and Import of Goods and Services) Regulations, 2026 come into force on 1 October 2026, replacing the old split export/import regimes with one consolidated framework: a longer realisation window, a single common reporting form, a 3-year advance-shipment window and more decisions devolved to AD banks.
A BIS Quality Control Order covering cookware, utensils and cans for food and beverages is reported to become mandatory from October 2026, requiring ISI-mark certification before these goods can be imported, manufactured or sold in India. Importers and manufacturers without valid BIS certification risk blocked consignments.
India's Interest Subvention Scheme under the Export Promotion Mission gives MSME exporters 2.75% p.a. off pre- and post-shipment rupee export credit, capped at ₹50 lakh a year. EXIM Bank is now the implementing agency (DGFT Trade Notice 17/2026-27). A practical guide as RoDTEP nears its 30 Sept cut-off.
DGFT Notification No. 07/2026-27 shifted silver bars under ITC(HS) 71069221 (≥99.9% silver) and 71069229 (other) from "Free" to "Restricted" with immediate effect. Importers now need authorisation under Policy Condition 7 of Chapter 71. A reference note for bullion dealers, refiners and jewellery importers.
DGFT Trade Notice No. 15/2026-27 (5 Aug 2026) removes the need to submit physical duty-payment challans when closing Advance Authorisation and EPCG cases. For voluntary duty paid on or after 1 Aug 2026, licence-wise payment data flows automatically from ICEGATE into DGFT's system via API, cutting paperwork and closure delays.
India's food-import regime has tightened in 2026: Foreign Food Manufacturing Facility (FFMF) registration on ReFoM is now mandatory for high-risk categories, prior intimation via FICS is required before consignments arrive, and from 1 May 2026 all imported-food testing must use FSSAI-approved methods. A practical briefing for food importers and CHAs.
CBIC Circular No. 36/2026-Customs (20 Aug 2026) continues facilitative transhipment measures for international cargo disrupted by the Strait of Hormuz closure — permitting FCL/LCL and bulk cargo diverted to Indian ports to be stored and re-exported without home-consumption clearance. In force to 31 October 2026.
CBIC Circular No. 28/2026-Customs lets Customs accept exporters' NABL- or EPC-accredited test reports for export consignments without mandatorily sending samples to Revenue (CRCL) laboratories, where there is no risk-based intervention — cutting duplicate testing and clearance delays. Import-sample testing is unchanged.
India's list of upcoming BIS Quality Control Orders shows HDPE/PP woven sacks for cement packaging (IS 11652, IS 17399, IS 16709) becoming mandatory from 6 October 2026, plus a wide QCO for household/commercial electrical appliances (IS 302 Part 1). Importers and manufacturers must hold valid BIS certification before enforcement.
DGFT Notification No. 30/2026-27 amends FTP 2023 so that eligible export proceeds realised in Indian rupees through prescribed banking channels count fully towards export incentives, benefits and export-obligation fulfilment — removing a long-standing ambiguity for rupee-settled trade.
DPIIT's Transition Facilitation (Quality Control) Order, 2026 (S.O. 3417(E), 25 June 2026) exempts imports from a new QCO if the goods were dispatched or ordered before the QCO's start date and the Bill of Entry is filed within 180 days. Key with fresh QCO deadlines landing in September 2026.
CBIC's Notification No. 73/2026-Customs (N.T.) dated 1 September 2026 (SCMTR Third Amendment) pushes the specified Sea Cargo Manifest and Transshipment compliance date to 31 October 2026 — buying shipping lines, forwarders and CHAs more transition time on advance manifest filing.
DGFT Notifications No. 34/2026-27 and 35/2026-27 (24 August 2026) move wheat and wheat-flour products (atta, maida, sooji, wholemeal) from 'Prohibited' to 'Free' with immediate effect — reopening a major export line for grain traders and millers after years of curbs.
DGFT Public Notice No. 28/2026-27 (1 September 2026) reopens the balance ~2,02,550 MT of the 10 lakh MT duty-free raw sugar TRQ, now allocated daily to eligible mills and refiners. A live opportunity for sugar importers amid a firm domestic price outlook.
The current RoDTEP extension (DGFT Notification No. 74/2025-26) keeps existing rates and caps in force only up to 30 September 2026. With no further extension yet notified, exporters should file claims promptly and stress-test pricing for a possible rate change or gap from 1 October.
Via Trade Notice No. 24/2026-27 (31 August 2026), DGFT now issues Free Sale and Commerce Certificates (FSC) automatically on its portal for eligible applications. Faster, more predictable turnaround for exporters of non-drug/cosmetic products that need proof a good is freely sold in India.
DGFT has operationalised an inventory-based e-commerce export framework letting foreign-funded firms hold Indian-made goods purely for export through a registered Exporter-on-Record — with access to export incentives. Here is what changed and what exporters should do.
A beginner's FAQ for first-time exporters from India, answering the 20 most common questions — from IEC, AD Code and RCMC registration to HS codes, export documents, Incoterms, GST and LUT, payment security, RoDTEP claims, finding buyers, and the mistakes that cost new exporters money.
Budget 2026-27 and the Finance Act 2026 reshape export economics: bigger duty-free input limits for seafood and footwear, a one-year export window, zero-rating for intermediary services, easier GST refunds, a one-time SEZ-to-DTA concession, and a 45% cut in RoDTEP funding.
DGFT Notification No. 15/2026-27 (dated 30 April 2026, effective 1 May 2026) adds 142 new tariff lines to India's RoDTEP export incentive schedule — including blueberries, cranberries, shea nuts, herbal extracts and RO membranes — while deleting 50 and aligning the scheme with the Finance Act 2026 customs tariff changes.
The ten 2026 trade policy developments that matter most to Indian MSME exporters — the Export Promotion Mission framework, 2.75% interest subvention on export credit and factoring, collateral-free credit under CGSE and the revised MCGS, removal of the courier export cap, dedicated e-commerce exporter credit, the India-UK CETA entering force, the widening FTA map, and the proposed RCMC exemption for low-value consignments.
DGFT has extended the Minimum Export Price on natural honey to USD 1,400 per metric tonne (FOB) until 31 December 2026 via Notification No. 09/2026-27. This news piece explains the notification, what MEP is (a price floor, not a ban, duty or quota), how it differs from Minimum Import Price, the recent track record of MEP changes on onion and rice, and a step-by-step compliance check for exporters.
A complete guide to India's Foreign Trade Policy 2023 — the shift to an open-ended dynamic policy, its legal framework under the FTDR Act, ITC (HS) classification, duty exemption and remission schemes, and the 2026 amendments every exporter should know, including the Export Promotion Mission's consolidation of IES and MAI.
Understand India's Advance Authorisation Scheme, eligibility, benefits, application process, export obligation, SION norms, amendments, closure, and best practices for duty-free import of inputs used in export production.
DGFT Public Notice No. 31/2026-27 (30 Sep 2026) again extends the timeline for holders to surrender unutilised Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) allocated for the import of 10 lakh MT of raw sugar. It affects TRQ allottees who could not use their full quota and gives them more time to hand back the balance.
CBIC Notification No. 80/2026-Customs (N.T.), issued 30 Sep 2026 and effective 1 Oct 2026, revises the fortnightly tariff (benchmark) values used to assess customs duty on palm oils, palmolein, crude soybean oil, brass scrap, gold, silver and areca nut. Importers should reprice bills of entry filed from 1 October against the new values, which apply regardless of invoice price.
The Finance Act 2026 omits Section 13(8)(b) of the IGST Act, the rule that taxed "intermediary" services at the supplier's location and blocked them from counting as exports. Paired with faster refund provisions, it could let agents, brokers and back-office service exporters finally zero-rate and claim refunds. The commencement date is still to be notified.
DGFT Notification No. 38/2026-27 (30 Sep 2026) continues the ₹67,220/MT (CIF) minimum import price on virgin multi-layer paper board under five ITC(HS) Chapter 48 codes, now valid to 31 March 2027. Imports below the floor remain "restricted" and need a licence. Paper importers and packaging buyers are affected.
A Finance Ministry notification effective 24 Sep 2026 cut basic customs duty on crude and refined palm, soybean and sunflower oils — crude sunflower oil to nil, crude palm and soybean to 5%, and refined grades by 5 percentage points — to ease festive-season prices. Edible oil importers should reprice bills of entry against the lower duties.
CBIC Circular No. 43/2026-Customs (24 Sep 2026) clarifies that where CAROTAR 2020 conflicts with a trade agreement's rules of origin, the agreement prevails. Importers claiming preference need not routinely file Form-I or obtain confidential exporter data; a valid origin declaration suffices for India–UK CETA.
In its fortnightly review effective 1 Oct 2026, the Finance Ministry cut the Special Additional Excise Duty (windfall tax) on ATF exports to ₹10.5/litre (from ₹15) via Notification 53/2026-Central Excise, while revising the levy on diesel and petrol exports upward. Petroleum product exporters should reprice shipping bills for the new fortnight.
The European Commission has sent the India–EU trade agreement to the EU Council for authorisation to sign, the next step after negotiations concluded in January 2026. The deal reportedly removes or reduces around 90% of tariff lines. It is not yet in force — signature, European Parliament consent and ratification remain. What exporters should prepare now.
CBIC Notification No. 31/2026-Customs (23 Sep 2026) cuts basic customs duty on crude and refined edible oils from 24 Sep 2026 — crude sunflower reportedly to nil, crude soybean and crude palm to 5% — to cool retail prices. Importers should reprice contracts and recheck bill-of-entry duty.
CBIC Circular No. 43/2026-Customs (24 Sep 2026) clarifies that where a trade agreement's rules of origin conflict with CAROTAR 2020, the agreement prevails. For India–UK CETA, a valid origin declaration is sufficient and Form-I is not a precondition for preferential claims. Importers need not obtain confidential supplier data; non-furnishing alone cannot deny preference.
From 16 Sep 2026, CBIC cut export levies on fuels: SAED on petrol exports fell ₹1.5→₹0.5/litre and on diesel ₹24→₹20/litre (Notif 49/2026-CE); Road & Infrastructure Cess on diesel exports went to Nil (Notif 51/2026-CE); and ATF export SAED was reduced to ₹15/litre. Petroleum product exporters benefit.
CBIC has notified Campbell Bay and Car Nicobar (Andaman & Nicobar Islands) as customs locations for import and export cargo, reported via Notification No. 76/2026-Customs (N.T.) dated 23 Sep 2026 under Section 7(1)(a) of the Customs Act, 1962. It formalises customs clearance points in the islands — relevant to traders and logistics operators serving the region.
RoDTEP, India's flagship export-remission scheme, is set to lapse on 30 September 2026. Reports from mid-September say the Commerce Ministry has asked for a five-year extension and raised its FY27 ask to about ₹23,000 crore (from ₹10,000 crore budgeted). The Department of Expenditure takes the final call, expected by 30 September. Exporters face short-term uncertainty on claims.
CBIC has launched a National Assessment Centre (NAC) Portal to make Faceless Assessment of import Bills of Entry more uniform and consistent across ports. Importers and CHAs should expect steadier classification and valuation calls, and cleaner query handling on ICEGATE.
DGFT Notification 24/2026-27 aligns ITC(HS) 2022 Schedule I (Import Policy) with the Finance Act 2026's tariff changes. Trade commentators have flagged an apparent error under heading 2915 — tariff item 29159099 shown as deleted. Importers should reconcile their HS masters and watch for a corrigendum.
DGFT Public Notice 30/2026-27 (14 Sep 2026) extends the timeline for surrender of unutilised quantity under the 10 lakh MT duty-free raw sugar tariff-rate quota. Read with the PN 29 conversion-timeline extension, it lets millers and refiners hand back quota they cannot use so it can be reallocated. Relevant to sugar TRQ allottees and their customs clearances.
A senior CBIC official has said the Board will run outreach programmes and handhold MSMEs to encourage them to opt into the Eligible Manufacturer Importer (EMI) scheme, which lets qualifying importers defer basic customs duty. With lighter enrolment documents now in force and adoption still building, the message to smaller importers is: this cash-flow relief is available — use it.
India's safeguard duty on non-alloy and alloy flat steel products (Notification No. 02/2025-Customs (SG), 30 Dec 2025) runs three years — 12% from 21 Apr 2025, 11.5% in year two, and 11% to 20 Apr 2028 — on HS 7208-7212, 7225 and 7226, with minimum import price thresholds. A standing cost for steel importers and a margin factor for downstream engineering exporters. A reference note.
DGFT Trade Notice 25/2026-27 introduces Open API integration for Certificates of Origin through the Trade Connect e-Platform (formerly the CoO portal), letting exporters and ERP/service providers file and receive CoO data machine-to-machine instead of keying it in by hand.
The 57th GST Council meeting, earlier set for 12 September 2026, has been rescheduled to 7 October 2026 after New Delhi hosted the BRICS Leaders' Summit on 12–13 September. Exporters and importers awaiting decisions on faster refunds, ITC and registration reform must now wait until October.
DGFT Public Notice No. 28/2026-27 (1 Sep 2026) invites fresh applications from eligible millers and refiners for the balance 2,02,550 MT of the 10 lakh MT raw sugar tariff-rate quota, now allocated on a daily, self-declaration basis via the Import Management System TRQ module. Applications are processed batch-wise with pro-rata allocation if a day's demand exceeds the balance.
DGFT Public Notice No. 42/2025-26 amended Appendix 2U of the Handbook of Procedures to add mandatory GSTIN, GST invoice number and GST invoice date fields to the electronic Bank Realisation Certificate (eBRC), operational from 13 January 2026. Under the upgraded system exporters can self-certify eBRCs, with data shared to their bank — a change that matters as RBI's new FEMA regime nears.
CBIC Circular No. 39/2026-Customs (3 Sep 2026) rationalises the data and documents needed to apply for the Eligible Manufacturer Importer (EMI) Scheme, which allows deferred payment of Customs import duty under Section 47. Enrolment on the lighter requirements opens 15 September 2026.
The GST Council meets on 12 September 2026 — its first meeting in over a year. Reported agenda items include faster and automated refunds, protection of input tax credit where a supplier fails to deposit tax, blocked credit under Section 17(5), inverted-duty refunds and simpler registration. Nothing is law until the Council recommends and CBIC notifies.
The 57th GST Council meets in New Delhi on 12 September 2026, its first full sitting in about a year. With GST 2.0 rate work done, the Council is expected to focus on registration reform, input tax credit and refunds — including faster, risk-based provisional refunds on exports. What exporters and importers should watch.
India's merchandise exports grew 6.7% year-on-year to about $35.1 billion in August 2026, up from $32.89 billion a year earlier, even as steep US tariffs bit. Imports fell to $61.59 billion and the trade deficit narrowed to roughly $26.49 billion. A read on what the numbers mean for exporters and importers.
The India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement entered into force on 15 July 2026, giving 99% of Indian tariff lines duty-free or reduced access to the UK from day one. A practical corridor read on which sectors gain, how to claim preference, and what to fix in your documentation.
DGFT Notification No. 07/2026-27 shifted silver bars under ITC(HS) 71069221 (≥99.9% silver) and 71069229 (other) from "Free" to "Restricted" with immediate effect. Importers now need authorisation under Policy Condition 7 of Chapter 71. A reference note for bullion dealers, refiners and jewellery importers.
DGFT Public Notice No. 28/2026-27 (1 September 2026) reopens the balance ~2,02,550 MT of the 10 lakh MT duty-free raw sugar TRQ, now allocated daily to eligible mills and refiners. A live opportunity for sugar importers amid a firm domestic price outlook.
The current RoDTEP extension (DGFT Notification No. 74/2025-26) keeps existing rates and caps in force only up to 30 September 2026. With no further extension yet notified, exporters should file claims promptly and stress-test pricing for a possible rate change or gap from 1 October.
A status check on every India FTA moving in 2026: UK CETA and Oman CEPA are now in force, the EU and New Zealand deals are signed but not yet ratified, and the US and GCC talks remain open — plus what each shift means for exporters and importers.
Budget 2026-27 and the Finance Act 2026 reshape export economics: bigger duty-free input limits for seafood and footwear, a one-year export window, zero-rating for intermediary services, easier GST refunds, a one-time SEZ-to-DTA concession, and a 45% cut in RoDTEP funding.
DGFT Notification No. 15/2026-27 (dated 30 April 2026, effective 1 May 2026) adds 142 new tariff lines to India's RoDTEP export incentive schedule — including blueberries, cranberries, shea nuts, herbal extracts and RO membranes — while deleting 50 and aligning the scheme with the Finance Act 2026 customs tariff changes.
The ten 2026 trade policy developments that matter most to Indian MSME exporters — the Export Promotion Mission framework, 2.75% interest subvention on export credit and factoring, collateral-free credit under CGSE and the revised MCGS, removal of the courier export cap, dedicated e-commerce exporter credit, the India-UK CETA entering force, the widening FTA map, and the proposed RCMC exemption for low-value consignments.
DGFT has extended the Minimum Export Price on natural honey to USD 1,400 per metric tonne (FOB) until 31 December 2026 via Notification No. 09/2026-27. This news piece explains the notification, what MEP is (a price floor, not a ban, duty or quota), how it differs from Minimum Import Price, the recent track record of MEP changes on onion and rice, and a step-by-step compliance check for exporters.
A complete guide to India's Foreign Trade Policy 2023 — the shift to an open-ended dynamic policy, its legal framework under the FTDR Act, ITC (HS) classification, duty exemption and remission schemes, and the 2026 amendments every exporter should know, including the Export Promotion Mission's consolidation of IES and MAI.
A step-by-step guide to obtaining a Certificate of Origin in India on the eCoO 2.0 platform. Covers preferential vs non-preferential certificates, the mandatory e-filing rules, the April 2026 DGFT amendments on invoice matching and authorised agencies, the Approved Exporter self-certification route, and common rejection reasons.
A step-by-step simulated example showing how an exporter of electronic toys (HS 9503) calculates the RoDTEP rebate on a shipment, applies the rate-vs-cap rule, projects the annual benefit, and converts e-scrips into cash. Figures are illustrative.
Understand India's RoDTEP scheme: what it is, why it replaced MEIS, the embedded taxes it refunds, how e-scrips work, rates, eligibility, the step-by-step claim process, 2026 updates, and best practices for exporters.
DGFT Notification No. 41/2026-27 (30 Sep 2026) continues the RoDTEP scheme to 31 December 2026 with rates unchanged, covering DTA units, Advance Authorisation holders, SEZ units and EOUs. This removes the uncertainty after rates were due to lapse on 30 September. Exporters can keep claiming RoDTEP on October shipping bills.
CBIC Notification No. 80/2026-Customs (N.T.), issued 30 Sep 2026 and effective 1 Oct 2026, revises the fortnightly tariff (benchmark) values used to assess customs duty on palm oils, palmolein, crude soybean oil, brass scrap, gold, silver and areca nut. Importers should reprice bills of entry filed from 1 October against the new values, which apply regardless of invoice price.
Through Trade Notice No. 27/2026-27 (14 Sep 2026), DGFT has proposed a comprehensive overhaul of India's non-preferential rules of origin by amending Para 2.93 of the Handbook of Procedures, 2023. The draft sets clear origin tests — substantial transformation beyond 'simple operations', change in tariff heading or 35% value addition — and keeps Non-Preferential Certificate of Origin issuance online via trade.gov.in, with self-certification for status-holder manufacturers.
CBIC Circular No. 36/2026-Customs (20 Aug 2026) extends, until 31 October 2026, the temporary facilitation for export and international cargo diverted by the Strait of Hormuz closure. Under Section 143AA, such cargo can be temporarily unloaded and stored at any seaport or international airport for onward transhipment — but not cleared into the domestic market. The window closes at month-end.
DGFT Trade Notice No. 28/2026-27 (16 Sep 2026) revises the Pre-Shipment Inspection Certificate (PSIC) workflow: certificates must now be issued within two days of inspection and uploaded from the inspection location, with a one-time seven-day window from 16 Sep to clear backlog PSICs for inspections done before 25 Aug 2026. Scrap importers and PSIAs are affected.
Under the FEMA (Export and Import) Regulations, 2026 (effective 1 Oct 2026), exporters of services must file a monthly Export Declaration Form (EDF) in EDPMS via their AD bank/STPI, replacing SOFTEX. First filings for October invoices are due around end-November. IT/ITeS, SaaS, GCCs, consultants and freelancers are now all in scope.
DGFT Notification No. 36/2026-27 (15 Sep 2026) exempts export consignments with FOB value up to ₹3,00,000 from the Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) requirement, easing compliance for small, postal and courier/e-commerce exporters. Consignments above ₹3 lakh still need a valid RCMC where otherwise applicable.
CBIC Circular No. 42/2026-Customs (24 Sep 2026) makes it mandatory, from 1 November 2026, to declare an additional qualifier on export shipping bills for specified woven and knitted fabrics under HS Chapters 52, 55 and 60 — flagging Flame Retardant (FR001) vs non-FR (FR009) fabric. Textile exporters and CHAs must build it into shipping-bill filing.
A Finance Ministry notification effective 24 Sep 2026 cut basic customs duty on crude and refined palm, soybean and sunflower oils — crude sunflower oil to nil, crude palm and soybean to 5%, and refined grades by 5 percentage points — to ease festive-season prices. Edible oil importers should reprice bills of entry against the lower duties.
CBIC Circular No. 43/2026-Customs (24 Sep 2026) clarifies that where CAROTAR 2020 conflicts with a trade agreement's rules of origin, the agreement prevails. Importers claiming preference need not routinely file Form-I or obtain confidential exporter data; a valid origin declaration suffices for India–UK CETA.
CBIC Circular No. 44/2026-Customs (28 Sep 2026) approves a new Special Notified Zone at the Surat Diamond Bourse, letting foreign mining companies import, view, auction and sell rough diamonds in Surat. It replaces the Ichhapore SNZ; stones arrive by air via Mumbai and unsold lots must re-export within 75 days.
In its fortnightly review effective 1 Oct 2026, the Finance Ministry cut the Special Additional Excise Duty (windfall tax) on ATF exports to ₹10.5/litre (from ₹15) via Notification 53/2026-Central Excise, while revising the levy on diesel and petrol exports upward. Petroleum product exporters should reprice shipping bills for the new fortnight.
The European Commission has sent the India–EU trade agreement to the EU Council for authorisation to sign, the next step after negotiations concluded in January 2026. The deal reportedly removes or reduces around 90% of tariff lines. It is not yet in force — signature, European Parliament consent and ratification remain. What exporters should prepare now.
CBIC Circular 42/2026-Customs (24 Sep 2026) makes it mandatory, from 1 Nov 2026, to declare a flame-retardant qualifier (FR001/FR009 under Info Type "CHR") in shipping bills for specified fabrics under Chapters 52, 55 and 60. Textile exporters and CHAs must update filing practice.
RBI's FEMA (Export and Import of Goods and Services) Regulations, 2026 (Notification FEMA 23(R)/2026-RB) take effect 1 October 2026, consolidating export and import forex rules, replacing the 2015 export regulations and many associated circulars, and unifying goods, services and software exports under a single Export Declaration Form. Exporters and importers should confirm the revised realisation timelines with their banks.
CBIC Notification No. 31/2026-Customs (23 Sep 2026) cuts basic customs duty on crude and refined edible oils from 24 Sep 2026 — crude sunflower reportedly to nil, crude soybean and crude palm to 5% — to cool retail prices. Importers should reprice contracts and recheck bill-of-entry duty.
CBIC Notification No. 73/2026-Customs (N.T.), dated 1 Sep 2026, extends the Sea Cargo Manifest and Transshipment Regulations (SCMTR) compliance deadline to 31 October 2026 — the third extension in 2026. Shipping lines, agents, forwarders and CHAs should complete migration to electronic advance manifest filing before the parallel legacy run ends.
DGFT has withdrawn recognition from about 15 pre-shipment inspection agencies and tightened PSIC upload timelines (a 2-day window, with a one-time 7-day backlog relaxation). Metal scrap importers report rejected certificates and penalties at ports such as Mundra. Verify your PSIA is still recognised before shipping.
CBIC Circular No. 43/2026-Customs (24 Sep 2026) clarifies that where a trade agreement's rules of origin conflict with CAROTAR 2020, the agreement prevails. For India–UK CETA, a valid origin declaration is sufficient and Form-I is not a precondition for preferential claims. Importers need not obtain confidential supplier data; non-furnishing alone cannot deny preference.
DGFT Notification No. 36/2026-27 (15 Sep 2026) inserts a new sub-para in Para 2.57 of FTP 2023: a Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) or Certificate of Registration is no longer required where a consignment's FOB value does not exceed ₹3,00,000. It eases compliance for MSMEs, e-commerce, courier and postal exporters.
DGFT Trade Notice No. 27/2026-27 (14 Sep 2026) puts out a draft amendment to Para 2.93 of the Handbook of Procedures 2023 setting comprehensive non-preferential Rules of Origin for exports and imports — covering wholly-obtained criteria, change of tariff heading and a 35% value-addition test. Stakeholders have 15 days to comment.
DGFT Trade Notice No. 24/2026-27 (31 Aug 2026) enables automated, system-based issuance of Free Sale and Commerce Certificates (FSC) for qualifying applications, bypassing manual Regional Authority scrutiny, with post-issuance risk checks. It speeds up a key export document used for non-drug, non-cosmetic goods entering regulated foreign markets.
CBIC has notified Campbell Bay and Car Nicobar (Andaman & Nicobar Islands) as customs locations for import and export cargo, reported via Notification No. 76/2026-Customs (N.T.) dated 23 Sep 2026 under Section 7(1)(a) of the Customs Act, 1962. It formalises customs clearance points in the islands — relevant to traders and logistics operators serving the region.
DGFT Notification No. 36/2026-27 (15 Sep 2026) amends para 2.57 of FTP 2023 to exempt export consignments with FOB value up to ₹3,00,000 from the RCMC / Certificate of Registration requirement, with immediate effect. Aimed at small-value postal, courier and e-commerce exports. Consignments above ₹3 lakh still need a valid RCMC where otherwise applicable.
CBIC has launched a National Assessment Centre (NAC) Portal to make Faceless Assessment of import Bills of Entry more uniform and consistent across ports. Importers and CHAs should expect steadier classification and valuation calls, and cleaner query handling on ICEGATE.
DGFT Trade Notice 28/2026-27 (16 Sep 2026) revises the PSIA/PSIC module so a Pre-Shipment Inspection Certificate must be generated within two days of the inspection, and grants recognised agencies a one-time seven-day window to clear backlog PSICs for inspections done before 25 Aug 2026. Key for importers of shredded metallic scrap and their PSIAs.
A senior CBIC official has said the Board will run outreach programmes and handhold MSMEs to encourage them to opt into the Eligible Manufacturer Importer (EMI) scheme, which lets qualifying importers defer basic customs duty. With lighter enrolment documents now in force and adoption still building, the message to smaller importers is: this cash-flow relief is available — use it.
CBIC Instruction No. 15/2026-Customs (9 Sep 2026) directs Customs field formations to verify registration on the CPCB Centralised EPR Portal before clearing consignments of plastic packaging, plastic raw materials and intermediates. Importers without valid EPR registration risk clearance delays. Action points for importers and CHAs.
CBIC Circular 38/2026-Customs (1 Sep 2026) moves the Sea Cargo Manifest and Transhipment Regulations, 2018 into phased mandatory implementation across ports, while extending the no-penal-action transition window to 31 October 2026. Shipping lines, agents, forwarders, custodians and CHAs must file the prescribed electronic messages.
DGFT Trade Notice 27/2026-27 (14 Sep 2026) invites comments on a draft amendment to Para 2.93 of the Handbook of Procedures 2023 that would, for the first time, comprehensively codify Non-Preferential Rules of Origin for both exports and imports — including an importer self-declaration model and a 35% value-addition / change-in-tariff-heading test. Stakeholders have 15 days to respond.
DGFT Trade Notice 25/2026-27 introduces Open API integration for Certificates of Origin through the Trade Connect e-Platform (formerly the CoO portal), letting exporters and ERP/service providers file and receive CoO data machine-to-machine instead of keying it in by hand.
In a PIB release dated 1 September 2026, DGFT enabled automated, rule-based issuance of Free Sale and Commerce Certificates (FSC) on the DGFT portal for eligible items not covered by the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940 — cutting manual scrutiny while keeping risk-based review.
DGFT Trade Notice 22/2026-27 (25 Aug 2026) upgrades the Pre-Shipment Inspection Agency/Certificate module: PSICs must be generated only on the inspection date, signatures and stamps auto-embed, inspection photos rise from 5 to 10 and video from 10 MB to 50 MB, and registered-instrument details auto-fetch. Key for importers of shredded metallic scrap.
DGFT Public Notice No. 42/2025-26 amended Appendix 2U of the Handbook of Procedures to add mandatory GSTIN, GST invoice number and GST invoice date fields to the electronic Bank Realisation Certificate (eBRC), operational from 13 January 2026. Under the upgraded system exporters can self-certify eBRCs, with data shared to their bank — a change that matters as RBI's new FEMA regime nears.
CBIC Instruction No. 15/2026-Customs (9 Sep 2026) directs Customs to clear plastic-packaging consignments after verifying the importer's EPR Registration Certificate, and clarifies that certificates showing a one-year validity are to be treated as one-time registrations that need no annual renewal.
CBIC Circular No. 39/2026-Customs (3 Sep 2026) rationalises the data and documents needed to apply for the Eligible Manufacturer Importer (EMI) Scheme, which allows deferred payment of Customs import duty under Section 47. Enrolment on the lighter requirements opens 15 September 2026.
The RBI's Foreign Exchange Management (Export and Import of Goods and Services) Regulations, 2026 come into force on 1 October 2026, replacing the old split export/import regimes with one consolidated framework: a longer realisation window, a single common reporting form, a 3-year advance-shipment window and more decisions devolved to AD banks.
The India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement entered into force on 15 July 2026, giving 99% of Indian tariff lines duty-free or reduced access to the UK from day one. A practical corridor read on which sectors gain, how to claim preference, and what to fix in your documentation.
DGFT Trade Notice No. 15/2026-27 (5 Aug 2026) removes the need to submit physical duty-payment challans when closing Advance Authorisation and EPCG cases. For voluntary duty paid on or after 1 Aug 2026, licence-wise payment data flows automatically from ICEGATE into DGFT's system via API, cutting paperwork and closure delays.
CBIC Circular No. 36/2026-Customs (20 Aug 2026) continues facilitative transhipment measures for international cargo disrupted by the Strait of Hormuz closure — permitting FCL/LCL and bulk cargo diverted to Indian ports to be stored and re-exported without home-consumption clearance. In force to 31 October 2026.
CBIC Circular No. 28/2026-Customs lets Customs accept exporters' NABL- or EPC-accredited test reports for export consignments without mandatorily sending samples to Revenue (CRCL) laboratories, where there is no risk-based intervention — cutting duplicate testing and clearance delays. Import-sample testing is unchanged.
CBIC's Notification No. 73/2026-Customs (N.T.) dated 1 September 2026 (SCMTR Third Amendment) pushes the specified Sea Cargo Manifest and Transshipment compliance date to 31 October 2026 — buying shipping lines, forwarders and CHAs more transition time on advance manifest filing.
Via Trade Notice No. 24/2026-27 (31 August 2026), DGFT now issues Free Sale and Commerce Certificates (FSC) automatically on its portal for eligible applications. Faster, more predictable turnaround for exporters of non-drug/cosmetic products that need proof a good is freely sold in India.
A status check on every India FTA moving in 2026: UK CETA and Oman CEPA are now in force, the EU and New Zealand deals are signed but not yet ratified, and the US and GCC talks remain open — plus what each shift means for exporters and importers.
A beginner's FAQ for first-time exporters from India, answering the 20 most common questions — from IEC, AD Code and RCMC registration to HS codes, export documents, Incoterms, GST and LUT, payment security, RoDTEP claims, finding buyers, and the mistakes that cost new exporters money.
DGFT has extended the Minimum Export Price on natural honey to USD 1,400 per metric tonne (FOB) until 31 December 2026 via Notification No. 09/2026-27. This news piece explains the notification, what MEP is (a price floor, not a ban, duty or quota), how it differs from Minimum Import Price, the recent track record of MEP changes on onion and rice, and a step-by-step compliance check for exporters.
A step-by-step guide to obtaining a Certificate of Origin in India on the eCoO 2.0 platform. Covers preferential vs non-preferential certificates, the mandatory e-filing rules, the April 2026 DGFT amendments on invoice matching and authorised agencies, the Approved Exporter self-certification route, and common rejection reasons.
A practical guide to choosing the correct Incoterms 2020 rule for your shipment. Covers all 11 terms, the any-mode vs sea-only split, a five-question decision framework, common scenarios for Indian exporters, and the mistakes that cost money.
Carriers have layered peak-season and congestion surcharges onto India's main ocean export lanes through 2026 — PSS to North Europe and the Mediterranean, steep add-ons to the US East and Gulf coasts, Red Sea surcharges and overweight penalties from Indian ports. As Q4/festive demand peaks and congestion persists, exporters and forwarders should budget for elevated all-in costs and lock rates early. A corridor read.
CBIC Circular No. 36/2026-Customs (20 Aug 2026) extends, until 31 October 2026, the temporary facilitation for export and international cargo diverted by the Strait of Hormuz closure. Under Section 143AA, such cargo can be temporarily unloaded and stored at any seaport or international airport for onward transhipment — but not cleared into the domestic market. The window closes at month-end.
The government has extended the RELIEF Component-II eligibility timeline to 31 March 2027, continuing enhanced export credit/war-risk insurance support for shipments routed through the West Asia / Red Sea corridor amid persistently high Gulf war-risk costs. Exporters shipping to or via the region keep access to the relief.
CBIC Circular No. 44/2026-Customs (28 Sep 2026) approves a new Special Notified Zone at the Surat Diamond Bourse, letting foreign mining companies import, view, auction and sell rough diamonds in Surat. It replaces the Ichhapore SNZ; stones arrive by air via Mumbai and unsold lots must re-export within 75 days.
CBIC Circular No. 36/2026-Customs lets cargo diverted or returned because of the Strait of Hormuz disruption be transhipped, temporarily unloaded and stored at Indian ports under customs supervision. The facilitation is in force only until 31 October 2026, so forwarders and CHAs should act on affected shipments now.
CBIC Notification No. 73/2026-Customs (N.T.), dated 1 Sep 2026, extends the Sea Cargo Manifest and Transshipment Regulations (SCMTR) compliance deadline to 31 October 2026 — the third extension in 2026. Shipping lines, agents, forwarders and CHAs should complete migration to electronic advance manifest filing before the parallel legacy run ends.
CBIC Circular No. 44/2026-Customs (28 Sep 2026) relocates the rough-diamond Special Notified Zone from Gujarat Hira Bourse to the Surat International Diatrade Centre at Surat Diamond Bourse. It permits duty-free import (by air cargo), viewing, auction and re-export of unsold rough diamonds under Kimberley Process rules, with 60/75-day repacking and re-export timelines. Relevant to gem & jewellery importers.
Major carriers are shifting Asia–Europe services back to the Suez Canal from the Cape of Good Hope. Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd added four Gemini services via Suez (mid-Sep 2026) and COSCO made its first canal transit since the crisis. For India–Europe exporters this points to shorter transit and easing rates — but carriers stress routing depends on continued security. A corridor read.
CBIC has notified Campbell Bay and Car Nicobar (Andaman & Nicobar Islands) as customs locations for import and export cargo, reported via Notification No. 76/2026-Customs (N.T.) dated 23 Sep 2026 under Section 7(1)(a) of the Customs Act, 1962. It formalises customs clearance points in the islands — relevant to traders and logistics operators serving the region.
Trade reports through 2026 point to congestion across Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPA/Nhava Sheva) as APM Terminals Mumbai (GTI) runs a multi-crane infrastructure upgrade that has taken a berth out of service, cutting weekly calls and pushing volumes onto neighbouring terminals. An operational read for exporters, importers, forwarders and CHAs heading into the Q4 peak.
CBIC Circular 38/2026-Customs (1 Sep 2026) moves the Sea Cargo Manifest and Transhipment Regulations, 2018 into phased mandatory implementation across ports, while extending the no-penal-action transition window to 31 October 2026. Shipping lines, agents, forwarders, custodians and CHAs must file the prescribed electronic messages.
Mid-September 2026 readings show a split market: Drewry's World Container Index held near $4,476/40ft (10 Sep) and Asia–Europe spot rates eased as capacity returns via Suez, while Transpacific rates firmed on peak-season demand and carriers layered on peak-season surcharges. A planning read for Indian exporters heading into the Q4 festival and holiday peak.
In early September 2026, Asia–Europe spot rates eased as lines gradually returned to Suez, adding capacity into softening demand. Drewry's WCI held near $4,465/40ft while Shanghai–Rotterdam slipped ~5% to ~$4,092. A corridor read for India-to-Europe exporters on what the shift means for cost, capacity and contracting.
CBIC Circular No. 36/2026-Customs (20 Aug 2026) continues facilitative transhipment measures for international cargo disrupted by the Strait of Hormuz closure — permitting FCL/LCL and bulk cargo diverted to Indian ports to be stored and re-exported without home-consumption clearance. In force to 31 October 2026.
With the Red Sea diversion now past 1,000 days, most carriers still route India–Europe cargo around the Cape of Good Hope — adding 10–14 days and keeping rates well above pre-crisis levels. A corridor read for exporters shipping to Germany, the Netherlands and wider Europe on cost, timing and mitigation.
Monsoon disruption, tight carrier capacity, equipment shortages and redirected cargo are straining Nhava Sheva/JNPA, with import-container evacuation reportedly exceeding seven days in cases. Traders should build in buffers and watch for congestion surcharges through September 2026.
CBIC's Notification No. 73/2026-Customs (N.T.) dated 1 September 2026 (SCMTR Third Amendment) pushes the specified Sea Cargo Manifest and Transshipment compliance date to 31 October 2026 — buying shipping lines, forwarders and CHAs more transition time on advance manifest filing.
A beginner's FAQ for first-time exporters from India, answering the 20 most common questions — from IEC, AD Code and RCMC registration to HS codes, export documents, Incoterms, GST and LUT, payment security, RoDTEP claims, finding buyers, and the mistakes that cost new exporters money.
A practical guide to choosing the correct Incoterms 2020 rule for your shipment. Covers all 11 terms, the any-mode vs sea-only split, a five-question decision framework, common scenarios for Indian exporters, and the mistakes that cost money.
The Foreign Exchange Management (Export and Import of Goods and Services) Regulations, 2026 take effect 1 October 2026. The headline change: the period to realise and repatriate export proceeds is shortened to 9 months from shipment (12 months for INR-settled exports). A single consolidated framework replaces the 2015 export rules.
The Finance Act 2026 omits Section 13(8)(b) of the IGST Act, the rule that taxed "intermediary" services at the supplier's location and blocked them from counting as exports. Paired with faster refund provisions, it could let agents, brokers and back-office service exporters finally zero-rate and claim refunds. The commencement date is still to be notified.
Under the FEMA (Export and Import) Regulations, 2026 (effective 1 Oct 2026), exporters of services must file a monthly Export Declaration Form (EDF) in EDPMS via their AD bank/STPI, replacing SOFTEX. First filings for October invoices are due around end-November. IT/ITeS, SaaS, GCCs, consultants and freelancers are now all in scope.
The government has extended the RELIEF Component-II eligibility timeline to 31 March 2027, continuing enhanced export credit/war-risk insurance support for shipments routed through the West Asia / Red Sea corridor amid persistently high Gulf war-risk costs. Exporters shipping to or via the region keep access to the relief.
RBI's FEMA (Export and Import of Goods and Services) Regulations, 2026 (Notification FEMA 23(R)/2026-RB) take effect 1 October 2026, consolidating export and import forex rules, replacing the 2015 export regulations and many associated circulars, and unifying goods, services and software exports under a single Export Declaration Form. Exporters and importers should confirm the revised realisation timelines with their banks.
The RBI's Foreign Exchange Management (Export and Import of Goods and Services) Regulations, 2026 come into force on 1 October 2026, superseding the 2015 export regulations, the export/import Master Directions and 167 circulars. They keep the 15-month export realisation window, link import payment to contract, liberalise set-off and merchanting trade, and hand AD banks wider discretion.
A senior CBIC official has said the Board will run outreach programmes and handhold MSMEs to encourage them to opt into the Eligible Manufacturer Importer (EMI) scheme, which lets qualifying importers defer basic customs duty. With lighter enrolment documents now in force and adoption still building, the message to smaller importers is: this cash-flow relief is available — use it.
DGFT Trade Notice 23/2026-27 (28 Aug 2026) adds new features to the Bank Guarantee Repository module on the DGFT portal — a Purpose field for fresh vs replacement BGs, automated email alerts 60 and 45 days before expiry, and digitally signed Regional Authority communications, including BG returns. Relevant for Advance Authorisation and EPCG holders.
The 57th GST Council meeting, earlier set for 12 September 2026, has been rescheduled to 7 October 2026 after New Delhi hosted the BRICS Leaders' Summit on 12–13 September. Exporters and importers awaiting decisions on faster refunds, ITC and registration reform must now wait until October.
DGFT Public Notice No. 42/2025-26 amended Appendix 2U of the Handbook of Procedures to add mandatory GSTIN, GST invoice number and GST invoice date fields to the electronic Bank Realisation Certificate (eBRC), operational from 13 January 2026. Under the upgraded system exporters can self-certify eBRCs, with data shared to their bank — a change that matters as RBI's new FEMA regime nears.
CBIC Circular No. 39/2026-Customs (3 Sep 2026) rationalises the data and documents needed to apply for the Eligible Manufacturer Importer (EMI) Scheme, which allows deferred payment of Customs import duty under Section 47. Enrolment on the lighter requirements opens 15 September 2026.
The GST Council meets on 12 September 2026 — its first meeting in over a year. Reported agenda items include faster and automated refunds, protection of input tax credit where a supplier fails to deposit tax, blocked credit under Section 17(5), inverted-duty refunds and simpler registration. Nothing is law until the Council recommends and CBIC notifies.
The 57th GST Council meets in New Delhi on 12 September 2026, its first full sitting in about a year. With GST 2.0 rate work done, the Council is expected to focus on registration reform, input tax credit and refunds — including faster, risk-based provisional refunds on exports. What exporters and importers should watch.
The RBI's Foreign Exchange Management (Export and Import of Goods and Services) Regulations, 2026 come into force on 1 October 2026, replacing the old split export/import regimes with one consolidated framework: a longer realisation window, a single common reporting form, a 3-year advance-shipment window and more decisions devolved to AD banks.
India's Interest Subvention Scheme under the Export Promotion Mission gives MSME exporters 2.75% p.a. off pre- and post-shipment rupee export credit, capped at ₹50 lakh a year. EXIM Bank is now the implementing agency (DGFT Trade Notice 17/2026-27). A practical guide as RoDTEP nears its 30 Sept cut-off.
DGFT Notification No. 30/2026-27 amends FTP 2023 so that eligible export proceeds realised in Indian rupees through prescribed banking channels count fully towards export incentives, benefits and export-obligation fulfilment — removing a long-standing ambiguity for rupee-settled trade.
A beginner's FAQ for first-time exporters from India, answering the 20 most common questions — from IEC, AD Code and RCMC registration to HS codes, export documents, Incoterms, GST and LUT, payment security, RoDTEP claims, finding buyers, and the mistakes that cost new exporters money.
Budget 2026-27 and the Finance Act 2026 reshape export economics: bigger duty-free input limits for seafood and footwear, a one-year export window, zero-rating for intermediary services, easier GST refunds, a one-time SEZ-to-DTA concession, and a 45% cut in RoDTEP funding.
The ten 2026 trade policy developments that matter most to Indian MSME exporters — the Export Promotion Mission framework, 2.75% interest subvention on export credit and factoring, collateral-free credit under CGSE and the revised MCGS, removal of the courier export cap, dedicated e-commerce exporter credit, the India-UK CETA entering force, the widening FTA map, and the proposed RCMC exemption for low-value consignments.
A guide to the government schemes supporting India's chemical and pharmaceutical cluster exports — PLI for Bulk Drugs, PLI for Pharmaceuticals, Bulk Drug Parks, PRIP, SPI and PCPIR — plus Pharmexcil and Chemexcil membership, the RELIEF intervention, and the GMP compliance layer that governs regulated-market access.
A practical guide to choosing the correct Incoterms 2020 rule for your shipment. Covers all 11 terms, the any-mode vs sea-only split, a five-question decision framework, common scenarios for Indian exporters, and the mistakes that cost money.
DGFT Notification No. 41/2026-27 (30 Sep 2026) continues the RoDTEP scheme to 31 December 2026 with rates unchanged, covering DTA units, Advance Authorisation holders, SEZ units and EOUs. This removes the uncertainty after rates were due to lapse on 30 September. Exporters can keep claiming RoDTEP on October shipping bills.
The Ministry of Textiles has extended the RoSCTL scheme — the rebate of embedded state and central taxes and levies for apparel, garments and made-ups — to 31 December 2026 (effective 1 Oct 2026). Garment and made-up exporters keep this rebate alongside RoDTEP, removing a key uncertainty for the festive export season.
DGFT is building an Exporter Performance Index that tracks exporters' five-year track record through their IECs, to target export promotion where growth is real. It also reaffirmed India will avoid WTO-incompatible subsidies and keep RoDTEP and Advance Authorisation. Clean IEC and filing data now matters more.
India's current RoDTEP rates were extended only up to 30 September 2026. As of that date no fresh notification extending them had been issued; a Commerce Ministry official said on 29 Sep the scheme is "expected to be extended" and is under discussion with the Finance Ministry. Exporters face short-term uncertainty on shipping-bill RoDTEP claims for October dispatches.
DGFT Trade Notice No. 26/2026-27 (7 Sep 2026) proposes suspending 544 Standard Input Output Norms (SIONs) found unutilised under the Advance Authorisation and DFIA schemes over the last three financial years, and invited comments within 15 days. Exporters relying on these norms should check exposure and prepare to seek ad-hoc norms.
RoDTEP, India's flagship export-remission scheme, is set to lapse on 30 September 2026. Reports from mid-September say the Commerce Ministry has asked for a five-year extension and raised its FY27 ask to about ₹23,000 crore (from ₹10,000 crore budgeted). The Department of Expenditure takes the final call, expected by 30 September. Exporters face short-term uncertainty on claims.
DGFT Trade Notice 26/2026-27 (7 Sep 2026) proposes suspending 544 Standard Input Output Norms (SIONs) that stayed unused under the Advance Authorisation and DFIA schemes over the last three financial years. Exporters relying on any listed norm must file reasons for retention, with utilisation details, within 15 days or risk losing that duty-free input route.
DGFT Trade Notice 23/2026-27 (28 Aug 2026) adds new features to the Bank Guarantee Repository module on the DGFT portal — a Purpose field for fresh vs replacement BGs, automated email alerts 60 and 45 days before expiry, and digitally signed Regional Authority communications, including BG returns. Relevant for Advance Authorisation and EPCG holders.
The current RoDTEP extension under DGFT Notification No. 74/2025-26 keeps the scheme running only up to 30 September 2026 at existing rates and value caps. No further extension has yet been notified. Exporters should ensure eligible shipments are made and claims are filed before the cut-off, and watch for a fresh notification.
India's Interest Subvention Scheme under the Export Promotion Mission gives MSME exporters 2.75% p.a. off pre- and post-shipment rupee export credit, capped at ₹50 lakh a year. EXIM Bank is now the implementing agency (DGFT Trade Notice 17/2026-27). A practical guide as RoDTEP nears its 30 Sept cut-off.
DGFT Trade Notice No. 15/2026-27 (5 Aug 2026) removes the need to submit physical duty-payment challans when closing Advance Authorisation and EPCG cases. For voluntary duty paid on or after 1 Aug 2026, licence-wise payment data flows automatically from ICEGATE into DGFT's system via API, cutting paperwork and closure delays.
DGFT Notification No. 30/2026-27 amends FTP 2023 so that eligible export proceeds realised in Indian rupees through prescribed banking channels count fully towards export incentives, benefits and export-obligation fulfilment — removing a long-standing ambiguity for rupee-settled trade.
The current RoDTEP extension (DGFT Notification No. 74/2025-26) keeps existing rates and caps in force only up to 30 September 2026. With no further extension yet notified, exporters should file claims promptly and stress-test pricing for a possible rate change or gap from 1 October.
A beginner's FAQ for first-time exporters from India, answering the 20 most common questions — from IEC, AD Code and RCMC registration to HS codes, export documents, Incoterms, GST and LUT, payment security, RoDTEP claims, finding buyers, and the mistakes that cost new exporters money.
Budget 2026-27 and the Finance Act 2026 reshape export economics: bigger duty-free input limits for seafood and footwear, a one-year export window, zero-rating for intermediary services, easier GST refunds, a one-time SEZ-to-DTA concession, and a 45% cut in RoDTEP funding.
DGFT Notification No. 15/2026-27 (dated 30 April 2026, effective 1 May 2026) adds 142 new tariff lines to India's RoDTEP export incentive schedule — including blueberries, cranberries, shea nuts, herbal extracts and RO membranes — while deleting 50 and aligning the scheme with the Finance Act 2026 customs tariff changes.
The ten 2026 trade policy developments that matter most to Indian MSME exporters — the Export Promotion Mission framework, 2.75% interest subvention on export credit and factoring, collateral-free credit under CGSE and the revised MCGS, removal of the courier export cap, dedicated e-commerce exporter credit, the India-UK CETA entering force, the widening FTA map, and the proposed RCMC exemption for low-value consignments.
A complete guide to India's Foreign Trade Policy 2023 — the shift to an open-ended dynamic policy, its legal framework under the FTDR Act, ITC (HS) classification, duty exemption and remission schemes, and the 2026 amendments every exporter should know, including the Export Promotion Mission's consolidation of IES and MAI.
A guide to the government schemes supporting India's chemical and pharmaceutical cluster exports — PLI for Bulk Drugs, PLI for Pharmaceuticals, Bulk Drug Parks, PRIP, SPI and PCPIR — plus Pharmexcil and Chemexcil membership, the RELIEF intervention, and the GMP compliance layer that governs regulated-market access.
A 2026 guide to the top 10 government schemes for Indian exporters — RoDTEP, RoSCTL, Advance Authorisation, EPCG, Duty Drawback, the Export Promotion Mission (which now houses interest subvention and market access support), TMA, SEZ/EOU and PLI. Covers what each scheme does, eligibility, benefits and how to claim.
A step-by-step simulated example showing how an exporter of electronic toys (HS 9503) calculates the RoDTEP rebate on a shipment, applies the rate-vs-cap rule, projects the annual benefit, and converts e-scrips into cash. Figures are illustrative.
Understand India's RoDTEP scheme: what it is, why it replaced MEIS, the embedded taxes it refunds, how e-scrips work, rates, eligibility, the step-by-step claim process, 2026 updates, and best practices for exporters.
DGFT has extended the minimum import price (MIP) condition on two pharmaceutical APIs to 30 November 2026 — USD 111/kg on ATS-8 (Notif 39) and ₹1,774/kg on Sulfadiazine (Notif 40), both under ITC(HS) Chapter 29. Imports below the floor stay restricted; AA holders, EOUs and SEZ units are typically exempt.
DPIIT's Transition Facilitation (Quality Control) Order, 2026 (S.O. 3417(E), 25 Jun 2026) gives eligible Indian companies a structured route to keep supplying products covered by BIS Quality Control Orders while completing compliance. It is highly relevant now that the household electrical appliances QCO took effect on 1 October 2026 — one of ten QCOs it covers.
The Safety of Household, Commercial and Similar Electrical Appliances (Quality Control) Order, 2026, issued by DPIIT, comes into force on 1 October 2026. It makes BIS certification (ISI mark via CRS/Scheme-I) mandatory for about 90 appliance categories — shavers, vacuum cleaners, blenders, air purifiers, kitchen equipment and more. Importers and foreign manufacturers must hold a valid BIS licence to clear or sell these goods.
CBIC Circular No. 42/2026-Customs (24 Sep 2026) makes it mandatory, from 1 November 2026, to declare an additional qualifier on export shipping bills for specified woven and knitted fabrics under HS Chapters 52, 55 and 60 — flagging Flame Retardant (FR001) vs non-FR (FR009) fabric. Textile exporters and CHAs must build it into shipping-bill filing.
A Finance Ministry notification effective 24 Sep 2026 cut basic customs duty on crude and refined palm, soybean and sunflower oils — crude sunflower oil to nil, crude palm and soybean to 5%, and refined grades by 5 percentage points — to ease festive-season prices. Edible oil importers should reprice bills of entry against the lower duties.
CBIC Circular 42/2026-Customs (24 Sep 2026) makes it mandatory, from 1 Nov 2026, to declare a flame-retardant qualifier (FR001/FR009 under Info Type "CHR") in shipping bills for specified fabrics under Chapters 52, 55 and 60. Textile exporters and CHAs must update filing practice.
CBIC Notification No. 31/2026-Customs (23 Sep 2026) cuts basic customs duty on crude and refined edible oils from 24 Sep 2026 — crude sunflower reportedly to nil, crude soybean and crude palm to 5% — to cool retail prices. Importers should reprice contracts and recheck bill-of-entry duty.
DGFT has withdrawn recognition from about 15 pre-shipment inspection agencies and tightened PSIC upload timelines (a 2-day window, with a one-time 7-day backlog relaxation). Metal scrap importers report rejected certificates and penalties at ports such as Mundra. Verify your PSIA is still recognised before shipping.
CBIC Instruction No. 15/2026-Customs (9 Sep 2026) directs field formations to verify EPR registration on the CPCB Centralised EPR Portal before clearing imports of plastic packaging, plastic raw materials and goods in plastic packaging. Importers without a valid EPR Registration Certificate risk clearance delays.
DPIIT's Transition Facilitation (Quality Control) Order, 2026 opens a five-year, risk-based alternative compliance route for products under 10 selected QCOs — toys, footwear, air conditioners, furniture and household appliances among them. It gives importers and manufacturers more sourcing flexibility, subject to a DPIIT-led committee approval.
FSSAI's import controls are hardening: Foreign Food Manufacturing Facility registration on ReFoM for high-risk categories, tighter port testing under the Import First Amendment Regulations, and a 10 Sep 2026 Supreme Court order pushing front-of-pack warning labels. Food importers face more label and lab scrutiny at the border.
India is widening its ban on antibiotics used in food-producing animals — building on the 2025 prohibition of 34 antimicrobials for animal use, with a further move reported in September 2026 to bar the import and sale of additional antibiotics. The driver is export market access: the EU, US, Japan and others increasingly reject animal-origin food with banned residues. A compliance read for exporters of seafood, meat, dairy, honey and poultry.
CBIC Instruction No. 15/2026-Customs (9 Sep 2026) directs Customs field formations to verify registration on the CPCB Centralised EPR Portal before clearing consignments of plastic packaging, plastic raw materials and intermediates. Importers without valid EPR registration risk clearance delays. Action points for importers and CHAs.
DPIIT's Transition Facilitation (Quality Control) Order, 2026 lets domestic industry source, under conditions, from manufacturers holding BIS Scheme-II registration instead of only the ISI-mark Scheme-I, easing supply during QCO transitions. It covers ten QCOs including toys, footwear, ACs, furniture and appliances. A reference note for importers and manufacturers.
The DPIIT Safety of Household, Commercial and Similar Electrical Appliances (Quality Control) Order, 2026 makes ISI-mark BIS certification compulsory for 90+ appliance categories from 1 October 2026 for large and medium units, with small units from 1 January 2027 and micro from 1 April 2027. Uncertified goods cannot be imported, made or sold in India.
CBIC Instruction No. 15/2026-Customs (9 Sep 2026) directs Customs to clear plastic-packaging consignments after verifying the importer's EPR Registration Certificate, and clarifies that certificates showing a one-year validity are to be treated as one-time registrations that need no annual renewal.
A Quality Control Order requiring Ethylene Dichloride (EDC) to conform to IS 869:2020 and carry the ISI/Standard Mark under a BIS licence comes into force on 12 September 2026. Manufacturers and importers of EDC without a valid BIS licence risk blocked consignments. Chemical importers should verify certification now.
A wide BIS Quality Control Order covering the safety of household, commercial and similar electrical appliances (built around IS 302) is set to become mandatory from 1 October 2026, bringing dozens of appliance categories under compulsory ISI-mark certification. Importers and manufacturers without valid BIS certification risk blocked consignments.
A BIS Quality Control Order covering cookware, utensils and cans for food and beverages is reported to become mandatory from October 2026, requiring ISI-mark certification before these goods can be imported, manufactured or sold in India. Importers and manufacturers without valid BIS certification risk blocked consignments.
India's food-import regime has tightened in 2026: Foreign Food Manufacturing Facility (FFMF) registration on ReFoM is now mandatory for high-risk categories, prior intimation via FICS is required before consignments arrive, and from 1 May 2026 all imported-food testing must use FSSAI-approved methods. A practical briefing for food importers and CHAs.
CBIC Circular No. 28/2026-Customs lets Customs accept exporters' NABL- or EPC-accredited test reports for export consignments without mandatorily sending samples to Revenue (CRCL) laboratories, where there is no risk-based intervention — cutting duplicate testing and clearance delays. Import-sample testing is unchanged.
India's list of upcoming BIS Quality Control Orders shows HDPE/PP woven sacks for cement packaging (IS 11652, IS 17399, IS 16709) becoming mandatory from 6 October 2026, plus a wide QCO for household/commercial electrical appliances (IS 302 Part 1). Importers and manufacturers must hold valid BIS certification before enforcement.
DPIIT's Transition Facilitation (Quality Control) Order, 2026 (S.O. 3417(E), 25 June 2026) exempts imports from a new QCO if the goods were dispatched or ordered before the QCO's start date and the Bill of Entry is filed within 180 days. Key with fresh QCO deadlines landing in September 2026.
A guide to the government schemes supporting India's chemical and pharmaceutical cluster exports — PLI for Bulk Drugs, PLI for Pharmaceuticals, Bulk Drug Parks, PRIP, SPI and PCPIR — plus Pharmexcil and Chemexcil membership, the RELIEF intervention, and the GMP compliance layer that governs regulated-market access.
The Finance Act 2026 omits Section 13(8)(b) of the IGST Act, the rule that taxed "intermediary" services at the supplier's location and blocked them from counting as exports. Paired with faster refund provisions, it could let agents, brokers and back-office service exporters finally zero-rate and claim refunds. The commencement date is still to be notified.
DGFT Notification No. 36/2026-27 (15 Sep 2026) exempts export consignments with FOB value up to ₹3,00,000 from the Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) requirement, easing compliance for small, postal and courier/e-commerce exporters. Consignments above ₹3 lakh still need a valid RCMC where otherwise applicable.
The EU's 21st Russia sanctions package (adopted late July 2026) listed around 51 entities for circumvention — including several in India — and bans supplying them dual-use or advanced-technology goods. It signals sharper EU scrutiny of third-country re-export and intermediary chains. What Indian exporters and forwarders should check.
The Ministry of Textiles has extended the RoSCTL scheme — the rebate of embedded state and central taxes and levies for apparel, garments and made-ups — to 31 December 2026 (effective 1 Oct 2026). Garment and made-up exporters keep this rebate alongside RoDTEP, removing a key uncertainty for the festive export season.
DGFT is building an Exporter Performance Index that tracks exporters' five-year track record through their IECs, to target export promotion where growth is real. It also reaffirmed India will avoid WTO-incompatible subsidies and keep RoDTEP and Advance Authorisation. Clean IEC and filing data now matters more.
India's merchandise exports rose about 26.12% year-on-year to roughly US$43.81 billion in August 2026 — the fastest growth since 2022 — while the trade deficit narrowed to about US$26.86 billion, a five-month low. Engineering goods, petroleum products, chemicals and textiles led; gold imports fell sharply. A read on where the momentum is.
The European Commission has sent the India–EU trade agreement to the EU Council for authorisation to sign, the next step after negotiations concluded in January 2026. The deal reportedly removes or reduces around 90% of tariff lines. It is not yet in force — signature, European Parliament consent and ratification remain. What exporters should prepare now.
DGFT Notification No. 34/2026-27 (24 Aug 2026) changes the export policy for wheat or meslin flour (atta), maida, semolina and wholemeal/resultant atta under HS 1101 from "Prohibited" to "Free," with immediate effect. Flour millers and agri-exporters can resume shipments, subject to FTP and other regulatory provisions.
DGFT Trade Notice No. 27/2026-27 (14 Sep 2026) puts out a draft amendment to Para 2.93 of the Handbook of Procedures 2023 setting comprehensive non-preferential Rules of Origin for exports and imports — covering wholly-obtained criteria, change of tariff heading and a 35% value-addition test. Stakeholders have 15 days to comment.
DGFT Trade Notice No. 24/2026-27 (31 Aug 2026) enables automated, system-based issuance of Free Sale and Commerce Certificates (FSC) for qualifying applications, bypassing manual Regional Authority scrutiny, with post-issuance risk checks. It speeds up a key export document used for non-drug, non-cosmetic goods entering regulated foreign markets.
DGFT Notification No. 36/2026-27 (15 Sep 2026) amends para 2.57 of FTP 2023 to exempt export consignments with FOB value up to ₹3,00,000 from the RCMC / Certificate of Registration requirement, with immediate effect. Aimed at small-value postal, courier and e-commerce exports. Consignments above ₹3 lakh still need a valid RCMC where otherwise applicable.
RoDTEP, India's flagship export-remission scheme, is set to lapse on 30 September 2026. Reports from mid-September say the Commerce Ministry has asked for a five-year extension and raised its FY27 ask to about ₹23,000 crore (from ₹10,000 crore budgeted). The Department of Expenditure takes the final call, expected by 30 September. Exporters face short-term uncertainty on claims.
At SEMICON India 2026 (17 Sep 2026), PM Modi launched Phase 2 of the India Semiconductor Mission, with an expanded outlay reported at about US$13.5 billion (Cabinet outlay reported around US$13.2 billion), covering chip design, fabrication, packaging, materials, equipment and components. With 12 projects approved and three in commercial production, it reshapes India's electronics sourcing map. A market-intelligence read for electronics traders.
India has moved wheat and its main flour derivatives — atta, maida, semolina, wholemeal atta — from prohibited to free export via a DGFT notification dated 24 August 2026, ending a ban in place since May 2022. Exporters can ship again, but should confirm the exact scope, HS coverage and any conditions before contracting. An India-wide policy read.
India's prohibition on exporting all categories of sugar (raw, white, refined) is set only up to 30 September 2026. If it is not extended, the export policy automatically reverts to "Restricted", meaning shipments would again need specific government authorisation rather than being freely allowed. Sugar exporters should watch for a fresh DGFT notification.
DGFT Trade Notice 27/2026-27 (14 Sep 2026) invites comments on a draft amendment to Para 2.93 of the Handbook of Procedures 2023 that would, for the first time, comprehensively codify Non-Preferential Rules of Origin for both exports and imports — including an importer self-declaration model and a 35% value-addition / change-in-tariff-heading test. Stakeholders have 15 days to respond.
DGFT Trade Notice 25/2026-27 introduces Open API integration for Certificates of Origin through the Trade Connect e-Platform (formerly the CoO portal), letting exporters and ERP/service providers file and receive CoO data machine-to-machine instead of keying it in by hand.
In a PIB release dated 1 September 2026, DGFT enabled automated, rule-based issuance of Free Sale and Commerce Certificates (FSC) on the DGFT portal for eligible items not covered by the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940 — cutting manual scrutiny while keeping risk-based review.
India's merchandise exports grew 6.7% year-on-year to about $35.1 billion in August 2026, up from $32.89 billion a year earlier, even as steep US tariffs bit. Imports fell to $61.59 billion and the trade deficit narrowed to roughly $26.49 billion. A read on what the numbers mean for exporters and importers.
The India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement entered into force on 15 July 2026, giving 99% of Indian tariff lines duty-free or reduced access to the UK from day one. A practical corridor read on which sectors gain, how to claim preference, and what to fix in your documentation.
DGFT Notifications No. 34/2026-27 and 35/2026-27 (24 August 2026) move wheat and wheat-flour products (atta, maida, sooji, wholemeal) from 'Prohibited' to 'Free' with immediate effect — reopening a major export line for grain traders and millers after years of curbs.
Via Trade Notice No. 24/2026-27 (31 August 2026), DGFT now issues Free Sale and Commerce Certificates (FSC) automatically on its portal for eligible applications. Faster, more predictable turnaround for exporters of non-drug/cosmetic products that need proof a good is freely sold in India.
A status check on every India FTA moving in 2026: UK CETA and Oman CEPA are now in force, the EU and New Zealand deals are signed but not yet ratified, and the US and GCC talks remain open — plus what each shift means for exporters and importers.
DGFT has operationalised an inventory-based e-commerce export framework letting foreign-funded firms hold Indian-made goods purely for export through a registered Exporter-on-Record — with access to export incentives. Here is what changed and what exporters should do.
A beginner's FAQ for first-time exporters from India, answering the 20 most common questions — from IEC, AD Code and RCMC registration to HS codes, export documents, Incoterms, GST and LUT, payment security, RoDTEP claims, finding buyers, and the mistakes that cost new exporters money.
The ten 2026 trade policy developments that matter most to Indian MSME exporters — the Export Promotion Mission framework, 2.75% interest subvention on export credit and factoring, collateral-free credit under CGSE and the revised MCGS, removal of the courier export cap, dedicated e-commerce exporter credit, the India-UK CETA entering force, the widening FTA map, and the proposed RCMC exemption for low-value consignments.
A complete guide to India's Foreign Trade Policy 2023 — the shift to an open-ended dynamic policy, its legal framework under the FTDR Act, ITC (HS) classification, duty exemption and remission schemes, and the 2026 amendments every exporter should know, including the Export Promotion Mission's consolidation of IES and MAI.
A step-by-step guide to obtaining a Certificate of Origin in India on the eCoO 2.0 platform. Covers preferential vs non-preferential certificates, the mandatory e-filing rules, the April 2026 DGFT amendments on invoice matching and authorised agencies, the Approved Exporter self-certification route, and common rejection reasons.
Recent updates
DGFT Extends Minimum Import Price on ATS-8 and Sulfadiazine APIs to 30 November 2026
DGFT Extends the Deadline to Surrender Unutilised Raw Sugar TRQ
DPIIT's Transition Facilitation (Quality Control) Order, 2026: A Compliance Bridge as New BIS QCOs Bite
RoDTEP Extended to 31 December 2026: Rates Unchanged, DTA/AA/SEZ/EOU All Covered
CBIC Revises Customs Tariff Values from 1 October 2026: Palm Oils, Gold, Silver, Brass Scrap and Areca Nut
BIS Certification Now Mandatory for 90+ Household and Commercial Electrical Appliances from 1 October 2026
DGFT Proposes a Comprehensive Non-Preferential Rules of Origin Framework for Exports and Imports
Strait of Hormuz Cargo Relief: CBIC Customs Transhipment Facilitation Runs Only Until 31 October 2026
RBI's New FEMA Export–Import Regulations, 2026 Take Effect 1 October: Realisation Window Cut to 9 Months
DGFT Tightens PSIC Process: 2-Day Issuance Deadline and a One-Time 7-Day Window to Clear the Backlog