New Customs Rules Aim to Speed Up Trade, Cut Delays, and Boost Business Confidence

India’s new customs rules are expected to make importing and exporting smoother, faster, and more predictable. Experts say the changes will help businesses, reduce delays, and improve trust between companies and the government.

The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has introduced the  Customs (Finalisation of Provisional Assessment) Regulations, 2025 . These rules are designed to improve how provisional assessments — temporary decisions on the value or duty of goods — are handled.

 A key feature of the new rules is the introduction of  clear deadlines . Importers and exporters now have  15 days  to submit documents once asked, with a possible extension of up to two months. Customs officers must finish any enquiries within  14 months , and the entire provisional assessment process must be completed within  two years . Exceptions are made only in special cases, like legal appeals or requests for information from other countries.

Experts believe these steps will reduce red tape, speed up processes, and free up working capital for businesses that would otherwise be stuck in customs delays.

“This is a welcome move,” said Manoj Mishra, a tax expert at Grant Thornton Bharat. “It brings clarity and efficiency to the system. Businesses will benefit from lower compliance costs and faster movement of goods.” However, he added that the real impact will depend on how well the rules are put into practice — especially in complex cases involving investigations or legal disputes.

The new rules also allow businesses to make voluntary duty payments during the provisional phase. These payments will be adjusted later when the final amount is confirmed. Interest charges and a penalty of up to ?25,000 may apply for not following the rules.

The framework also includes simpler steps for refunds, recovering duties, and cancelling bonds , which are expected to help close long-pending cases.

Overall, the changes are seen as a big step forward for improving India’s trade environment.