Author: Reynaldo Roman | Senior Director, Regulatory Compliance

India’s Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs announces a new rule requiring all air cargo arriving in India to be Customs cleared no later than the day of arrival and preferably before arrival.

As of April 1st, importers must ensure that their shipment documents are complete, accurate, and ready for filing with Customs no later than the day of arrival. Any shipments cleared after the day of arrival will be subject to fines and penalties and likely significant clearance delays.

Amendments made to Section 46 of the Customs Act, 1962. now require importers to file an import declaration before the end of the day (including holidays) preceding the day of arrival at a Customs port/station where imported goods are to be cleared. Customs extended the timeline for air cargo to no later than the day of arrival. Shipments may be cleared as early as 30 days before arrival.

The goal of the new rule is to decrease Customs clearance times at the border. It is part of an ongoing effort by the Indian government to increase transparency and oversight of goods entering the country.

Marken India continues to work closely with importers, Customs authorities, and local Customs brokers to ensure compliant and swift clearance of clinical supply imports to the country.

Please send your questions to Marken at tradecompliance@marken.com.